The Invention of Sicily: A Mediterranean History Hardcover – July 13, 2021

The Invention of Sicily is a well written, deeply-researched history of the island. While many people think of the Mafia when they think of Sicily, if you want an in-depth portrait of its fascinating past and diverse peoples and forces, this is a great book to read.

This is the author's first book, and it's a good one. He lives in Palermo and has done his homework. This, plus John Julius Norwich's SICILY, should prepare anyone for a trip.

Well written and researched history of Sicily, and done in a very accessible style. I bought it to learn more having become interested in learning more about Sicily following a Smithsonian tour there several years ago.

I really like the “bottom up” approach of the author. I also think he is excellent on the ancient through early modern history of the island. But I think his empirical approach is weaker on contemporary Sicily. For example, his take on the Sicilian Mafia relies heavily on a few sources that understate its popularity in certain circles on the island including the “working class” (a problematic category in Sicily) he sees as central to its recent history.

The author shows how the history of Sicily created the culture that exists today, from the cuisine to the art and architecture to the state of organized crime on the island. Wonderful read!

Now this part of the Mediterranean makes sense! Including how organized crime evolve as a rational response to the predatory behavior of foreign elites for whom this island was merely another piece of real estate in their portfolio.

Just found out my Grandpa was Sicilian not Italian . It’s an interesting book

This book did give me some insight into the Sicily of my grandparents’ time (late 1800’s), but went into too much detail on ancient history for my taste. Not an easy read by any measure, including many tangents.