Silvia Avallone is the winner of the 95th edition of the Viareggio-Rèpaci Literary Prize for the narrative category with “Cuore nero” (Rizzoli), “a mature and powerful novel”, already sold in 17 countries, which foreign publishers have hailed as a masterpiece.
Avallone’s victory was announced by the president of the jury Paolo Mieli who presented the author with the prestigious award. “‘Cuore nero’ is dedicated to the many encounters without which I would not have written this book. I received so much humanity, it’s what happens when we leave home, read books, go to places where we are most needed: we must leave home and go to wounded places”, said the writer from the stage. “I entered a real male juvenile prison in Bologna which then allowed me to invent the female one in this novel. I saw teachers, educators, people who really take the kids by the hand. And we must give the kids words, hope and dreams. Let’s trust everyone, we are long stories, we are not just a moment”.
“I am very happy and honored that ‘Cuore nero’ has won such a prestigious and historic award as the Viareggio – continued Avallone – It is a novel that I care about in a special way, because it taught me the strength of human relationships against all evil. I am grateful to the jury and to this wonderful, fervent city”.
“Every year I am struck by the extraordinary participation of the public that grows with each edition”, said Mieli, making an appointment for the 2025 edition. “A success that encourages us to continue in this direction, also in view of the great celebrations for the completion of the century of the Prize. The Viareggio-Rèpaci is not only a historic recognition, but also one of a kind. The proposal of the three categories, poetry, essays and narrative, allows us to offer the public many quality novelties of our literary panorama, and to bring books and people closer, even physically. It is an award for writers – who are the absolute protagonists – but intended above all for readers”, concluded Mieli together with the vice president of the jury Leonardo Colombati.
The other finalists for fiction were also protagonists during the awards ceremony hosted by Tg1 journalist Monia Venturini – Federica De Paolis with “Da parte di madre” (Feltrinelli) and Marco Lodoli with “Tanto poco” (Einaudi) – in addition to the winners Stefano Dal Bianco with “Paradiso” (Garzanti) for poetry, and Vincenzo Trione with “Prologo celeste” (Einaudi) for non-fiction.
And again, the special prizes Anita Likmeta (International Prize “Viareggio-Versilia” with “Le favole del comunismo”, Marsilio Editori), Alice Valeria Oliveri (First Work Prize for Sabato Champagne, Solferino edition) and the director of Radio Radicale Giovanna Reanda (Journalistic Prize). During the final ceremony there was no shortage of ironic incursions by Riccardo Rossi, special guest of the final, who with his verve enthralled the audience in Piazza Mazzini.