A new poetry book brings the beauty and culture of Italy to life, immersing readers in stories of Sicily.
“Viaggio in Sicilia,” “Trip to Sicily” in English, is the first book of poetry released by author Antonello di Carlo with publisher CTL Editore Livorno. The book explores the beauty of di Carlo’s native Sicily through verse and photos of the island, with a heavy emphasis on his personal connection to and the history of the area.
“But between you, me and the sea,
obsolete a sweet remembrance emerges.
The waves cradle us happily,
leaving our limbs
satisfied and soothed
from the pain inflicted by the distance
and by mutual desire hidden
from motionless appearance
who, like an expert charmer,
a hypnotic addiction reawakens us
that stiffens all our cannons
and that does not allow us to free ourselves
from our demons.
Now, while listening to the sea,
Suddenly… you can hear your heart beat.”
– Excerpt from “Viaggio in Sicilia”
The first of four books coming to bookshelves in the coming months, “Viaggio in Sicilia” explores di Carlo’s deep familial connection to the area. Born in Palermo in 1974, it wasn’t until 2019 when di Carlo says he discovered his passion for writing, particularly poetry. Other passions include history and philosophy, both of which are evident in his writing. In addition to his work as a poet and author, di Carlo also works as a business consultant in his current home of Reggio Nell Emilia.
Inspired heavily by famed German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, reviews of di Carlo’s poetry is likened to that written by Goethe as the writer recounted his own travels through Sicily. Through verse, di Carlo brings to life the Sicily of his childhood and his imagination, bringing readers on the journey through the idyllic area with him.
If di Carlo’s name sounds familiar, it may be because Islanders are familiar with his family. His cousin, Jenny Agnelli, is a big supporter of di Carlo and his work as a poet.
“His poetry becomes full stories and it feels like you’re in the story,” she said of his latest work in “Viaggio in Sicilia.”
Through Agnelli, di Carlo has been introduced to Anna Maria Island from her photographs and stories of the area. She said he plans to visit the Island for the first time in the fall.
“Viaggio in Sicilia” is available online now at Amazon in both English and Italian editions in paperback and Kindle formats. You also can check out the book, including reviews, online at Goodreads.
