- This debut Italian novel is so good. We’re in Fascist Italy in the 1930’s, and no-one is resisting Mussolini. In fact they idolise him, treating him almost as a new Jesus. Italians at that time were hook, line and sinker into the Fascist regime. They particularly liked their colonial war against the rebellious Ethiopians in Africa. Young men were desperate to sign up and be sent to fight them.
- Except for two teenage girls, Maddalena and her new friend Francesca. From a very early age Maddalena is rebellious and strong. She hates the fascists and everything about Italian society at that time. She absolutely refuses to obey her teachers at school who demand the students stand and give the Fascist salute at the beginning of every lesson. Maddalena continues to sit. Eventually she is expelled.
- The citizens of the small city of Monza in Northern Italy are so gullible. They’ll believe anything, follow anybody, desperately needing comfort. Mussolini provides it. And what is so appalling is the absolute obedience of the women to the dictates of the men. They must keep their place - the kitchen and the bed - and never express any political or social opinion that differs from their husbands or parents. Francesca's mother is abhorrent. She will tolerate no disobedience from her daughter, no matter how minor.
- The citizens of the small city of Monza in Northern Italy are so gullible. They’ll believe anything, follow anybody, desperately needing comfort. Mussolini provides it. And what is so appalling is the absolute obedience of the women to the dictates of the men. They must keep their place - the kitchen and the bed - and never express any political or social opinion that differs from their husbands or parents. Francesca's mother is abhorrent. She will tolerate no disobedience from her daughter, no matter how minor.
- However Francesca is inspired by Maddalena's intelligence and character, and she resents her own captivity. When Maddalena's brother is killed in Ethiopia, and when a violent young man from a rich family sexually abuses Francesca, they both commit to vengeance.
- There are other young friends who side with them so the tensions in the town build to a climax. The resolution is very satisfactory.
- Interestingly, The Prologue at the beginning of the novel is really the conclusion. What meant little when first read means so much more when re-read.
(The title of the Italian version of the novel is La Malnata, literally meaning 'The Born Wrong'. It refers to Maddalena. The translator, Elena Pala, and her English publishers opted for ‘The Cursed Friend’. To me that just doesn't do it. It has no resonance or power at all. The English edition should be called Born Wrong)
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