The story of 9-year-old Michele and the secret he discovers becomes a success story for its author: Shortly after the book's release in 2001, Ammaniti becomes one of the most celebrated authors. Readings and interviews take him across the country, with translations into 22 languages following (German title: 'I'm Not Scared'). As the youngest writer up to that point, he received the prestigious Premio Viareggio for this novel. The highly acclaimed film adaptation of the novel by Gabriele Salvatores premiered at the Berlinale in 2003.

Unabridged and unedited text edition in the original language, with translations of difficult words at the bottom of each page, afterword, and literary references.