The creator of character Inspector Montalbano, arguably Italy’s most famous fictional detective, was taken to hospital at 9:15 am following cardiac arrest, according to ASL Roma 1 health agency.
Dozens of phone calls from cultural and entertainment personalities from all over the world have been arriving to Camilleri’s family, in search of news on his health.
According to the latest medical report, the novelist, a life-long smoker, has been resuscitated and is on a respirator “with pharmacological support”.
Nevertheless, the prognosis is reserved.
The 93-year-old Camilleri had been preparing to make his debut at Caracalla’s Baths in Rome with a theatrical version of The Self-Defence of Cain on July 15.
His latest book, The Chef of Alcyon, was just released by publisher Sellerio.
Camilleri became a best-selling author after he turned 60, and his books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.
He rose to fame with the creation of character Inspector Salvo Montalbano, who first appeared in the novel The Shape of Water in 1994.
A TV adaptation of Montalbano’s adventures, as well as a spin-off, The Young Montalbano, have also proven hits in Italy and around the world.
“I didn’t think I was capable of enough imagination for such a long series, but I managed to do it,” Camilleri told Italian news agency ANSA, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Inspector Montalbano.
On his famed character, Camilleri said: “He’s a monument that’s there, still destined to grow for a few years. He’ll end when I do.”
