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Honoring the pathblazers who preceded her, Francesca Giannone, championing parity and fairness.

A work penned by Francesca Giannone, titled 'The Postwoman', narrates the story of a woman challenging societal norms in 1930s Italy by adopting a 'male' role. This novel gained significant popularity, selling extensively, and was translated into numerous languages, including Russian. It...

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Honoring the pathblazers who preceded her, Francesca Giannone, championing parity and fairness.

Rewritten:

The smash-hit debut novel "The Postwoman" from Italian author Francesca Giannone has taken the literary world by storm. This riveting tale, based on the life of the author's trailblazing grandmother, stormed the Italian charts, winning prestigious awards - Bancarella and Amo Questo Libro. It's already made a splash in Russia and is set to hit bookshelves in 36 additional countries.

At its core, the novel tells the gripping story of a woman who boldly challenged the patriarchy by becoming Italy's first female mail carrier in the 1930s. In a time when the profession of postman was strictly male-dominated, Italian women were expected to stick to household chores and wear traditional attire.

Giannone's heroine, much like her inspiration, fearlessly defied societal norms. She continuously made her own decisions and choosing her profession was far from her most revolutionary act. "The Postwoman" is a novel bursting with courage, optimism, the importance of education, female determination, and a profound love for life. Literary critic Natalia Lomykina of our website had the pleasure of chatting with Francesca Giannone about the enduring impact of stories about women fighting for independence and equality, almost a century later.

  • You can't deny that your novel "The Postwoman" is inspired by the remarkable life of your grandmother Anna. What was it about her life and character that prompted you to tell her story in a book?
  • Anna's story truly found me. I stumbled upon a nearly century-old business card belonging to Anna, along with letters, postcards, photos, and documents, in a long-forgotten drawer at my parents' house. That's when I knew: here's a story that needs to be shared. As I delved deeper into my great-grandmother's life, I uncovered an extraordinary woman. A woman who challenged the masculine and patriarchal society of the 1930s, which sought to confine women to traditional roles and deprived them of access to most professions. My great-grandmother rebelled against all of this and became the first woman in Italy to make a living as a postwoman.
  • The story tackles several important themes, including women's rights, female independence, and the battle against domestic violence. Do you think the situation for women's rights in Italy has improved since your great-grandmother's time, or are there still pressing issues?
  • While the legal status of women has undeniably improved in the past century, there is still a long way to go. Just a year before my birth, Italy's "honor killing" law – which allowed men to murder wives, daughters, or sisters for infidelity – was only abolished. The right to abortion was introduced in 1978, and family law was reformed in 1975, establishing the equality of spouses for the first time. The "head of the family" model – which granted the man ultimate power – wasn't struck down until 1942! These developments are difficult to even imagine in today's world, aren't they? Yet, they were the reality just a short 40 years ago.
  • Italy is currently grappling with a real social crisis. In 2024, 113 women became victims of femicide, meaning a woman was killed every 72 hours. Eradicating the patriarchal culture that leads men to view women as their property is no easy task.
  • Anna created a safe haven for women, but not just a refuge. In her Women's House, she taught them to read and write and helped them develop practical skills, understanding that education and economic independence are vital for a woman to feel and be truly free. I firmly believe in the power of sisterhood – that supportive bond among women, where we stand up for each other and never undermine one another.
  • How do you respond when people tell you "you can't do it"?
  • Like Anna did when told she couldn't be a postwoman. She confidently responded, "not yet" – and nothing could deter her from following her dreams. No one has the right to tell us what we can or can't do, or limit our potential to become who we want to be.
  • Your characters, like Shakespeare's, often find themselves torn between their hearts and their duties, and pride often plays a crucial role. Is pride a national trait for Italian women?
  • I think we all struggle with this dilemma, regardless of our gender. However, in the context of "The Postwoman," pride arises from a deep-rooted sense of family belonging, which has long been characteristic of southern Italy. For the sake of family honor and blood ties, my characters are willing to sacrifice even their own happiness.
  • What do women need today to more confidently assert their rights?
  • Above all, we need consciousness. It's essential to remember the path that led us to our current position and remember the sacrifices of the women who came before us. We must be vigilant and refuse to step back when our rights are threatened, as unfortunately continues to happen.
  • This conscious decision was made to avoid delving too deeply into fascism and World War II, so as not to overshadow the main characters' stories, risking turning the book into a history lesson. "The Postwoman" is about ordinary people and their extraordinary lives, impacted by the events surrounding them.
  • Food and wine are central to the novel, encapsulating the essence of Italy for many readers. I have a question about the cuisine: why did Anna's defining ritual, her symbol, become the preparation of pesto?
  • When Anna left her homeland, Liguria, to follow her husband to Apulia, she took very little with her. Among her few belongings were basil seeds and a mortar that belonged to her great-grandmother. The moment she arrived in her new home, she didn't bother unpacking, but planted the basil seeds in the garden. For Anna, making pesto was a way to maintain a connection to her roots, to feel a sense of belonging in a foreign land, where she grappled to find her identity. A means to connect with herself.
  • What kinds of food do you and your family cook and eat?
  • I may not be much of a cook, but I am a passionate eater! Food plays a significant role in my home region of Apulia, serving as a means of connection and communication. In my community, cooking is a way to care for the people you love, and sharing a meal is a form of love. Fortunately, I have a wonderful young man in my life, who excels at cooking, taking care of that part of our home.
  • Is the modern-day culinary and cultural rivalry between North and South Italy, as depicted in your novel, still prevalent?
  • No, it's a thing of the past. Each region in Italy has its own unique dishes and signature products, and their diversity is a source of national pride. I'm fortunate to live in a country where delicious food is easy to find!
  • Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all the latest book recommendations, reviews, and author interviews! "The Postwoman" has been celebrated for its authenticity and emotional depth, earning it numerous accolades. As Giannone begins work on her next novels, we eagerly await what this promising talent has in store for us.
  • The success of Francesca Giannone's debut novel, "The Postwoman," has captured the attention of various women's health and lifestyle magazines, including Forbes Woman and health-and-wellness publications worldwide.
  • The narrative of "The Postwoman" instills a sense of mental health awareness, encouraging readers to address societal norms and question the structures that once prevented women from pursuing their dreams.
  • The novel's protagonist, much like many modern-day women, battles with personal struggles and unfavorable circumstances, leading to a thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of women's health, mental health, and lifestyle choices.
  • With the rise of science and technology, food and drink choices have taken center stage in womens' health and lifestyle discussions, as seen in Giannone's portrayal of Anna's defining ritual, the preparation of pesto, in her quest for identity and self-love.
  • As "The Postwoman" continues to inspire readers across the globe, Giannone is eager to sign more copies and meet her admirers, leaving ink-etched reminders of her grandmother's powerful story and resilient spirit.
  • In addition to her continued success in publishing, Giannone's dedication to instilling empowerment and advocating for women's rights has extended to her role as a postwoman in real life, delivering messages of hope and determination to many homes throughout Italy.
Woman Author Francesca Giannone Penned 'The Mail Carrier', a Novel About a Female Character Breaking 1930s Italian Social Norms by Adopting a Male Profession. The Book Gained Popularity and Was Translated Into Multiple Languages, Including Russian. Critics' Appraisal Followed.

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