Marcello Di Cintio (born c. 1973) is a Canadian author of non-fiction. He is widely recognized for his immersive travel writing and his insightful explorations of human experience in regions marked by conflict, borders, and political complexity. His literary work often synthesizes personal narrative, historical context, and in-depth journalistic research.
Biography Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Marcello Di Cintio has established a notable career as a writer and journalist. His professional journey has involved extensive international travel, serving as the primary research basis for his acclaimed non-fiction books and numerous contributions to various magazines and journals. He currently resides in his hometown of Calgary.
Works Di Cintio's published works include:
- Poets and Pahlevans: A Journey into the Heart of Iran (2006): This book offers a cultural exploration of Iran, delving into its rich literary traditions and the sport of pahlevani (traditional Iranian wrestling).
- Drivers of the Future (2007): A collection of essays that explore diverse subjects and observations.
- Walls: Travels Along the Barricades (2012): A globally focused investigation into the lives of people living in the shadow of some of the world's most formidable barriers, including those in Palestine, Cyprus, the U.S.-Mexico border, and Northern Ireland. The book was awarded the 2013 Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing.
- Pay No Heed to the Rockets: Palestine in the Present Tense (2018): This work provides a contemporary perspective on Palestinian life and culture, framed through encounters with writers, artists, and ordinary citizens across the West Bank and Gaza. It received the 2019 W.O. Mitchell Book Prize.
Themes and Literary Style Di Cintio's writing consistently addresses themes of identity, belonging, resilience, and the profound human impact of geopolitical strife. His distinct journalistic methodology is characterized by extensive fieldwork, detailed interviews, and a keen observational capacity. He often weaves together objective reportage with subjective reflection, aiming to illuminate and humanize complex political landscapes for his readers.
Awards and Recognition
- Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing (2013) for Walls: Travels Along the Barricades.
- W.O. Mitchell Book Prize (2019) for Pay No Heed to the Rockets: Palestine in the Present Tense.
- His books have also been shortlisted for other prominent Canadian literary awards, including the Charles Taylor Prize for Literary Non-Fiction.