The Shadow of the Leopard

Adventure

A mysterious creature roams the heart of the Apennines. Ancient legends speak of a shadowy feline that dwells deep within the densest forests: the legendary Gattopardo.

In the Abruzzo National Park, strange signs multiply—slain animals, pawprints, a spotted figure glimpsed among the trees. Park ranger Sandro Di Ianni is tasked with investigating, setting off on a journey that will lead him into the darkest corners of the wild—and of himself.

  • Five young and inexperienced volunteers find themselves caught up in the mystery, turning their time at the park into an unforgettable adventure.
  • With his unmistakable voice, Giuseppe Festa takes us on a powerful journey from the majestic forests of Abruzzo to the vast Finnish taiga, in search of a nature to respect and protect—where the Gattopardo remains a symbol of mystery and legend, precious in a world where everything is exposed to the spotlight, robbing the unknown of its wonder.
Publisher: Salani
Target: 10+
Year: 2014
Author
Giuseppe Festa

Giuseppe Festa has a degree in Natural Sciences and works in environmental education. He has published several novels, including La luna è dei lupi (Salani), Cento passi per volare (Salani), I figli del bosco (Garzanti), and Una trappola d’aria (Longanesi). He won the Premio Rodari in 2021, the Premio Bancarellino in 2022, and the prestigious Premio Kadaitosho in Japan.

He is the founder and lead singer of Lingalad, with whom he performs concerts in Italy and abroad. As the protagonist and screenwriter of the award-winning documentary Oltre la Frontiera, he has also authored nature documentaries broadcast by Rai. Additionally, he has written articles and stories for National Geographic, Corriere della Sera, and La Repubblica.

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