Women of the Shadows

Book cover of Women of the Shadows: Wives and Mothers of Southern Italy

Book description

Conversations with and observations of peasant women of southern Italy reveal the hardships, sorrows, strengths, and perseverance of wives and mothers who are burdened with unremitting poverty and frustration

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Why read it?

1 author picked Women of the Shadows as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Helene Stapinski

Author

This incredible book gave names and faces to the women of Southern Italy, who, until recently, were mostly ignored by writers—and, by extension, readers. It taught me about the intensely difficult life my own female ancestors endured and stories that did not travel with them to the United States for those who immigrated—stories that were left behind, and for good reason.

The book was written in the 1970s after Cornelisen worked in the South, helping to establish nursery schools there. But the story is not her own. The stories belong to the strong, overworked, oppressed, inspiring women of Basilicata.

From Helene's list on why your family left Southern Italy a century ago.