CAMILLERI'S LA FORMA DELL' ACQUA: REWRITING THE SICILIAN DETECTIVE NOVEL

Abstract

The partial absence and fragmented presence of the mafia in the first of the Montalbano novels, La forma dell'acqua is central to the interpretation of the series. Mafia violence and crime becomes secondary to the depiction of sexual passion or exploitation within the family, especially its connections with the corrupt political system. Quasi-incestuous relations are the sign of the decay of social values but with the proviso that in one case (Giorgio and his uncle) it provides the seemingly only outlet for the emotions. The ‘uncivil’ behavior of the ruling class is condemned through the representation of the dysfunctional family: love and onestà are generally lacking here. La forma dell'acq..