Forbidden Notebook

Valeria Cossati buys a notebook and starts keeping a diary in secret, recording her concerns about her daughter, the domestic routine, and her fears of her husband discovering her new habit. This leads to her awakening to her true thoughts and desires, a captivating feminist classic of domestic discontent in postwar Rome.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2024
Publisher: Pushkin Press

Valeria Cossati, on her way to run an errand, succumbs to a sudden urge and purchases a sleek black notebook. She begins keeping a secret diary, documenting her concerns about her daughter, the never-ending cycle of household chores, and her fears that her husband will uncover her new habit. As she delves deeper into her inner self, Valeria uncovers profound dissatisfaction and restlessness. Through her writings, she challenges the roles that have defined her as a wife, mother, and daughter, dismantling the boundaries that have confined her.

Forbidden Notebook, a rediscovered gem of Italian literature, is now presented in a new translation by the renowned Ann Goldstein, accompanied by a foreword by Jhumpa Lahiri. This captivating feminist classic tells the intimate and haunting story of domestic discontent in postwar Rome, following the journey of one woman as she awakens to her true thoughts and desires.

Valeria's notebook becomes a vessel for her deepest emotions, a place where she can express her frustrations and desires without fear of judgment. As she writes, she sheds the masks she has worn for years, revealing her true self to herself. The diary becomes a catalyst for change, as Valeria begins to question the conventions and expectations that have shaped her life.

Through her writings, Valeria connects with other women who are experiencing similar struggles. She finds solace in their shared experiences and begins to build a community of support and understanding. The notebook becomes a tool for empowerment, as Valeria realizes that she has the power to shape her own destiny and create a life that is true to her values.

As the diary continues to grow, Valeria's husband eventually discovers her secret. At first, he is shocked and hurt by her revelations, but as he reads more, he begins to understand her perspective. He realizes that Valeria has been struggling with feelings of dissatisfaction and that her writing has been a way for her to express herself.

In the aftermath of the discovery, Valeria and her husband engage in a transformative conversation. They confront their past mistakes and embrace the opportunity to grow together. Valeria's diary becomes a symbol of their healing and growth, a testament to the power of self-expression and the importance of communication.

In conclusion, Forbidden Notebook is a powerful and evocative story that explores the complexities of domestic life and the journey of self-discovery. Through the intimate voice of Valeria Cossati, the book offers a poignant reflection on the roles we play in our lives and the courage it takes to break free from the expectations that define us. This feminist classic is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of happiness.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 198 x 128 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782278221