Antonio Scurati, renowned author of the bestselling series “M. Il figlio secolo” dedicated to fascism and Benito Mussolini, has recently found himself at the center of a controversy. His monologue about April 25th, which was supposed to be aired on Rai, was abruptly stopped just 24 hours before its broadcast. The incident gained significant attention and even caught the eye of Italian politician Giorgia Meloni, who shared it on her Facebook profile.
Despite the controversy, Scurati has chosen to remain silent on the matter and has not canceled any of his scheduled interviews or appearances. However, he has openly expressed his fear, stating that he feels like there is a target on his back. “They draw a target around your face. And maybe someone is aiming at that target. It happens, it has already happened,” he told La Repubblica delle Idee in Naples.
One of the upcoming events where Scurati will be present is the inauguration of the thematic month “Democrazia a rischio” (Democracy at Risk) at the Fondazione Giangiacomo Feltrinelli in Milan on Tuesday, April 23rd. He will be joined by Paolo Berizzi, Enrico Deaglio, and Angela Mauro for a dialogue moderated by Lorenza Ghidini. However, the most anticipated event featuring the author is at the Salone del Libro in Turin on Sunday, May 12th. There, he will engage in a conversation with Annalisa Cuzzocrea about his latest book, “Fascismo e populismo. Mussolini oggi” (Fascism and Populism: Mussolini Today), which was published in the autumn of 2023 by Bompiani.
While fans eagerly await the release of the fourth volume in the M. series, they can look forward to Scurati’s new graphic novel, “La seconda mezzanotte. Il maestro” (The Second Midnight. The Master), which will hit bookstores on May 7th. This graphic novel is the first in a three-volume series and serves as the inspiration for an upcoming television series. The story is set in the future, specifically in 2092, amidst the devastating effects of the climate crisis. Venice has been partially destroyed by a tsunami and rebuilt by a Chinese multinational corporation, turning Piazza San Marco into a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas. Here, gladiators engage in brutal fights, led by the enigmatic Master. This man with a dark past harbors a secret in both the present and possibly the future: he has violated the law by fathering a daughter. The three graphic novels revolve around the Master and his students, with the rebellious Spartacus emerging as a prominent character.
The graphic novel will be presented in Milan on May 16th at 6:30 pm at the Feltrinelli bookstores on Viale Pasubio, 11. Scurati will be joined by Tanino Liberatore, the renowned artist responsible for the character design, and Tito Faraci, the acclaimed creator of stories for Topolino and Dylan Dog, who collaborated on the screenplay.
Antonio Scurati’s work continues to captivate readers with its exploration of historical events and its imaginative approach to storytelling. With his upcoming appearances and the release of his graphic novel, fans have much to look forward to as they delve into his compelling narratives once again.