The debut in children's fiction by Daniele Mencarelli, author of the celebrated ‘Tutto chiede salvezza’, winner of the Strega Giovani prize and adapted into a highly acclaimed by Netflix.
A touching contemporary fairy tale, a hero’s journey with a fantastic medieval-inspired setting
The protagonist, Adelmo, the youngest of seven brothers, must set out in search of them to fulfil his mother’s last wish. Thus begins an epic adventure, amidst warring kingdoms, epidemics and a magical river that will help him to know himself and fulfil his wish: to recognise and see his uniqueness and worth recognised.
Adelmo, after a childhood spent amidst marginalisation and discrimination, finally succeeds in being accepted by his siblings who have always shunned him, believing him to be his mother’s favourite, who allowed him to study and even to have a ‘real’ name, not like First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth.
During the vicissitudes that put him on the brothers’ trail, Adelmo has the opportunity to prove his own qualities, so as to earn their respect, their trust and, finally, their affection.