Bare Nature

A deeply reflective and poignant story that blurs the line between reality and fiction. Drawing inspiration from the life of his friend, bronze sculptor Lois Anvidalfarei, De Luca crafts a narrative that weaves together themes of humanity, art, faith, and exile. 

Set in the rugged beauty of a mountain village near the border, the story follows a sculptor who uses his hands not only to carve marble but also to shape destinies. In a land of natural crossings, he helps refugees navigate perilous paths, defying political boundaries and human greed. Unlike his childhood friends who profit from this clandestine work, the sculptor returns the money to those he aids, an act of selflessness that earns him the nickname “the saint of the mountains.” But when his good deeds attract media attention and disrupt the shadowy operations of his friends, he is cast out, forced to leave the only home he’s ever known. 

Relocating to a seaside town near Naples, the sculptor seeks solace and purpose in his craft. He is commissioned to restore a marble crucifix, a once-controversial piece depicting the unadorned, unvarnished nudity of Christ—a stark and honest reflection of human vulnerability. As he chisels away the layers of censorship imposed by the Church, he uncovers more than just the original work; he discovers truths that resonate deeply with his own life. The restoration becomes a journey of artistic rediscovery, a search for meaning, and a confrontation with societal taboos. 

De Luca’s prose brims with his characteristic sensitivity and insight, touching on universal themes—migration, the sanctity of human dignity, the intersection of art and belief, and the transformative power of creativity. 

An intimate glimpse into the mind of an aging writer still grappling with life’s complexities. A lyrical, thought-provoking celebration of art, humanity, and the unyielding spirit of those who dare to defy convention in pursuit of truth. 

Rights sold
France (Gallimard)
Germany (Ullstein)
Spain (Seix Barral/Bromera)