The winner of the prize awarded in Venice speaks. “I didn’t expect this success. My novel is the mirror of a generation detached from political commitment “
Can we call her a “geek”? Maybe yes. Of course, there is a lot more to the personality of Giulia Caminito, 33 years old from Rome, graduated in Political Philosophy, only daughter of parents both former librarians, winner of the 59th edition of the Campiello Prize with the novel The lake water is never sweet (Bompiani). «I didn’t expect it – he says – The juries, especially the popular ones, are unpredictable». And it is already projected towards other commitments, including the (“still nebulous”) idea of the next book.
It is true that Caminito’s life is steeped in culture and application: reading, writing (“what I like best”), studies, bibliographical research, various collaborations. In addition to his activity as editor for Giulio Perrone publisher. Extra passions? “Theater and cinema”. There is no place for frivolous ramblings. It should be added that in this period health does not support it. «Yes, I’m forced to slow down – she confides – My legs are sore and can’t hold up. The diagnosis is still unclear. The fact is that I came to Venice for the final of the Prize, but with a lot of effort ». Well rewarded, given the success of his novel. Let’s talk about.
The protagonists are mother and daughter, Antonia and Gaia. Conflicting relationship. The first demanding, the second rebellious. Gaia aspires to a better life. She is stubborn, studious, but looks at the comforts and consumerist rituals of well-off schoolmates and classmates. For her, Antonia has another type of ransom in mind.
“Basically, it’s the social elevator that the mother hasn’t had access to. For the daughter, on the other hand, an individualist, she also lasts with herself and her adolescent body that she doesn’t like, other things count. It is the mirror of a generation detached from commitment and political anger ».
How much of Giulia Caminito is in the figure of Gaia?
“Fortunately my family is different. It is also true, however, that if I look at adolescence, at the desires of the time, when we exchanged t-shirts between friends, I find myself in the hallway and in the desires of small coasters. Also, I see myself in some character traits. Today it is different. It seems to me that on the part of the girls there is awakening, awareness ».
Graduated in Political Philosophy, she declared that she was very disappointed by politics, by the concrete action of those who represent us.
“Yes, totally. I only see inconclusiveness, I find no application of everything I have studied. What a disappointment!”.
Wouldn’t she get involved?
“I am on the left, I would say extreme, but certainly not up to running for positions of representation. My commitment in prisons and schools is enough for me ».
He also dedicated his victory to Campiello to women, hoping that they can read and write anywhere in the world.
“It is an idea shared with the other finalist author, Carmen Pellegrino, considering what happens in some countries. But be careful: you should never take anything for granted. In Italy, in order to remain in our area, women have achieved a lot. However, we need to be vigilant, critical and not superficial. It doesn’t take much to go back ».
September 5, 2021 (change September 5, 2021 | 16:18)
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