Discover the courage and civil passion, as well as the fragility and fear in the face of endless violence without remorse. The women of the Resistance were true heroines often hidden in the folds of history. Many books can now help us get to know them as we approach the 80th anniversary of the liberation from Nazi fascism on April 25th.
One such woman was Iris Versari, a 21-year-old who enlisted in a partisan group and fought the fascists and societal norms, ultimately making the ultimate sacrifice. Her story is beautifully portrayed in Walter Veltroni’s novel “Iris, la libertà.” Another inspiring story is that of Sandra Gilardelli, who at almost 100 years old, recounts her experience as a young woman joining the Resistance in “La staffetta senza nome.”
Returning to bookstores is “Compagne,” a historic volume by Bianca Guidetti Serra, offering firsthand accounts of 51 women who participated in the Resistance. Another fascinating read is “Non si è mai ex deportati” by Bruno Maida, detailing the life of Lidia Beccaria Rolfi, a teacher, partisan, and deportee who broke the silence surrounding the experiences of those in concentration camps.
Ada Gobetti’s thoughts on education as the premise for democracy are highlighted in “Pedagogia Partigiana,” showcasing her role in the Resistance and advocating for the eternal relevance of values through education. Rossana Rossanda’s life and work, including her time as a member of the Italian Communist Party, are explored in “Tutto il mondo è cosa mia” by Giorgia Antonelli. Raffaella Cargnelutti’s “L’altra guerra” brings to light the courage and strength of women in everyday life during the Resistance.
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