Sicilian Avengers - by Luigi Natoli (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A thrilling Sicilian saga about the legendary secret sect purported to be forerunners of the Mafia, translated into English for the first time.

Emerging from the dark streets and subterranean caves of Palermo, the Beati Paoli, masked and hooded, mete out their own form of justice to counter the unfettered power and privilege wielded by the aristocracy. For the voiceless, weak, and oppressed, the Beati Paoli are defenders and heroes. Reminiscent of a Dumas novel, Sicilian Avengers is a vibrant, atmospheric fresco of early eighteenth-century Palermo. Onto the stage of the ancient city, Blasco da Castiglione, a bold, brash, orphan adventurer, arrives on a quest to discover his origins and seek his destiny. But this fearless, swashbuckling D'Artagnan-esque hero unwittingly gets caught up in a devious and murderous succession plot involving a powerful noble family. When the Beati Paoli hear about this plot to usurp a rightful inheritance, they spring into action. Their shadowy machinations entangle the charismatic Blasco, who crosses paths with a cast of characters that test his loyalty and resolve in the pursuit of his true identity. The historical accuracy of the novel is complemented by the most meticulous description of Sicily's capital city ever written. Action-packed and laced with intrigue and chivalrous duels, Sicilian Avengers is a tale of love and hatred, friendship and betrayal, suffering and retribution. As French critic Jean Noël Schifano said, Natoli's novel is "the fifth historical monument of contemporary Italian literature." Book 1 of 2 that includes an afterword by Umberto Eco.

Review Quotes

"Stephen Riggio's translation of Sicilian Avengers, a novel by Luigi Natoli that has not appeared in English until now, is a monumental addition to the canon of world classic literature. Riggio expertly brings to life the epic story of the Beati Paoli, who fought for justice in Sicily, and Sicilian Avengers is a swashbuckling adventure story, a heart-pounding romance, and a riveting historical thriller. I rooted for its hero and other unforgettable characters on every page, and I couldn't put it down. Sicilian Avengers is a compulsively readable story, relatable at an intimate and profoundly human level, and even has the majestic sweep of Dumas and Cervantes. Bravissimo, Stephen!"

--Lisa Scottoline, bestselling author of The Truth about the Devlins and Loyalty

"Stephen Riggio's translation of Luigi Natoli's thrilling historical masterpiece is brilliantly done. This action-packed story, filled with secrets, betrayals, murder, retribution and the shadowy Beati Paoli reads like the Sicilian cousin of The Three Musketeers--it's exciting, accessible, and perfect for fans of Mario Puzo, John Dickie, and Peter Robb."

--Jill Santopolo, bestselling author of Stars in an Italian Sky

"The brilliant Stephen Riggio has translated The Beati Paoli, the sprawling, lush history of an 18th century Sicilian royal family at a crossroads. The story of evil Don Raimondo and the secret society formed to bring him to justice is a page turner. Sicilian blood ties, vendettas, romance, and pageantry unspool against a backdrop of the people's fight for honor and freedom. Riggio's translation captures the complexities of life on Italy's treasure island and the human suffering that carved a path for change in Sicily. Bravo!"

--Adriana Trigiani, bestselling author of The Good Left Undone

"This superb translation of Luigi Natoli's I Beati Paoli is a monumental achievement of a long neglected work. Steve Riggio has done a masterful job, bringing to life this epic tale. It is truly a labor of love and his passion for the project is visible on nearly every page. And a brilliant afterword by Umberto Eco adds to the pleasure of reading this gripping story. Discover this rich and powerful saga--you will be more than happy you did."

--Lorenzo Carcaterra, bestselling author of Sleepers and the Nonna Maria mystery series

"[Sicilian Avengers] is an immersive wonder--Riggio's translation maintains the richness of the earlier era, evoking the romances of Walter Scott and Alexander Dumas. . . . Lovers of a certain vintage of adventure will be grateful for this newly translated classic. A sweeping, swashbuckling epic."

--Kirkus Reviews

"Sicilian Avengers is an astonishing work of historical fiction. Early eighteenth-century Sicily is vividly rendered in this page-turning, edge of your seat tale of the secret sect of The Beati Paoli. It's a riveting story full of adventure and romance, intrigue and treachery. Think Dumas's Count of Monte Cristo meets Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall. The characters are unforgettable, as are the meticulous descriptions of life in the ancient capital of Palermo. I know Sicily and can assure you that reading Sicilian Avengers will make you want to run there. It has been a joy to discover Stephen Riggio's translation of Luigi Natoli's monumental novel."--Jo Piazza, bestselling author of The Sicilian Inheritance

About the Author

Luigi Natoli (1857-1941) born in Palermo, was a teacher, journalist, and historian. His rich literary output included the publication of thirty-one adventure and historical novels, most published in serial form under the pseudonym William Galt, including I Beati Paoli.

Stephen Riggio is the former chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble. For over forty years he was a key leader transforming the single flagship New York location into a national retailer that expanded into e-commerce, book publishing and video games. Riggio has served on the boards of the National Book Foundation, the National Down Syndrome Society, and is a founding member of the AHRC New York City Foundation Board. He and his wife live in New York City.