The street kids

First published in 1955, Pasolini's masterpiece caused such public outrage that he was charged with obscenity and the book banned.

Set in Rome's poverty-stricken neighbourhoods during the post-war years, it tells the story of a group of adolescents who live hand-to-mouth, their days filled with odd jobs, petty crime and prostitution, their hunger growing as Italy begins to enjoy a period of economic growth and unprecedented change.