Massimo Carlotto is a renowned Italian author, born in Padova on July 22, 1956. In 1976, when he was a young university student and an activist for Lotta Continua (LC), Carlotto stumbled upon the lifeless body of Margherita Magello, who had been stabbed 59 times. He voluntarily went to the police station to provide testimony, but instead, he was accused of the murder. This incident marked the beginning of a long and harrowing journey through the Italian justice system.
Carlotto's wrongful conviction and subsequent experiences in prison became the foundation for his literary career. After his release from prison, he began writing about his experiences and the social issues he encountered during his time in the criminal justice system. His first novel, "Il fuggiasco," was published in 1995 and became an instant success. It was the first of many novels featuring the character Marco Buratti, also known as the "Alligator," a private investigator and former criminal. Carlotto's writing is characterized by its raw and unapologetic style, which reflects his own personal experiences and his perspective on Italian society.
Carlotto's work has been widely recognized and celebrated in Italy and beyond. He has won numerous awards for his novels, including the prestigious Premio Internazionale per il Noir in 2012. His novels have been translated into several languages and have gained a large following of readers who appreciate his unique voice and perspective. Despite the challenges he faced earlier in his life, Carlotto has become a prominent and respected figure in Italian literature, using his platform to shed light on social issues and to advocate for criminal justice reform.
In addition to his work as a novelist, Carlotto is also a playwright and a screenwriter. He has written for both film and television, and his work has been adapted for the screen on several occasions. He has also been involved in various cultural initiatives and has collaborated with musicians, visual artists, and other writers. Through his various creative endeavors, Carlotto continues to challenge and engage his audience, offering a fresh and uncompromising perspective on Italian society and the human condition.