Roberto Saviano is an Italian journalist, writer, and essayist best known for his unflinching exposé of the Camorra, the Neapolitan Mafia, in his groundbreaking book, *Gomorrah*. Born in Naples in 1979, Saviano witnessed firsthand the brutal realities of organized crime that permeated his hometown. This experience profoundly shaped his life and ultimately led him to dedicate his career to investigating and documenting the inner workings of the Camorra.
*Gomorrah*, published in 2006, was a literary sensation and a cultural phenomenon. The book meticulously details the Camorra’s economic activities, its grip on local businesses, and its ruthless violence. It painted a stark picture of a criminal organization that had infiltrated every aspect of Neapolitan society, from garbage disposal to high fashion. Saviano’s meticulous research, coupled with his compelling narrative style, brought the Camorra’s operations to a global audience in a way that no other work had before.
The success of *Gomorrah* came at a significant personal cost. Due to the book’s critical portrayal of the Camorra, Saviano has been under constant police protection since 2006. His life has been drastically altered, as he is unable to live a normal life, deprived of freedom of movement and personal security. He lives under constant threat, moving from location to location to avoid potential attacks. This enforced isolation has become a central part of his public persona, and he frequently speaks about the personal toll of living under such constant pressure.
Beyond *Gomorrah*, Saviano has continued to write extensively about organized crime, focusing on its global reach and its impact on various sectors. He has authored numerous articles and essays, and his work has been translated into numerous languages. He is also a frequent commentator on television and radio, using his platform to raise awareness about the dangers of organized crime and to advocate for stronger measures to combat it. He’s also explored other criminal organizations, including the ‘Ndrangheta and various drug cartels, illustrating the interconnectedness of global crime networks.
Saviano’s work has not been without its critics. Some have accused him of sensationalism or exaggeration, while others have questioned his research methods. However, he remains a powerful voice against organized crime and a symbol of courage for many. He’s a polarizing figure, attracting both admiration and condemnation. Despite the ongoing threats to his life and the criticism he faces, Roberto Saviano continues to be a dedicated and important voice in the fight against organized crime, offering a unique perspective shaped by his personal experiences and rigorous investigative work. He challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about the power and pervasiveness of criminal organizations in the modern world.