Susanna Tamaro is one of Italy’s most renowned contemporary authors, known for her emotionally charged and introspective writing style that resonates with readers around the globe. Born on December 12, 1957, in Trieste, Italy, Tamaro’s life and career have been marked by significant literary achievements, personal challenges, and a profound connection with her readers. Her most famous work, Va’ dove ti porta il cuore (Follow Your Heart), became an international bestseller, establishing her as a prominent voice in modern literature. This article explores the life, career, and legacy of Susanna Tamaro, providing a comprehensive overview of her journey from a young girl in Trieste to a celebrated author.
Early Life and Background
Susanna Tamaro was born into a distinguished family with deep cultural roots. Among her relatives was the famous writer Italo Svevo, the author of the classic novel La coscienza di Zeno (Zeno’s Conscience). Growing up in Trieste, Tamaro was exposed to literature from an early age, but her childhood was far from idyllic. Her parents separated shortly after her birth, leaving Tamaro and her two brothers in the care of their maternal grandmother. This early experience of familial disruption and the emotional challenges that followed would later become a central theme in her writing.
Despite these difficulties, Tamaro’s family was relatively affluent, which provided her with opportunities that were uncommon for many in post-war Italy. She developed a deep love for literature and excelled academically, particularly in the humanities. After completing her studies at a local high school in 1976, Tamaro moved to Rome, having earned a scholarship to attend the prestigious Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, Italy’s national film school.
The Early Career: Filmmaking and Writing
In Rome, Susanna Tamaro initially pursued a career in filmmaking. She graduated from the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia with a diploma in directing, producing a short animated film titled L’origine del giorno e della notte (The Origin of Day and Night), inspired by Inca mythology. During this period, Tamaro worked as an assistant director on various film projects, including those of the acclaimed director Salvatore Samperi. Her experiences in the film industry broadened her creative horizons and deepened her understanding of narrative and character development.
However, Tamaro’s true passion lay in writing. She began writing seriously in the early 1980s, although her initial efforts were met with little success. Her first novel, Illmitz, completed in 1981, was never published despite receiving praise from literary figures such as Claudio Magris. The manuscript was rejected by several publishing houses, a common experience for many aspiring authors. Undeterred, Tamaro continued to write while working in television as a documentary producer and scriptwriter, primarily for cultural and scientific programs.
Breakthrough: La testa fra le nuvole and Per voce sola
Susanna Tamaro’s breakthrough as a writer came in 1989 when she submitted a manuscript to Marsilio Editori, a publishing house looking to promote new Italian writers. The novel, La testa fra le nuvole (Head in the Clouds), was published that year and marked her debut in the literary world. The book, which explores themes of identity, disillusionment, and the search for meaning, was well-received, establishing Tamaro as a promising new voice in Italian literature.
Following the publication of La testa fra le nuvole, Tamaro moved to the Umbrian countryside near Orvieto, seeking a quieter life that would allow her to focus more on her writing. This move also marked the beginning of her long-standing connection with the region, where she would spend many years and draw inspiration for her subsequent works.
In 1991, Tamaro published her second novel, Per voce sola (For a Single Voice), which was largely overlooked by the public and critics despite the attention it received from prominent literary figures like Federico Fellini and Alberto Moravia. The book’s lack of commercial success, however, did not deter Tamaro. Instead, it spurred her to dig deeper into her own experiences and emotions, leading to the creation of her most famous work.
The Phenomenon of Va’ dove ti porta il cuore (Follow Your Heart)
In 1994, Susanna Tamaro achieved international fame with the publication of Va’ dove ti porta il cuore (Follow Your Heart). The novel, which takes the form of a long letter from a grandmother to her estranged granddaughter, struck a chord with readers worldwide. The story’s exploration of family dynamics, personal loss, and the search for truth and meaning in life resonated deeply, making it a global bestseller. The book sold over 14 million copies and was translated into numerous languages, cementing Tamaro’s place in the pantheon of contemporary literary greats.
The novel’s success was somewhat unexpected, especially given the initial lukewarm response from critics who dismissed it as overly sentimental. However, its universal themes and Tamaro’s ability to tap into the emotional currents of her readers ensured its lasting popularity. Va’ dove ti porta il cuore became more than just a book; it was a cultural phenomenon that inspired discussions about family, identity, and the importance of following one’s inner voice.
In 1996, the book was adapted into a film directed by Cristina Comencini, starring Virna Lisi, Margherita Buy, and Massimo Ghini. The movie brought the story to a wider audience, further solidifying Tamaro’s influence in the literary and cultural spheres.
Continued Success and Literary Evolution
Following the immense success of Va’ dove ti porta il cuore, Susanna Tamaro continued to write, though none of her subsequent works reached the same level of acclaim. In 1997, she published Anima Mundi, a novel that delves into existential questions and the darker aspects of human nature. Although it sold well, Anima Mundi did not achieve the same critical or commercial success as her previous work.
During this time, Tamaro also became a prominent figure in the Italian media landscape, often engaging in public debates on social and moral issues. Her writings increasingly reflected her strong opinions on topics such as euthanasia, abortion, and genetic engineering, aligning her with conservative Catholic views. This stance garnered both support and criticism, as Tamaro’s works began to take on a more didactic tone.
In 2006, she published Ascolta la mia voce (Listen to My Voice), a sequel to Va’ dove ti porta il cuore. The novel continued the story of the family introduced in her earlier work, addressing complex themes such as forgiveness, redemption, and the impact of the past on the present. Though it was successful, it did not capture the same widespread attention as its predecessor.
Later Works and Ventures into Film and Theater
Throughout the 2000s, Susanna Tamaro expanded her creative pursuits beyond literature. In 2005, she made her directorial debut with the film Nel mio amore (In My Love), which she also wrote and produced. The movie, based on her short story L’inferno non esiste (Hell Does Not Exist), marked her first foray into filmmaking since her early days in the industry. While the film did not achieve significant commercial success, it demonstrated Tamaro’s versatility as a storyteller.
Tamaro also ventured into theater, collaborating with songwriter Grazia Di Michele and writer Sandra Cisneros on various projects. Her ability to adapt her narrative style to different mediums underscored her creative agility and her commitment to exploring new forms of expression.
Personal Life and Withdrawal from Public Life
In 2019, on her 62nd birthday, Susanna Tamaro announced her decision to withdraw from public life to focus solely on writing. The decision was largely influenced by her diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome, a neurological condition that had increasingly affected her energy and ability to engage in public activities. Tamaro had revealed her condition in her 2018 book Il tuo sguardo illumina il mondo (Your Gaze Illuminates the World), a deeply personal reflection on her life and her friendship with the late poet Pierluigi Cappello.
Tamaro’s withdrawal from the public eye marked a significant shift in her life, as she chose to dedicate herself entirely to her writing and personal introspection. Her decision highlighted the challenges she faced in balancing her private struggles with the demands of a public career.
Legacy and Impact
Susanna Tamaro’s impact on Italian literature and culture is profound. Her ability to connect with readers on a deeply emotional level, combined with her exploration of universal themes such as love, loss, and the search for meaning, has earned her a lasting place in the literary canon. Her work continues to be studied and celebrated for its honest portrayal of the human experience and its capacity to inspire introspection and personal growth.
Tamaro’s advocacy for social and moral issues, particularly those aligned with Catholic teachings, has also made her a polarizing figure in Italy’s cultural landscape. Her willingness to speak out on controversial topics has sparked important conversations and added a layer of complexity to her public persona.
In addition to her literary achievements, Tamaro’s work in film, theater, and television has demonstrated her versatility and commitment to storytelling in all its forms. Whether through the written word, visual media, or the stage, Tamaro has consistently sought to engage her audience and provoke thoughtful reflection.
Conclusion
Susanna Tamaro’s journey from a young girl in Trieste to a best-selling author and cultural icon is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Her ability to capture the essence of human emotion and translate it into compelling narratives has made her one of Italy’s most beloved authors. As she continues to write and reflect on her experiences, Tamaro’s legacy as a writer and thinker will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations to explore the depths of their own hearts and minds.
