il Custode by Niccolò Ammaniti is a dark and mysterious novel set in Sicily. The story follows Nilo Vasciaveo, a thirteen-year-old boy who lives in Triscina with his mother Agata and his aunt Rosi. Nilo’s family hides a terrible secret: for generations, the Vasciaveos have been responsible for guarding a mysterious and powerful creature connected to the ancient Greek god Poseidon.
Nilo’s life changes when Arianna and her young daughter Saskia arrive in town. Nilo quickly becomes fascinated by Saskia, and their friendship brings him into a world of secrets, danger and unexpected discoveries. At the same time, his family becomes involved in a violent criminal environment connected to the mafia.
As Nilo learns more about his family’s past and the mysterious creature they protect, he is forced to confront fear, responsibility and the difficult transition from childhood to adulthood. The novel combines mystery, fantasy, violence and coming-of-age themes, creating a dark and unsettling story about family secrets and the burden of destiny.
