The christmas holidays are upon us and, as every year, the rush for gifts has already begun. Frantic and perhaps suffocating, the ritual of buying the right gift for relatives or friends is coming to life. And as always, books are king: sales are increasing in recent weeks and publishing houses are not missing the chance to give a positive ‘shock’ to the market trend.Among novels, essays, detective stories, great authors and – who knows – new discoveries, the proposals from publishing houses for the classic book under the tree are pouring in.
Proposals also marked by great returns to bookstores, such as that of Maurizio de Giovanni with his ‘Return’ (Einaudi)Commissioner Ricciardi’s latest investigation. Last in the sense that, as the writer announced, this should be the final chapter of the saga featuring his first character. For him, in fact, the time has come to settle accounts with his own history. AND’ July 1940, Italy is at war. Ricciardi – worried about his daughter Marta and his in-laws, who are in serious danger due to their Jewish origins – has now moved his family to Fortino, the town where he was born. There, in the places of his childhood, he hoped to have some quiet. Rather, while in the city the faithful brigadier Maione tries to save a mutual friend from certain death, in the mountains of Cilento the commissioner is brought face to face with a past that he would have liked to forget.
It is also back on the shelves Daniele Mencarelli signing ‘Burn the origin’ published by Mondadori. What emerges, page after page, is a disenchanted picture of Rome seen through the eyes of someone who has moved away and sees all its inaction and defects. Mencarelli,who returned to the novel after ‘Hunger for Air’ in 2023,explores the theme of the irreconcilability between different worlds and that linked to the differences between social classes that are distant from each other.
It’s a short step from novels to essays. The urgency of current events erupts with its anxieties, its currently unanswered questions and the geopolitical scenarios in full evolution. The former director of ‘La repubblica’ and long-time foreign policy expert, Maurizio molinari, has been in bookstores for a few days with his essay ‘The new war against democracies published by Rizzoli.A conflict, not declared in an open and frontal way which, explains the journalist and essayist, outlines itself as “the great war of attrition that Russia, Iran and China are fighting, in an asymmetrical manner, against democracies, in order to put them on the defense, weaken them and make them implode in order to redefine the international security architecture”.
Despite the winds of crisis, however, there is still room for hope and the search for serenity. To indicate the way forward is Paolo coelho, the 65 million copy bestselling Portuguese author, in his
‘The Circle of Happiness’
(The Ship of Theseus).There are many stories that the writer delivers to his readers. Stories like that of a Christian missionary and a Muslim hermit who meet in the desert, giving rise to a dialog with fairy-tale contours. Or like that of an arrogant and presumptuous young man named Mogo who is punished by fate for his voracity. Or again like those of a parish priest in a remote village in the Pyrenees, of a child and a magical tree with miraculous properties. At the center of the book there are also a budding young writer, an oriental Cinderella who seems destined to never flourish and a moth who falls madly in love with a star that shines in the sky and who, in an attempt to reach it, discovers how much beauty there is. it is indeed still in the world.
During the holidays, in any case, a ‘healthy’ collection of stories with an exquisitely Christmas flavor cannot be missing. This is the meaning of ’A yellow Christmas’, the
‘anthology of stories by Sellerio written by Gian Mauro Costa, Carlo Flamigni, Alicia Giménez-Bartlett, Marco Malvaldi, Ben Pastor, Santo Piazzese and Francesco Recami. On stage are the protagonists of the detective stories published by the Palermo publishing house: professional and amateur investigators who are not just machines for solving puzzles, but all-round literary characters. In ‘A Yellow Christmas’ Petra and Fermín, Enzo Baiamonte, Primo said Terzo, Amedeo Consonni, Massimo and the old men of BarLume, Martin Bora and lorenzo La Marca, deal with loneliness or with noisy company, with the darkness of crime or with too many lights on a day of celebration.
It is an opportunity not to be missed for fans of the genre ‘My killer’, the book by Daniel Pennac published by Feltrinelli. A novel which, as the publisher explains, “is not just pennac’s new novel, it is all Pennac in one novel”. Nonnino, who will become the formidable criminal of ‘Terminal Malaussène’, is only fourteen when he prepares the first coup of his masterly career as a blackmailer and criminal. In following his first steps, Pennac intertwines literary inventions and autobiography, revealing his way of working and his sources of inspiration to create a character. “Moast of my friends – the writer asks – become characters in my novels. But this murderer that I imagined without knowing him, my terrible murderer, where does he come from?”.
A classic, wrote Italo Calvino, “is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say”. A reflection that perhaps also applies to the works of Raymond Chandler, the American writer who invented the famous private investigator Philip Marlowe. A crime classic, thus, one of the first great characters of the genre, who lives again in ‘The Lady in the Lake’, revived in bookstores by Adelphi. Written in 1943, the book presents Marlowe traveling to Bay City, in San Bernardino county, about a hundred kilometers from Los Angeles, with the task of tracking down a rich man’s wife. Soon, however, the missing women become two: and when an arm emerges from the waters of a mountain lake, then a swollen hand, then a shapeless and featureless mass, without eyes, without a mouth, for Marlowe a whole new mystery begins.reveal.
The Sanremo Festival, which will be held from 11 to 15 February 2025 hosted by Carlo Conti, is still a little away, but preparations are already underway. It is the post-Amadeus edition, owner of Ariston for several years, and now
It is hot off the press – again published by Gallucci with a new edition updated to 2024 and enriched by a preface by Carlo Conti – ‘Sanremo Festival Almanac’the book in which Bartoletti recounts all the editions, from the first in 1951 to that of 2024. A collection that gives us an invaluable heritage of artists and songs. An account of the facts, but also of anecdotes, atmospheres, impulses, curiosities and twists.
The Spanish author Aixa de la Cruz, with her ‘The heirs’ (Fandango Libri), It drags us into a gripping story full of mystery, and by gradually dissolving every enigma, it gives the reader a very modern novel about loneliness and madness.
At the center of the plot are four young women and a common heritage to decipher: an ancient home or a curse that runs through the genes? It’s been six months since Grandma Carmen opened her veins in the bathtub, and no one has yet found out why. Now her four granddaughters are returning to the house in the village where she died and which they inherited,but suddenly seeing themselves locked up there where everything recalls the familiar becomes a form of exorcism
all to be deciphered. (by Carlo Roma)
How do current publishing trends influence book sales during the festive season?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Literary Expert
Editor: Good morning, everyone! As we enter the festive season, the rush for gifts is heating up, and books are certainly taking the spotlight. Today, we have the esteemed literary expert, Dr. Elena Rossi, joining us to discuss this year’s top book recommendations for the holidays and the current trends in publishing. welcome, Dr. Rossi!
Dr. Rossi: Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here, especially during such a vibrant time for the literary world.
editor: The holiday season is synonymous with gift-giving, and many people are turning to books as their go-to gifts. What do you think makes books such a perfect present during this time of year?
Dr. Rossi: Books have a unique ability to transport readers to different worlds,and they offer a personal touch that other gifts may lack. A well-chosen book can resonate with someone on a deeper level, providing them with new experiences, insights, or simply an escape.Plus, there’s something incredibly cozy about curling up with a good read during the winter months.
Editor: Absolutely! I’ve noticed a important surge in book sales lately. What do you attribute this increase to,notably during the holidays?
Dr. Rossi: I think several factors are at play. For one, the end of the year naturally prompts reflection, and many people are seeking knowledge or solace through literature. Publishers are also responding with exciting releases; such as, Maurizio de Giovanni’s latest installment in the Ricciardi saga and Daniele mencarelli’s ‘Burn the origin’ are among many highly-anticipated titles this season. The genius of these authors captures readers’ attention and drives sales.
Editor: speaking of reliable authors,could you tell our audience more about Maurizio de Giovanni’s new book,‘Return’?
Dr.Rossi: Certainly! This book marks a significant moment for de Giovanni as it concludes the story of Commissioner Ricciardi. Set during WWII in Italy, the tale is rich with tension as Ricciardi grapples with personal fears while navigating the tumultuous backdrop of war. The emotional depth and intricate plot make it not only a thrilling read but also a profound meditation on history and memory.
Editor: That sounds captivating! Not only novels but also pressing contemporary issues are addressed in the essays that have emerged recently. Can you shed light on Maurizio Molinari’s latest work, ‘The New War Against Democracies’?
Dr. Rossi: Molinari provides an incisive look into the current geopolitical landscape, highlighting a covert struggle faced by democracies worldwide.His exploration of asymmetrical warfare—where customary power dynamics shift—makes it an essential read for anyone looking to understand the complex nature of global politics today. It’s a thought-provoking and timely book that aligns perfectly with the anxieties of our times.
Editor: It seems like there’s something for everyone this season. And what of Paolo Coelho’s new release, ‘The Circle of Happiness’? How does it differ from his previous works?
Dr. Rossi: coelho has always been known for weaving together stories that convey deeper truths about humanity. In this book, he presents a series of interconnected tales that celebrate hope and the magic of everyday life. The narratives are enriching and evoke a sense of warmth that is especially appealing during the holidays. His ability to create relatable, yet extraordinary characters makes ‘The Circle of Happiness’ a delightful read for both old fans and newcomers alike.
Editor: Last but certainly not least, there’s ‘A Yellow Christmas’ anthology featuring various authors. Why do you think anthologies like this one resonate with readers during the holiday season?
Dr.Rossi: Anthologies are marvelous because they offer a little something for everyone. In ‘A Yellow Christmas,’ the mix of detective stories with holiday themes not only entertains but also delivers deeper messages about loneliness, connection, and the holiday spirit.It’s a perfect blend of suspense and warmth that aligns beautifully with the festive season, making it an ideal choice for readers looking to cozy up with multiple narratives.
Editor: Fantastic insights, Dr. Rossi! It’s clear that this season’s literary offerings are as rich and diverse as ever. As we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts or recommendations for our readers looking to choose the perfect gift?
Dr. Rossi: I would suggest always considering the recipient’s personal tastes and interests. Whether they prefer thrilling mysteries, contemporary essays, or heartfelt narratives, there’s a book out there that can speak to them. And remember, a book is more than just a present; it’s an invitation to explore new thoughts and feelings. Happy reading!
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rossi! Your expertise has certainly illuminated the literary landscape of this holiday season. We hope our audience feels inspired to gift the magic of books! Happy holidays, everyone!