Massimo Carlotto
Massimo Carlotto: A Life of Activism and Authorship
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Massimo Carlotto is a prominent Italian author, journalist, and former member of the Red Brigades. His full name is Massimo Carlotto, but he is also known by his pen name, Giovanni Ermete Caccia.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on July 21, 1957, in Venice, Italy. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any information about his passing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Massimo Carlotto is an Italian national with a multifaceted career as an author, journalist, and former militant. His experiences have shaped his writing and advocacy work.
Early Life and Background
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Carlotto's early life was marked by growing up in a poor family in Venice. He became involved in the radical left-wing movements of Italy during the 1970s. This involvement led to him joining the Red Brigades, a Marxist-Leninist terrorist group responsible for numerous kidnappings and assassinations.
Major Accomplishments
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- Surviving Kidnapping: Carlotto's most notable experience was being kidnapped by the Red Brigades in 1973. He spent nine months in captivity before escaping.
- Authorship: After his escape, Carlotto wrote extensively about his experiences and those of others involved with radical left-wing movements. His works often focus on themes such as social justice, anti-terrorism, and personal freedom.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of his notable works include:
_The Night in Milan_ (La notte di Milano): This memoir details Carlotto's time with the Red Brigades and his eventual escape.
_Mister Puzzle_: A novel that explores themes of social inequality, terrorism, and personal identity.
Impact and Legacy
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Massimo Carlotto has had a profound impact on Italy's literary scene. His works not only delve into the complexities of radical left-wing movements but also explore broader issues like social justice and human rights. He has become a prominent voice in Italian literature, shedding light on lesser-discussed aspects of his country's history.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Massimo Carlotto is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Authenticity: His personal experiences as a former member of the Red Brigades give him a unique perspective, making his writing authentic and compelling.
Social Relevance: His works often focus on pressing social issues, resonating with readers interested in justice and human rights.
* Literary Contributions: As an accomplished author, Carlotto has expanded Italy's literary landscape with thought-provoking narratives that challenge societal norms.
Through his writing, Massimo Carlotto continues to inspire discussions about terrorism, political activism, and personal freedom. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping public discourse and promoting empathy towards complex issues.
Quotes by Massimo Carlotto
I have never been very good at dealing with the police. I always come off as a smart-ass, and whenever I claim to be innocent, not only am I generally not believed, but it tends to make my questioner lose his patience. I also have a special gift for creating misunderstandings in the dialogue. This tends to stoke the already simmering anger of the police, whose sole aim is to pry loose a nice solid confession and go home, happy to have earned their salary.
When I became Jason, an English computer expert, I returned to a calmer and far more comfortable lifestyle. The cover verged on perfection; the one tiny defect was my complete ignorance of the English language and computers.
It was a stunning blow to learn that there was no warrant for my arrest, much less an international all-points bulletin. I had lived for years like a hunted animal, while no one at all was looking for me, not even back home. That’s injustice for you.
I asked nothing more than to be judged justly. My act didn’t always play well with my audience, and the reviews (which came in the form of verdicts) often panned my performance. In the end, however, the theater company of justice decided that, cost what it may, that role would belong to me for all time, even after the production had finished its run, and no more performances were scheduled. Playing “out of character” had therefore been my way of choosing freedom.
As a child of the Seventies, I grew up thinking that death could be as light as a feather or as heavy as a mountain. Lolo’s death sailed over the rooftop of the world.
The least appealing part of the day, though, was definitely lunch. Our shepherd had decided that the finest specialty of the area was armadillo, and there wasn't a single Sunday that his wife failed to cook us up an armadillo—but only after clubbing the critter to death before our eyes.
The ideal way to ensure a healthy digestion is to go to the movies. The movie house is a place of truce, a non-combat area where, once the lights are dimmed and the film is running, the only reality is the movie itself. All the little realities of the individuals in the audience are canceled.
Did you hear what they told me?’‘I did.’‘What am I supposed to put in my report? That I arrested the twelve Apostles because they were traveling without passports?
In ten days’ time, the police only managed to set down two pages of legal transcripts. In brief, it was an unpleasant experience. I only think back on it when I piss and I notice the whitish scars that the electrodes left on my dick.
