Women of the Shadows

By Ann Cornelisen,

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

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

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

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.

Want books like Women of the Shadows?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Women of the Shadows.

Browse books like Women of the Shadows

Book cover of Christ Stopped at Eboli: The Story of a Year
Book cover of The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna
Book cover of Stolen Figs: And Other Adventures in Calabria

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,188

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in women, Italy, and the Age of Enlightenment?

Women 649 books
Italy 410 books