Marco Balzano, born in Milan in 1978, is one of the most popular contemporary Italian authors. He has been writing for as long as he can remember: Poems and essays, stories and novels. He won the Premio Campiello with his novel “L’ultimo Arrivato” (Life Doesn’t Wait; published in German by Diogenes as “Das Leben wartet nicht”). He was nominated for the Premio Strega with “Resto Qui” (“I’m Staying here”) which became big bestseller in Italy and German-speaking countries (where it was published by Diogenes as “Ich bleibe hier”). He lives with his family in Milan.

©  Geri Krischker