This Body That Inhabits Me

This collection of essays offers profound insights into the human body, blending Rossanda's political views with feminist thought in This Body That Inhabits Me.

In This Body That Inhabits Me, Rossana Rossanda, a prominent figure in post-war Italian intellectual life, explores the complexities of the human body through a series of thought-provoking essays. As a key player in the Italian Communist Party's cultural landscape, Rossanda offers a unique perspective that intertwines her political beliefs with a deep examination of bodily experiences. The essays delve into themes of aging, gender, and self-examination, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships with their bodies.

The collection is enriched by Rossanda's longstanding engagement with the Italian women's movement, particularly her interactions with feminist writer Lea Melandri, who provides an insightful afterword. This dialogue between communist and feminist thought creates a space for honest exploration of the body as a site of personal and political significance. Rossanda's reflections range widely, touching on topics as diverse as her own hands, the influence of Chinese cinema, and historical figures like Nadezhda Durova and Theroigne de Mericourt.

This Body That Inhabits Me serves not only as a testament to Rossanda's intellectual prowess but also as an invitation for readers to consider the body as a central question of human existence. Through her fierce intellect and extensive knowledge, Rossanda challenges us to confront our own bodily experiences within the broader context of societal norms and expectations.