Fact: On March 30, 1282, as the bells of Palermo, Sicily tolled for Vespers, a Sicilian woman crying “Death to the Angevins!” led a people’s uprising against the French garrison occupying the city. Within six weeks, Sicilian rebels slayed more than three thousand Angevin soldiers across the island. The turbulent events of 1282 became known as the Sicilian Vespers. 

Thus begins author Carlo Treviso’s revolutionary historical thriller, Siciliana, published on March 30, 2022. With Siciliana, Treviso hopes to shine a new light on Sicily’s engrossing past and resilient culture, and celebrate his family’s heritage in a way that he wanted to see in popular culture. 

Treviso was born the first-generation son of a Sicilian immigrant family. Growing up, if he mentioned Sicily or his Sicilian heritage to any anyone unfamiliar with its past or culture, the typical response included some use of the notorious M word. Mafia. Mention Sicily in literature or film, and one might imagine an aging don stroking a white cat or a low-level mobster running a casino outfit. 

“More often than not, Sicilians are portrayed and perceived in popular culture in a negative context—hustlers, gangsters, grifters.” Treviso said. “My Sicilian heritage deserves better.” 

Treviso determined that the only way to confront and change these negative perceptions was to change the narrative all together. Treviso set out to paint a never-before-seen portrait of Sicily when the island was still considered its own kingdom. Originally known as the Kingdom of Trinacria, Sicily was once a grandiose and evocative realm of forbidden knights, forgotten fortresses, and fallen kings. 

Enter “Siciliana.”

Set during the actual events of a bloody 13^th century uprising known as the Sicilian Vespers, “Siciliana” tells the harrowing tale of Aetna Vespiri, the daughter of a revered Sicilian knight, who leads a peoples’ rebellion against the French Angevin forces occupying Sicily. Aetna soon finds herself fighting not only for the nation she believes in, but also for the meaning of family.

Though the novel isn’t only about a courageous young woman trying to save the nation she believes in. At its heart, Siciliana is about a vibrant and resilient culture too often misrepresented in popular entertainment. It is Sicily and Sicilian culture itself which sets the stage and backdrops the major characters and locations¾forever binding their fates. While the story’s heroes are people, the island and culture themselves become living, breathing characters. 

Treviso weds mission and entertainment in order to shift perceptions on a popular scale¾turning adverse, misunderstood perceptions into shining appreciation and reverence. Outwardly, the novel cries fight for the rebellion. Inwardly, the hidden treasure is protect the culture. 

BookLife by Publisher’s Weekly writes: "Treviso's engaging historical novel of revolution and revenge deepens the Puzo-fied public perception of Sicily and its history...This vigorous retelling of a 13th century Sicilian revolution will dazzle fans of historical fiction...who will find much here to relish, tremble at, and in the end cheer." 

Kirkus Reviews writes: “…Snappy prose…short, suspenseful chapters…offers major twists that will keep readers engaged. An intriguing work that embodies the ferocity of a woman wronged while contemplating complex questions of home and country.” 

Treviso says: “Perhaps one day, when a Sicilian daughter or Sicilian son tells someone about their family’s heritage, the response they receive will not be ‘Oh, like the Mafia?’ but rather ‘Oh, like ‘Siciliana!’”

“Siciliana” released on March 30^th, 2022 to commemorate the 740^th anniversary of the Sicilian Vespers. The novel is available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook editions on Amazon.com and other online retailers. 

About Carlo Treviso

Carlo Treviso grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in film directing. Traversing the worlds of Hollywood and advertising, Treviso has written and produced commercial broadcast campaigns for well-known brands all over the world. The son of a Sicilian immigrant, Treviso enjoys bringing his passion and appreciation for Sicily to his readers. He is a proud advocate and supporter of conservation organizations UNESCO, Life ConRaSi, and World Wildlife Fund—all of which work to protect the beauty and grandeur of Sicily’s engrossing past, resilient culture, and vibrant biodiversity. Treviso resides in Chicago, Illinois.

To learn more:

www.thesiciliana.com

www.carlotreviso.com