The Chemist of Catania
Alexander Lucie-Smith
Self-published, £5, 235 pages
Not since Ann Radcliffe has a British author published a more sombre portrayal of Southern Italy. While written entirely in English, Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith’s new novel somehow achieves the rhythm of Italian prose.
Unlike many recently celebrated sensations-in-translation (namely the anonymous Elena Ferrante), Lucie-Smith’s third-person narration means the motivations of his ensemble are less of a mystery. His male characters are, if equally capable of barbarism, less feckless and more fascinating than those from Ferrante’s world.
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