WHY THE CHILD BAKES IN THE POLENTA by Aglaja Veteranyi

The book selected by the members of the group coordinated by Francesca Cardì, which fits into the macro theme of the month ‘the Journey’, is “WHY THE CHILD COOKS IN THE POLENTA” by Aglaja Veteranyi (Keller Editore – 2019); translated by Emanuela Cavallaro.

The story is told from the perspective of a little girl, daughter of circus artists who emigrated from Eastern Europe. Her life is marked by constant moves, precariousness, and fear. Her father is a clown, acrobat, and outlaw. Her mother works as a suspended acrobat by her hair, an extremely dangerous act that terrifies the protagonist. Only her older sister manages to distract her from this frightening thought by telling her an ancient Romanian fable, that of the child who cooks in polenta. Around the girl’s fear, travels, adventures, emotions, and the joyful sparkle of circus life alternate. Central themes are uprooting, identity, and the need for security.

Aglajia Veteranyi is now a cult author for readers in German-speaking countries and in France. Daughter of circus performers who fled Romania and landed in Switzerland after a life of shows on various continents, she soon devoted herself to writing with texts characterized by a unique and poetic style, full of images and memorable phrases. Translated into numerous languages, she has received important literary awards.

Remember that entry to the “Milton” Reading Group is free and open to all citizens. To participate, it is not necessary to have read the book, the intention is to discuss themes, writing, authors, and works similar to the one selected through discussions and reading aloud, so that reading constitutes a moment of sharing and reflection.