Maria Novella Viganò's debut novel has an important name, which means many things. It is entitled The superb one and Solferino publishes it in the series Frescoes.

by Isabella Fava – Photo: Julian Hargreaves

The book tells the story of a family spanning three generations, from the late 19th century to the present, of the knitwear factory they manage to grow, and of a large villa in the heart of Brianza that serves as a refuge and a memory.

“"It's a fictional story, but it stems from an autobiographical memory," explains the author. "My great-grandparents had built a knitwear factory from scratch, and I wanted to fictionalize their story, which I'd heard my grandmother tell so many times. Above all, I wanted to restore some poetry and beauty to a narrative steeped in regret.".

It's a saga that tells the story of a family but also of the history of Italy.

“I was fascinated by the idea of bringing the great events and great figures of Italy into the world through the back door through the experiences of ordinary people. And showing how these then influenced lives, changes, the economy.”.

Lucia and Corrado, the founders, were exceptional people for that period.

“Lucia, in particular, is extremely modern. She takes care of the factory and the workers, has innovative ideas, and is concerned about the well-being of those who work with her. This is why she consults with Anna Kuliscioff, one of the founders of the Italian Socialist Party. And then she chooses to send her young children to boarding school to give them independence and broaden their horizons.

Why Anna Kuliscioff?

“It seemed right to introduce such an important character for women. The novel's protagonist is inspired by my great-grandmother, who was a militant socialist and, when she could, supported financially some of Kuliscioff's projects.”.

There are the two wars with their difficulties. And many curiosities, such as the worker nuns who enter the story at a certain point.

“"In the early 1900s, they were employed in many Italian businesses. While doing research, I spoke with some of them, now very elderly, who actually worked in the knitwear factory. They were part of a congregation, which still exists, founded in Botticino Sera by Don Tadini to protect young women who left the village to work in the spinning mills. They are called workers because the idea was that the sweat of one's brow brings one closer to Jesus.".

E The Superb?

“"It's the house that holds all the generations together. A character herself, she ultimately transforms into a world.".

What did writing this book, diving into the complicated lives of Lucia and Corrado, Marco and Elena, Adele and Alvise, to name a few, inspire you to do?

“The knowledge that no matter what happens, there are always alternatives.”.