First Italian school textbook dedicated to female literary voices

Johnny L. Bertolio, a professor at the University of Turin, has published a groundbreaking textbook called "Controcanone. La letteratura delle donne dalle origini ad oggi" through Loescher. This is the first Italian educational resource that focuses exclusively on female writers. It features notable figures like Caterina da Siena, Vittoria Colonna, and Alda Merini, while intentionally leaving out key male authors such as Dante and Leopardi. The book seeks to redefine Italian literary history by spotlighting overlooked women and lesser-known voices, following a chronological approach up to the 20th century. It introduces two themes for contemporary literature: migration and diversity. Additionally, it aligns with the UN's 2030 sustainable development goals throughout its chapters, as Bertolio describes it as a "counter-canon" for a more inclusive literary landscape.