I'm Not Scared

On a less than seasonal first day of August , 17 of us met to discuss our July reads Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s “Before the coffee gets cold” (Japan)
Our Hythe Book Group read this book in July 2023 - summarised our second read Niccolo Ammaniti’s Italian novel ”I’m not scared”

A page turning, gripping, horrifying and disturbing thriller with parallels with books/films such as Lord of the Flies, Stephen King’s “Stand by Me”. The boy in the striped pyjamas and Bicycle Thieves.

Very evocative and accurate portrayal of childhood, loss of innocence, coming of age and brutality in a small, isolated poor rural community. Evoked the heat, harsh, scorched landscape, poverty and claustrophobia.

Told from the child’s perspective - very clever at portraying that misunderstanding. Horrific incident withe the rose decorated pan! Horrific climax

Moral tale - Michele does the right thing. Vivid portrayal of childhood fears and the monsters in our midst.

Based on real events in the 1970s - 800/900 children kidnapped by Mafia in that period. Frightening period - recall it as a child in Germany - Red Army Faction, Baader Meinhof, John Paul Getty cutting off of ear etc.

Found it relentlessly depressing - listened to the audio book

Enjoyed it in a masochistic way

Was uncertain about the ending and what actually happened. Ended so abruptly.

Film available to rent on Amazon £4.49 “Lo Non ho paura” . Supposed to be good.

This was a generally popular read which perhaps reflected its status as a modern Italian classic. Scores ranged from 6 to 9 with a total of 98 so an average of 7.5