High School Students Experience Book Fair Journey: From Reno to Carrisi to Gaza's Tragedy
At the book-lovers' hub in Turin, the Turin Book Fair, high school students are pulling double duty as journalists, reporting on the happenings from their unique, insightful perspective. Here are four buzzing updates from day three of the fair.
Jean Reno and Donato Carrisi crossed paths as authors and men who've poured their souls into the pages. Each presented intriguing novels with contrasting narratives – Emma by Reno and The House of Silences by Carrisi – yet, their stories shared a common thread: they touch hearts, stir emotions, and offer solace during the darkest moments in life.
For Reno, his muse was a woman he spotted in Brittany. As an imaginary figure, she transformed into Emma, a silent, intense masseuse. Born during the pandemic, Emma became his lifeline, helping him forget the reality of his mortality. "She walks beside me still," Reno confessed. Oman, with its mystical sea and rich history, serves as the setting for this dreamlike tale where reality and imagination seamlessly intertwine.
In contrast, Carrisi whisks readers to a tourist-free Florence, revealing the city's intimacy and discomfort. The House of Silences is a product of Carrisi's desire to explore pain, a pain that doesn't loom outside him but resides deep within. By acknowledging this inner evil, he believes one can exorcise it, much like he does in his stories. "I write about people, not good or bad ones. Characters are never sacred," he noted. Writing, for him, has been an emotional refuge, helping keep him afloat. Similarly, Jean praised the bond between writing and reading as a "medical friend." Two voices, two writing styles. Yet, the same yearning: to slow time, to give a name to fear, to discover meaning, even for a brief moment.
In the Golden Room of the Turin Book Fair, Luciana Littizzetto held a conversation with comedians Federico Basso, Nuzzo, and Di Biase, alongside content creator Francesca Crescentini (@tegamini), focusing on the art of telling family stories on social media. Laughter and authenticity were the order of the day as each shared their unique way of engaging with their audience, from Federico's post-it notes from his partner Sonia, Nuzzo and Di Biase's real-life couple adventures with their basset hound Oliver, to Francesca's child-centric anecdotes. The consensus was unanimous – the key is crafting content with spontaneity and originality.
In Teresa Ciabatti's Donnaregina, the encounter between a camorrist boss 'o Nasone and a journalist yields a novel that challenges the ideals of good and evil. Character growth and transformation form the core of the narrative, with even the antagonist evolving. For Ciabatti, journalism serves as a means to explore people's complexities, including their capacity for change. Writing, as she put it, means excluding one's thoughts to focus on the stories that deserve to become a novel.
Lastly, authors Paola Caridi and Francesca Mannocchi unveiled their books Jerusalem and On My Land at the Turin Book Fair, addressing the tragedy of Gaza. They spoke of a suffocating atmosphere caused by political tension and Israeli control, and the need for action to improve the lives of the people living there. "Hope can be irresponsible," Mannocchi said, inviting readers to express their discontent by taking to the streets.
Stay tuned for more updates from the Turin Book Fair, as these young journalists continue their explorations and bring you stories that matter.
Turin Book Fair 2025 gears up to unfold from May 15 to 19 at Lingotto Fiere. Here's what you can expect from this literary extravaganza:
- The XXXVII edition's theme: focuses on "Words fall lightly," highlighting the power of storytelling and reading.
- Participation by the Civil Protection Department: Holding a booth in Pavilion 3 – Stand S22, this booth will feature exhibitions and discussions on emergencies and civil protection.
- Talks and discussions: Engage in talks and debates with screenwriters, journalists, experts, and photographers, covering a range of topics.
- Ministry of Culture Program: Collaborating with the Center for Books and Reading to focus on young people, territories, and inclusion.
- Opening Event: Commences on Thursday, May 15th at 11:30, in the Auditorium Agnelli.
Keep an eye out for these highlights and more at the Turin Book Fair 2025!
- The discussions at the Turin Book Fair 2025, under the theme "Words fall lightly," will cover various topics, including storytelling and reading.
- In addition to literature, the event will also include a booth by the Civil Protection Department, featuring exhibitions and discussions on emergencies and civil protection.
- Visitors can engage in talks and debates with screenwriters, journalists, experts, and photographers as part of the Turin Book Fair 2025.
- The Ministry of Culture Program will collaborate with the Center for Books and Reading, focusing on young people, territories, and inclusion at this year's fair.
