The hoax of the little virgin in Via Ormea

When a 15-year-old girl accuses two young Roma of rape, the multi-ethnic Turinese quarter erupts in violent reprisals.

The Roma encampment is set alight, a woman and her child are seriously hurt.

When rumours of a hoax start flying, it's down to crime reporter Enzo Lagana' to try and shed light on the events.

Did the rape really take place? Who is the woman caught in the fire and why was she there? And also, who is the worst criminal, the pickpocket or the banker?

Equal parts farce and whodunnit, Lakhous' new novel is an exploration of identity in today's multicultural societies.