Draft:The Cursed Friend (novel)

The Cursed Friend (La Malnata) is the debut novel of the Italian author Beatrice Salvioni (born 1995). The novel is set in Monza, Lombardy, in 1936 and follows the story of Francesca, a young girl from a respectable family who forms an unlikely friendship with the rumored "cursed" girl, Maddalena. Against the backdrop of Mussolini's war in Ethiopia, Salvioni weaves a tale of friendship, rebellion, and the struggles of adolescence. The Cursed Friend received critical acclaim for its fresh perspective on girlhood, youth, and resilience, drawing comparisons to acclaimed author Elena Ferrante.

Salvioni's narrative intertwines personal and universal elements, set against the backdrop of Monza, her hometown, transformed into a fascist-era city. The story's universal appeal lies in its exploration of female identity and friendship, resonating with readers beyond Italy's borders. Moreover, the novel addresses feminist themes, promoting universal sisterhood and giving voice to the oppressed, as noted by Italian writer Vera Gheno. Salvioni's personal connection to the story enhances its authenticity, with elements of her childhood mapped onto the characters' journeys. Salvioni has said to have "applied the map of her childhood to the routes that Francesca (Malnata's friend) takes in the novel." She has also revealed: "I was very much Francesca, obsessed with the idea of being a good girl (...) and it was only later that I learned to be Malnata."

Critical Reception

Upon its release, The Cursed Friend quickly became a bestseller in Italy, and the rights to translate the novel were sold to nearly 30 countries even before its publication. By the end of March 2024, it had been released in 28 different countries, including France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Czechia, Turkey, The United States, and Russia. Critics have praised Salvioni's writing style for its maturity and rhythm, despite her young age. La Repubblica hailed Salvioni's "astonishingly mature" writing and her "unerring sense of rhythm."

The novel will also be adapted into a television series.

About the author

Beatrice Salvioni was born in Monza and currently resides in Turin, Italy. She holds a master's degree in modern philology from the Catholic University of Milan. Salvioni graduated from the Scuola Holden and gained recognition by winning the 2021 Italo Calvino Prize for short stories. In 2021 she was also awarded "The Young Storyteller Of The Year" Raduga Prize.