Four women, one book, one evening

Stories of persecution, escape, hiding, subterfuge, but also of solidarity and courage. The stories of our families during the Holocaust are diverse, yet united by the gratitude each of us cannot help but feel for all those who, in various ways, offered help and protection. Emilio Jona dedicated his latest book, Quattro donne (Neri Pozza), to the four women who protected and supported his family in the Biella area. The book was presented at the Social Center last Wednesday, March 18 (an event organized by the Jewish Studies Group).

Bruna Laudi briefly illustrated the events narrated and the narrative mechanism by which they are organized. Alberto Cavaglion highlighted the book’s historical value, including the settings it describes. Both emphasized the literary qualities of the text, which the audience was able to appreciate directly by reading a few pages. Emilio Jona captured and developed many of the insights offered by the presenters, from the motivations that guided him to the stylistic choices, from the book’s reception to the settings it reconstructs, from the information he uncovered to what has never been said. The reflection was rich in literary references and references, including a description of the family’s experience of their Jewish identity.

Below you can find the recording of the event.

Anna Segre