In celebration of Sciascia’s birthday, I read his book To Each His Own and watched the film version, titled “We Still Kill the Old Way.” The book was published in 1966 and adapted to film in 1967. They compare fairly well, although parts of the movie were different to enhance the action. The story is about a pharmacist and his friend, found shot in cold blood while out duck hunting. Before this double homicide occurred, the pharmacist received a cryptic note, a threat on his life. After a brief investigation, the assumption is that he deserved to die, a consequence of a justified motive. It was unfortunate that his friend was a victim, a witness to the crime. The Mafia’s preference in taking care of business with violence, death, is a common occurrence in the Sicilian way . . . ‘to each his own.’
Professor Laurana, tries to independently solve the mystery of these murders. There is of course a beautiful widow, wife of the pharmacist, who becomes involved in the case. Once the motive is developed, the professor is now a target. Readers may feel anxious about the final outcome, since typical of Sciascia’s stories, things do not end well.
I thought the story started slow, but after finishing the book and reflecting on it, I think that is how it is meant to be. With the discovery of more and more clues, momentum picks up. I started to piece together reasons for the crimes and soon understood that others involved, not only the killers, were cruel and selfish individuals. It was sad that the value of human life meant so little and frightening to think that there really are people without a conscience.
Other celebrated authors born on January 8 are; Wilke Collins and Storm Jameson.