Chourmo: Il cuore di Marsiglia

The setting feels so alive and integral to the story—I'm curious if the author drew from personal experience or extensive research.

The characters seem weighed down by their pasts and environment. How did the author craft such an authentic sense of despair without making it feel hopeless?

The book has a heavy, tense mood but also moments that make you reflect on identity and belonging—was that a conscious choice to deepen the story?