Roberto Saviano facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roberto Saviano
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Saviano in 2019
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| Born | 22 September 1979 Naples, Italy |
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| Period | 2000–present |
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Roberto Saviano (born September 22, 1979) is an Italian writer, journalist, and screenwriter. He is known for his books and articles that explore the world of organized crime in Italy. He especially focuses on the Camorra, a powerful crime group in Naples.
Saviano uses his writing to show how crime groups affect daily life and businesses. Because of his work, he has received threats. Since 2006, he has lived under police protection to keep him safe.
He writes for many newspapers and magazines around the world. These include l'Espresso and la Repubblica in Italy. Internationally, he writes for The Washington Post, The New York Times, and Time. Many famous writers, like Umberto Eco, have praised his work.
About Roberto Saviano
His Early Life and Education
Roberto Saviano was born in Naples, Italy. His father was a doctor, and his mother had Jewish roots. He studied philosophy at the University of Naples Federico II.
He started his journalism career in 2002. He wrote for various magazines and newspapers. His early articles already showed his interest in organized crime.
Writing About Crime
In March 2006, Saviano published his first book, Gomorrah. This book is based on real events and tells the story of the Camorra crime group. It describes their businesses and how they operate in the region of Campania.
The book also talks about how some people in the area live alongside crime groups. It shows how these groups can even be protected by some parts of the community. Gomorrah became a huge success. It sold millions of copies and was translated into many languages.
Gomorrah and ZeroZeroZero
Gomorrah describes the business and criminal world of the Camorra. It focuses on places like Naples and Casal di Principe. Saviano grew up in this area, so he knows it well.
The book shows how crime bosses live in fancy villas. It also reveals how some lands are filled with toxic waste. The book became very popular worldwide.
Gomorrah was turned into a stage play and a successful movie. The movie won a major award at the Cannes Film Festival. Later, a TV series called Gomorrah - La serie was also made. Saviano helped create this show.
His book ZeroZeroZero was published in 2013.
Living Under Protection
After Gomorrah became famous, Saviano started receiving threats. These threats came from the Casalesi clan, a powerful Camorra group. He had openly spoken out against them.
Because of these threats, the Italian government gave him police protection. Since October 2006, he has lived with bodyguards. This means he cannot live a normal, free life.
Support from Nobel Prize Winners
In 2008, six Nobel Prize winners spoke out to support Saviano. They included Orhan Pamuk, Dario Fo, and Mikhail Gorbachev. They asked the Italian government to protect him. They also said that organized crime is a problem for everyone, not just for Saviano.
Many other famous writers and public figures also signed this appeal. Newspapers and radio stations around the world shared the story. Over 250,000 people signed an online petition to support him.
Television Work
Roberto Saviano has also hosted TV shows. In 2010, he hosted Vieni via con me (Come Away with Me) on Rai 3. The show was very popular. It discussed topics like organized crime, immigration, and social issues in Italy.
In 2012, he hosted another show called Quello che (non) ho (What I (don't) have). This show also had high ratings. In 2017, he hosted Kings of Crime on the TV channel Nove. In this show, he talked about major crime bosses from Italy and other countries.
Awards and Recognition
Saviano has received many awards for his work. These include:
- The European Book Prize in 2010.
- The PEN/Pinter Prize in 2011.
- The Olof Palme Prize in 2011.
He has also received honorary degrees from universities. Several Italian cities have made him an honorary citizen. An asteroid, 278447 Saviano, was even named after him to honor his writing and journalism.
Music Inspired by Saviano
Roberto Saviano's story and books have inspired many musicians.
- The British group Massive Attack wrote a song called "Herculaneum" for the Gomorrah movie soundtrack.
- Italian rapper Lucariello wrote a song called "Cappotto di legno" (Wooden Coat). It tells the story of a killer planning to harm Saviano.
- The band Subsonica dedicated their song "Piombo" to him.
- Rapper Fabri Fibra has mentioned Saviano and his book Gomorrah in several of his songs.
- During a U2 concert in Rome in 2010, Bono mentioned Roberto Saviano. He dedicated the song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" to him.
His Work in Film and Video Games
Director
- I'm Still Alive (Coming soon)
Creator
- Gomorrah (TV series, since 2014)
Screenwriter
- Gomorrah (2008 film)
- Gomorrah (TV series, since 2014)
- Piranhas (2019 film)
- I'm Still Alive (Coming soon)
Adaptations of His Work
- Tatanka (2011 film)
- ZeroZeroZero (TV series, since 2019)
Video Games
- Gomorrah (Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS, 2023)
Images for kids
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Saviano in 2017
See also
In Spanish: Roberto Saviano para niños
