Dacia Maraini is one of the most popular, praised, and translated Italian writers in Europe and the U.S.A.

A protagonist in the Italian literary scene since the 60's, Maraini has enriched it with novels, plays, poems and essays. Some of her best known works abroad include Woman at War (1975), considered a manifesto of the Italian feminist movement, Isolina (1985), a romanzo-verità on violence against women, The Silent Duchess (1990), a journey in the intense life of the mute Marianna Ucrìa, one of Maraini's Sicilian ancestors, and Voices (1994), a detective story whose background witnesses the so many unresolved
crimes against women.

As a playwright, Maraini produced collection of plays such as Il ricatto a teatro (1970), Maria Stuarda (1975), I sogni di Clitennestra (1981), Veronica, meretrice e scrittora (1991). Her rich dramatic production will be soon released in Italy as opera omnia.

Maraini's contribution to society and academia through her consistent participation in Italian TV programs and conferences in European and American universities, has not hindered her prolific activity as a writer. In 1997, the epistolary novel Dolce per se' was published and has already been translated in three countries, and in 1998 Se amando troppo, a collection of poems. Buio, twelve stories about child abuse, released in February of 1999, won the prestigious Italian literary prize, the Premio Strega in the Summer of 1999.

Her major role in the intellectual world cannot be overemphasized. Not only is Maraini's artistic production read and admired by scholars, educators and students, but her constant participation and personal involvement in the social and political changes undergone by the society around her also make her popular among a vast audience.

HRH 2.118 (Rainey Hall Lounge), 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

CAL 100, at 3:00 pm.