Your Little Matter

In Your Little Matter, Maria Grazia Calandrone unearths her mother's painful past, revealing the struggles of marginalized women in 1960s Italy and the quest for personal liberation.

Set against the backdrop of 1960s Italy, Your Little Matter presents a poignant narrative that explores themes of motherhood, abandonment, and the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. The story begins in Rome during 1965, where a couple, ostracized by their community, makes the heart-wrenching decision to leave their eight-month-old daughter in the Villa Borghese. This act of desperation sets the stage for a profound investigation into the past, as the author, Maria Grazia Calandrone, embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her origins and the circumstances surrounding her abandonment.

In 2021, Calandrone revisits the places that shaped her mother’s life, revealing the harsh realities faced by marginalized women from Southern Italy. Through her exploration, Your Little Matter transforms into an intimate reconstruction of her mother’s life, shedding light on the societal factors that contributed to her tragic choices. The narrative intertwines personal history with broader social commentary, emphasizing the institutional neglect that often leads to such heartbreak.

Ultimately, this book serves not only as a personal memoir but also as a powerful critique of societal indifference. It illustrates how the relentless pursuit of personal agency can lead to liberation from societal constraints. Your Little Matter is a testament to resilience and the quest for understanding, making it a vital contribution to discussions about women's rights and social justice in Italy. The book was also shortlisted for the 2023 Premio Strega.