Susanna Tamaro

Susanna Tamaro was born in Trieste, Italy, on December 12, 1957. Her early life was marked by her Jewish heritage on her mother’s side, and she is a distant relative of writer Italo Svevo. She described a complex family dynamic, which later influenced her work. Tamaro pursued her education at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome, where she earned a diploma in film direction in 1977. This academic background led her to work with director Salvatore Samperi and on various projects within the television industry for several years, contributing as both a writer and editor in the early stages of her career.

Tamaro began writing short stories in 1978. Her first novel, “Illmitz,” was completed in 1981 but was initially rejected by publishers, eventually seeing publication in 2013. Her writing career gained traction with the publication of “La testa fra le nuvole” (Head in the Clouds) in 1989. Two years later, in 1991, her second novel, “Per voce sola” (Solo Voice), earned her the International PEN prize and was translated into multiple languages, signifying her growing international recognition. She also penned a children’s book, “Cuore di ciccia,” in 1991, showcasing her versatility as an author.

A significant milestone in Tamaro’s career was her 1993 novel, “Va’ dove ti porta il cuore” (Follow Your Heart). Despite initial mixed critical reception, the book achieved immense commercial success, selling 15 million copies by 2008 and being translated into 44 languages. It was recognized with the Premio Donna Città di Roma award in 1994 and was later adapted into a film of the same name by director Cristina Comencini in 1996. Tamaro continued to release numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, exploring diverse themes and solidifying her status as a prolific and influential Italian writer. In 2018, she publicly discussed her experience with Asperger syndrome, a topic she explored further in her subsequent book, “Il tuo sguardo illumina il mondo.”