La Brigantessa by Rosanna Micelotta Battigelli

This is a beautifully written story about a turbulent time in Italy’s past. It is the time of Unification. Rather than a collection of providences and city states, they have pulled together Italy into the country we know today. Bu there is a glaring difference from the Southern peasants to the Northern aristocrats. To build this fledging nation, they have levied taxes across the country with no regard to social class. Further, there is an extreme difference in justice between the rich and poor.

The story centers on Gabrielle, who is assaulted by a landowner and must go in hiding when she defends herself. She ends up with a group of thieves and finds honor and nobility has nothing to do with wealth or position.

The author brings her culture and knowledge of the Calabria society to create an authentic and heart-rendering tale of turmoil, faith and hope in a time of fear. The pages turn themselves as you cheer on this innocent heroine.