Rediscovering Brianna Carafa: Psychoanalyst and Writer Praised by Calvino

Brianna Carafa, a writer and psychoanalyst hailing from a historic Neapolitan noble lineage, released two novels through Einaudi in the 1970s. Her debut, "La vita involontaria" (1975), garnered acclaim from Italo Calvino but placed last in that year's Strega Prize, which was awarded to Tommaso Landolfi. Carafa's second work, "Il ponte nel deserto" (1978), was published shortly before her passing at the age of 54. After being overlooked for many years, the novel was brought back into print by publisher Paolo Guazzo of Cliquot in August 2020, featuring a preface by Ilaria Gaspari. Gaspari’s introduction highlights Carafa’s noble heritage, including Pope Paul IV, and her father, Antonio Carafa d'Andria, a Goethe translator. The story's main character, Paolo Pintus, navigates Germanic settings echoing the works of authors like Heinrich Böll and Musil, infused with psychoanalytic themes. Additionally, Carafa co-founded the magazine "Montaggio" with psychoanalyst Mario Trevi and photographer Paolo Di Paolo, published poetry in 1957, and contributed to "Botteghe Oscure." She studied both architecture and psychology and maintained friendships with notable figures such as Angelo Maria Ripellino and Elsa Morante. A photograph by Di Paolo captures her alongside Giorgio de Chirico. Her legacy is preserved by her daughter, Fiammetta Carena.