San Calò and Camilleri: The Book of Alfonso Bugea with Prefaces by Guardi and Savatteri

“San Calò sono,” the latest book by journalist Alfonso Bugea , will be officially released on Friday, August 14th like a “ flame of August .” The ebook, available on Amazon for €2.70 , features prefaces by Michele Guardi and Gaetano Savatteri , and photos by Gianfranco Jannuzzo . The book tells the story of the conflict between San Calogero and the Empedoclino writer Andrea Camilleri , known as the father of Inspector Montalbano and Vigata , whose centenary of birth will be celebrated in the coming days.

The book explores the seemingly hostile relationship between a Saint and an atheist , which is actually steeped in respect . They don't dwell on words , labels , or religious beliefs , but on dialogue and acceptance . A teaching that is expressed in everyday life, without pretense, without tricks , and without deception . This is the miracle that San Calò and Don Nenè have been trying to convey for a century: a path of inclusion and mutual understanding .

“The relationship between San Calogero and Camilleri , expertly recounted in Alfonso Bugea 's book, reminds me of my own relationship with Andrea, who often gave me the opportunity to visit him at his home. He smoked like a Turk and welcomed me into his study, where, amidst the thick clouds of smoke, a beautiful statuette of San Calogero stood out. Knowing he was an avowed atheist, one day I asked him what that statuette was doing in his home. He replied: “I really like San Calò.” I believe that answer contains the full meaning of this book, which collects key passages in the relationship between Andrea Camilleri and San Calogero : a saint for everyone , even atheists.”

“ Camilleri was a Calogero called Andrea (his first name) but known to all as Nenè , perhaps those two syllables also contain the name of the black saint whom Camilleri respected, considering him the only inhabitant of his secular paradise . Bugea , who is “marinassi” (that is, son of the Marina, of Porto Empedocle ), reconnects the names of Andrea and Calogero , strengthens their relationship, reopens the dialogue between them, precisely so that no one can cry out, as is done during the procession of the black saint: have we forgotten San Calò? Alfonso Bugea reminds us, so that Nenè and Calò can once again walk together through the streets of the Marina ”.

Follow the AgrigentoOggi channel on WhatsApp