One of the more fascinating literary phenomena of recent years has been the amazing popularity of beloved and bestselling Italian novelist, Elena Ferrante, whose series of novels, known as The Neapolitan Quartet, has earned her a devoted following in the United States and across the globe.

We are thrilled to welcome Mizzou professor, Dr. Roberta Tabanelli, to Skylark to discuss Ferrante’s work. These talks will be of interest to anyone who has read the novels, or is contemplating doing so. The idea is not so much to give a guided reading of the books themselves, but rather to provide knowledge and context of the Italian subtext (including Italian socio-political and cultural elements) to enrich and inform a reader’s understanding and enjoyment of the novels. Come and learn about the bewitching world of this most enigmatic and fascinating of modern writers!

Among many other things, Roberta will be discussing:

• Various historical issues, such as:

  • the Italian Communist Party

  • the Fascist party

  • Italian feminism and women’s rights

• Italian dialects and their importance, especially in the context of Italy’s Unification.

• A brief background on some of the Italian authors mentioned (e.g., Grazia Deledda, Luigi Pirandello, and Alessandro Manzoni)

• The topography of Naples

• The challenges of translating fiction from Italian into English

This will be the first of two discussions. The second will take place on May 6. Attendance is free, but we would really appreciate it if you would let us know that you’re planning to attend.