A new book titled "Le vent du Sirocco / Vento di Scirocco" by Alfonso Campisi, a professor at the University of Manouba's Faculty of Letters, Arts, and Humanities, has been released. The bilingual book, published by Hkeyet, combines family archives, epistolary novel, and urban chronicle to shed light on a lesser-known chapter in Tunisian-Italian history. The book tells the story of Lucia Campisi, the author's great-aunt, an Italian woman who settled in Tunisia in 1908.
Lucia Campisi, one of the first female pharmacists in Tunisia, lived at 98 rue Bab Souika and defied conventions to serve her community. Her story is woven through a series of letters that not only recount her life but also paint a vivid picture of Tunis at the beginning of the 20th century. The book offers a unique perspective on the city's history, highlighting the coexistence of different communities, including Tunisian Muslims and Jews, Sicilians, Italians, and French.
The book's author, Alfonso Campisi, has successfully merged intimate history with grand historical events. Through Lucia's letters, the reader is transported to a bygone era, where the daily lives of people from different backgrounds intersected. The narrative is rich in detail, bringing to life the vibrant neighborhood of Bab Souika, where Lucia's pharmacy served as a hub for community life.
Campisi's work is not just a biography, but a chronicle of Tunis since 1900. The book provides a fascinating glimpse into the social, sanitary, and political changes that took place in the city during the Regency of Tunis. By exploring Lucia's experiences, the author has created a sense of nostalgia for a lost era, while also highlighting the complexities of cultural coexistence.
The book's release is set to coincide with a presentation and book signing event at Dar El Jeld in the Medina of Tunis on October 11. This event will provide an opportunity for readers to meet the author and learn more about his work. The book's bilingual format makes it accessible to a wide range of readers, both in French and Italian.
"Le vent du Sirocco / Vento di Scirocco" is a significant contribution to the literary and historical landscape of Tunisia. By exploring the intersection of personal and historical narratives, Campisi has created a unique and engaging work that will appeal to readers interested in history, culture, and literature.
The book's focus on the experiences of a woman who broke with convention to pursue her passion for pharmacy also makes it a compelling story of female empowerment. Lucia Campisi's legacy serves as a testament to the impact one person can have on their community.
Key points
- The book "Le vent du Sirocco / Vento di Scirocco" explores a forgotten chapter in Tunisian-Italian history through a personal lens.
- Lucia Campisi, the author's great-aunt, was one of the first female pharmacists in Tunisia and a pioneer in her field.
- The book offers a vivid portrayal of life in Tunis at the beginning of the 20th century, highlighting the coexistence of different communities.
