She says there's a definition that gives her convulsions: "When someone in literature defines Sardinia as magical and ancestral . A format for hit-and-run tourists, a short-vacation fantasy." And perhaps it's because there's absolutely no mention of magical and ancestral Sardinia in her latest novel, "La sonnambula," published by Bompiani, that Bianca Pitzorno yesterday in Rome stood out among the 79 candidates for the 2026 Strega Prize, entering forcefully and rightfully among the dozen titles that will compete for the grand finale of Italy's most prestigious book competition.

Born in Sassari in 1942, with a monumental career (who doesn't have a book of his at home? Whether from his early years, dedicated to children, or his later years, aimed at an adult audience), his success was well predicted from the moment his latest work was released. "With this book, he will certainly fly to the Strega," was the immediate buzz in publishing circles. And that prediction came to fruition yesterday, as Melania Mazzucco announced it during the official ceremony in Rome, watched by the director of the Bellonci Foundation, Stefano Petrocchi.

Bianca, let's ask our readers to forgive us for being informal, but it would be hypocritical to do otherwise. Did you expect to overcome the first hurdle of such numerous and high-quality competition?

"No, honestly, I'm surprised. Happily surprised. There were so many of us, almost eighty. It was considerable and worthy competition. But above all, there's one thing to keep in mind."

Which?

It's not easy to gain the approval of a large and qualified steering committee—they're the ones who decide the dozen—like the Strega Prize. Imagine now getting to the final five. The jury is large and diverse. In the end, 800 people have to judge your book, and it's no easy feat to satisfy the majority.

It must be said, however, that your “La sonnambula” immediately achieved sales success and therefore widespread approval among readers.

"Yes, that's true. And I'm very happy and proud of that. Over 40,000 copies sold, four editions released to date. We debuted in January with a first-place ranking in the Italian novel charts. For several weeks, the book was among the bestsellers."

Why do you think?

Precisely because it doesn't tell the story of a "magical and ancestral Sardinia." Rather, it tells the story of an island that most non-Sardinian readers wouldn't expect. They're accustomed as they are to a stereotypical narrative or one focused exclusively on our agricultural and pastoral world, which, let's be clear, had its own narrative dignity. Therefore, it's evidently striking to learn about our nineteenth-century bourgeois and urban reality.

There's a huge fan base for you. And many would like to see you in the final. Have you considered the fact that all this is happening in the centenary year of Grazia Deledda's Nobel Prize?

"Ah! I hadn't thought of that. And yes, it's true! But please, let's not make comparisons with the immense Deledda. Come on, what a coincidence. Although it must be said that Grazia will then collect the Nobel Prize in 1927, God forbid it would bring me luck. That would be wonderful."

And now, dear Bianca, how are you experiencing it?

"I'm receiving many expressions of appreciation. It's a pleasure. And from now on, I'll live it like a great adventure. Yes, exactly, an adventure. I'm living this moment happily, but I'll live happily even without the Strega."

Francis Abbot

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