The degraded and "dark" side of Rome in the first decades after World War II, seen through the unique perspective of Pier Paolo Pasolini (1922-1975). The author and leading director captures the adventures of little Curly-haired and brings to life a world he knew well, but the authorities took a long time to address its problems.

The kids, poor teenagers, wander in small groups or gangs in the outskirts of Rome, playing, reselling trivial items, or committing various illegal activities.

The novel was published in 1955 and provoked reactions from the entire political world of Italy regarding its subject and bold language. Initially, it was seized by government order, but soon after, it became Pasolini's first literary success.