AUR professor Anna Balzarro has recently published her latest novel "Insostanziale azzurro." This historical narrative intricately weaves the personal journeys of three young women in 1953—a year marked by three pivotal events - the death of Stalin, the controversial trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, and a chance encounter with poet Sylvia Plath.
"Insostanziale azzurro" delves into themes of political upheaval, social change, and the quest for female emancipation during the early 1950s. The narrative follows Armida Campana, a pioneering Italian scout leader; Liliana Battistini, an enthusiastic member of the Italian Communist Party; and Sylvia Plath, the American poet navigating her early literary career. Their intertwined stories offer a poignant exploration of courage and resilience amid societal transformation.
Professor Balzarro, who teaches Italian language and culture at AUR and serves as director of the Istituto Romano per la Storia d'Italia dal Fascismo alla Resistenza (IRSIFAR), brings a profound historical insight to this work. Her previous novel, "Un anno a giugno," received first prize in the published fiction category of the Premio Internazionale di Poesia e Narrativa "Lord Byron Porto Venere Golfo dei Poeti." This novel continues the poetic theme, with the novel's title, inspired by a line from Sylvia Plath's poem "Ariel," reflecting the ethereal and introspective nature of the prose.
All at AUR wish to extend their congratulations for producing this fascinating and enriching publication. Professor Balzarro's historical scholarship and storytelling skills add real value to the academic and cultural fabric of our university.
"Insostanziale azzurro" is published by Dei Merangoli Editrice and available online from Feltrinelli here.