Susanna Tamaro

Susanna Tamaro, born in Trieste in 1957, is a prominent Italian novelist and film director renowned for her diverse contributions to literature and cinema. Tamaro’s early career was rooted in the film industry; she received a scholarship to study at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome, where she graduated with a diploma in direction in 1977. After working with director Salvatore Samperi and as a writer and editor in television, Tamaro began her literary journey with short stories in 1978. Her debut novel, *Illmitz*, completed in 1981, faced initial rejection but was finally published in 2013.

Tamaro’s literary breakthrough came with her 1989 novel *La testa fra le nuvole* (Head in the Clouds), which garnered acclaim and was followed by *Per voce sola* (Solo Voice) in 1991. This novel earned the International PEN prize and was praised by Federico Fellini for its emotional depth, likening it to the works of Dickens and Kafka. Tamaro also ventured into children’s literature with *Cuore di ciccia* in 1991, showcasing her versatility as an author.

Her most significant work, *Va’ dove ti porta il cuore* (Follow Your Heart), published in 1993, initially received mixed reviews but soon became a worldwide bestseller, selling 15 million copies by 2008. This novel, recognized as the best-selling Italian book of the 20th century, won the Premio Donna Città di Roma in 1994 and was adapted into a film by Cristina Comencini in 1996.

Despite the success of *Follow Your Heart*, Tamaro faced controversy with her 1997 novel *Anima Mundi*, which drew significant criticism. Her 1998 work, *Dear Matildha – I Can’t Wait for Man to Walk*, a collection of articles, continued her exploration of complex themes. Her 2001 novel *Raccontami*, and subsequent works like *Più fuoco, più vento* (2002) and *Fuori* (2003), further established her literary presence.

In recent years, Tamaro has delved into personal revelations and new projects. Her 2018 announcement of a book addressing her experiences with Asperger syndrome preceded the 2021 documentary *Inedita*, which explored her life and interests, including beekeeping and martial arts. Awards such as the Italo Calvino Prize, the International PEN prize, and the Strega Prize highlight her distinguished career and ongoing influence in literature.