The Postwoman

The debut novel of young Italian writer Francesca Giannone, which has become a literary sensation in Italy - over 700,000 copies sold, and rights sold in 41 countries.
The novel is based on the story of the author's great-grandmother, telling the life of Anna - a young woman from northern Italy who, in 1934, moved with her family to the south of the country, to her husband's homeland. Becoming the first female postman in Lizzanello, Anna challenges the patriarchal norms of society. For more than 20 years, first on foot and then by bicycle, she delivers important correspondence to the residents - including letters from soldiers at the front, postcards from those who have forever left Italy, and messages from secret lovers. Anna reads letters to the illiterate and even teaches them to read and write. Unbeknownst to her, the brave 'outsider' from the north will change much in the southern town and significantly influence the status of women there.
She was sure that love does not need a large number of rooms and locked doors: the first years after the wedding, she and Carlo lived in a three-room apartment with low ceilings and were happy. How happy they were there! Too much space increases the distance between hearts: how much joy do princesses have in their castles?
2023 - Bancarella Prize
2023 - Amo Questo Libro Prize
Quote
«You know, you are also part of the story of our love, — Angela suddenly said, her eyes sparkling with tears. — When I tell our story to the children, I will certainly mention the wonderful postwoman who brought me gifts from their father every Tuesday».