In "Wicked City," Nicholas Hewitt embarks on a captivating journey through the vibrant heart and shadowed alleys of Marseille, France's enigmatic second city. With an adept hand, Hewitt peels back layers of myth and reality to reveal a place of stark contrasts, where the allure of its Mediterranean charm collides with its notorious reputation. From the bustling docks that have welcomed generations of migrants to the secretive corners that have nurtured organized crime, Marseille emerges as a city defined by its apartness—a frontier town that stands at the edge of France's national identity, yet pulses with a lifeblood distinctly its own. Through a rich tapestry of historical insight and cultural analysis, Hewitt navigates the reader through the evolution of Marseille's rogue status, exploring how this port city has been immortalized by the likes of Alexandre Dumas and celebrated in the triumphs of its legendary football team. "Wicked City" is more than a mere history; it is a deep dive into the soul of Marseille, viewed through the eyes of the artists, writers, and inhabitants who have been seduced by its beauty and complexity. This is a narrative that transcends the stereotypes, offering a nuanced portrait of a city that stands as a testament to human cosmopolitanism against the backdrop of national tension. Hewitt's Marseille is a place where the past and present converge in a story as dazzling and intricate as the city itself.