The work takes us to one of the darkest periods in Italian history – from the rise of fascism in 1924 to the end of World War II in 1945.
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The novel tells the story of the fates of two very different women, Redenta and Iris. The first, raised in a poor, superstitious environment, considered simple-minded by those around her, is married off to Stiklas, a fascist known for his cruelty. The second, educated and brave, becomes involved in the anti-fascist resistance and partisan struggle. Through their voices, the writer speaks not only about fascism and those who resisted it, but also about violence against women, patriarchal society, Italy’s colonial past, and human choices in the face of brutal history.
Italian fiction translator Rasa Di Pasquale interviewed writer Nicoletta Verna about her passion for writing, the themes explored in her work, and the novel “Stiklo dienos”.
– Dear Nicoletta, you studied communication sciences at university and have been working in publishing for many years. When did your passion for writing begin? Did anything push you to choose the path of a writer?
– I’ve been writing since I was a child; writing has always been my greatest passion. However, it was only as an adult that I “tamed” the instinct so that I could also use technique in my writing. So that I could speak not only to myself but also to others. I debuted at forty-five, so to speak, I didn’t rush!
– Which female and male writers have had the greatest influence on your work? Do you perhaps have a favorite author?
– Without a doubt, it’s Elsa Morante. I first read this writer’s novel “History” when I was very young, and over the years, I kept picking it up again. That novel is immense, and it was also the greatest inspiration for writing “Stiklo dienos”. The novel “History” proves how literature can help understand and penetrate the most shameful pages of history.
– Is it difficult for aspiring writers in Italy to find a publisher? What is your own experience?
– I think it’s not easy, but I also believe that with determination and will, it’s possible. I was lucky: I participated in the extremely important Italo Calvino Prize competition for aspiring writers and made it into the final top ten. Then the “Einaudi” publishing house made an offer.
– What themes do you explore in your work?
– I am very interested in delving into the cracks, depths, and fragility of the human soul. I care more about defeats than victories, mistakes than successes, because, in my opinion, that is what defines us as human beings. The main theme of my first novel [“The Affective Value” (Il valore affettivo, 2021)] is the feeling of guilt, and that of “Stiklo dienos” is cruelty as a human necessity.
– The novel “Stiklo dienos” achieved great success, won numerous awards in Italy, and you were awarded the European Union Prize for Literature for it. Did you expect such widespread recognition? What does this success mean to you?
– I certainly did not expect such success, and especially such reader attention. I am extremely happy, it proves that the Resistance, the roots of Italian and European democracy, born in the fight against Nazism and fascism, remain a very important and significant topic for many people.
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– The novel is set during the time of fascism. Why is it still important today to turn to history in literature?
– As Aristotle stated, historians must tell what actually happened, and poets – what could happen. In order to depict universal things, literature can be useful as a means to understand historical memory, to transmit and preserve it, because literature tells about small events in which many people can recognize themselves. To remember and understand.
– Reading “Stiklo dienos” gave me the impression that I was immersed in neorealist literature. Is this interpretation correct?
– Of course, I do not compare myself to the great masters of neorealist literature, but they truly inspired me to choose social and historical themes, to focus on individual trauma as a reflection of collective tragedy.
– The novel intertwines the voices of two very different narrators – women. Why?
– I wanted to reveal the events from two different and almost mirrored perspectives. Redenta embodies the values of Christian mercy and compassion, while Iris is an unyielding woman, symbolizing courage and independence. However, both face a similar fate. Marked by cruelties, but also promising salvation.
– Stiklas is probably the cruelest character in the novel. Why did you decide to use this character’s nickname in the novel’s title?
– Stiklas symbolizes cruelty. Since the main theme of the novel is cruelty, it was necessary to mention Stiklas already in the title. Stiklas reminds us that evil as an absolute concept exists. Stiklas is a character who strongly supports one side, stereotypical, superficial. In literature, a top can be created from many stereotypes. I needed an extreme, an abyss, something exaggerated. Stiklas is a certain symbol, but at the same time a very realistic character.
– In the notes at the end of the book, you state: “There is nothing real in this novel, but there is also nothing invented.” Could you explain these words a little more?
– The novel delves into what happens when grand History invades the small lives of ordinary, simple people. The story told is fictional, but the historical context is real. Immersed in the daily life of a small town like Castrocaro, I had to understand what its people do, what they believe, what their customs, and folklore are. Only by thoroughly knowing the historical and social fabric could I create fiction, always paying attention that grand History would not penetrate and affect the main plotline.
– To conclude our conversation, I would like to ask if you are perhaps already writing a new book. If so, could you reveal what it’s about?
– I still want to write on historical themes, but a bit lighter. I am currently writing a novel for children, the action of which also takes place during the Resistance. So, the same themes, but told with a different mood and a different voice.
– Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
