A Sardinian writer in the running for the 2025 Campiello Prize. Massimo Granchi, born in Cagliari in the San Michele district, raised in Quartu, but resident in Tuscany, is in the running for the coveted literary prize with his novel "La memoria della vite", Arkadia publisher, published in January 2025.
Granchi is the creator and organizer of cultural events. He holds a PhD in Institutions and Society. He directs two national literary awards, including the Iannas festival held in Quartu . He founded the cultural association Gruppo Scrittori Senesi of which he is honorary president. He holds creative writing workshops. In addition to articles, stories, fairy tales and essays, he has written novels and has won numerous literary awards, including the Tuscan Writer of the Year Online Award, the Vallavanti Rondoni Memorial Jury Award, the Murex Città di Parole, the Rive Gauche Festival, the City of Montefiorino Award, the City of Sarzana Award and the Santucce Storm Festival. "La memoria della vite" is his fifth novel.
The plot
It tells the story of Gabriel, a boy of Colombian origin who lives with his mother and younger brother in an apartment building in Rome. His father disappeared without clarifying the reasons for his choice and left a void in the family that is difficult to fill. In the same building lives Sole, Gabriel's best friend who hides a tormented past despite being cheerful, outgoing and loving life. She is a dreamer with many projects to realize and a bond to rebuild with her father. Sole's mother is Liliana, an emancipated woman born in the South. She has created a carers' agency in the capital. Her marriage is in crisis. She has a deep bond with the island of Procida where she spent her summers as a child and it is there that she would like to return. The destinies of Gabriel, Sole and Liliana are intertwined much more than they can imagine . A dramatic accident will change their lives, forcing the three protagonists to follow unexpected existential trajectories, to review their priorities, but above all, to face hidden ghosts.
" Pride and Joy"
""La memoria della vite"", explains Massimo Granchi, "is a novel about the meaning of human relationships, about courage, hope and the ability to renew oneself. Being in the running for the Campiello is a source of great pride and satisfaction that ensures momentum and energy to the path of the book".
The Selection Ceremony of the Five for the 63rd edition of the Campiello Prize will be held on Friday 30 May at 10:30 am at Palazzo del Bo in Padua . The jury is chaired by journalist Giorgio Zanchini.
