Strega

Rafa arrives in Strega to work at the Olympic Hotel, where she and eight other girls receive stiff uniforms and are taught to iron, cook, and make beds. When the hotel fills with people for a party, one of the girls disappears, revealing deeper revelations about the myths young women are told, the violence they are made to endure, and the question of whether a gentler, more beautiful life is possible.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2022
Publisher: Lolli Editions

Rafa embarks on a journey to the remote Alpine town of Strega, where she will work at the grand Olympic Hotel. Carrying a bag filled with liquorice, hairbands, and notebooks, she arrives with anticipation and excitement. Upon her arrival, she and eight other girls are presented with stiff uniforms and assigned to various tasks, including ironing, cooking, and making beds. Amidst the demanding routine, the girls find solace in each other's company, engaging in activities such as picking herbs in the garden, reading in the library, and appreciating the breathtaking scenery. However, their peaceful existence is abruptly shattered when the hotel unexpectedly hosts a raucous party, leading to the disappearance of one of the girls.

As the investigation unfolds, deeper revelations about the myths and expectations that young women are subjected to, the violence they are made to endure, and the question of whether a gentler, more beautiful life is possible emerge. Johanne Lykke Holm's luminous and jagged prose, delivered with precision by Saskia Vogel's incisive translation, resonates like a spell that continues to exert its influence long after the pages are turned. The novel serves as a haunting monument to the long-dead maids and their shrouded knowledge, shedding light on the hidden realities of a society that often remains shrouded in secrecy.

Through the characters of Rafa and her fellow girls, Holm explores the complexities of gender roles, societal expectations, and the search for personal freedom. Rafa, a young woman from a small town, finds herself in a foreign environment where she is subjected to the strict rules and hierarchies of the hotel. However, she refuses to be defined by her circumstances and instead uses her resilience and determination to carve out a place for herself.

The other girls, each with their unique backgrounds and stories, also contribute to the exploration of these themes. They form a tight-knit community, supporting and uplifting each other through the challenges they face. Their friendships provide a source of strength and solace, reminding Rafa that there is hope and possibility for a better life beyond the confines of the hotel.

As the investigation intensifies, the girls discover that the disappearance of their friend is not an isolated incident but part of a larger conspiracy. They are confronted with the dark secrets of the hotel and the powerful forces that control it. They must navigate a web of lies, deceit, and violence, risking everything to uncover the truth and bring justice to their friend.

Through its vivid portrayal of the Alpine town and the intricate relationships between the characters, "The Innocents" offers a powerful commentary on the societal pressures that young women face. It challenges the notion that women are solely victims and encourages them to take control of their lives and pursue their dreams. The novel also raises important questions about the role of institutions and the power of those in authority, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.

In conclusion, "The Innocents" is a masterpiece of literary fiction that delves into the depths of human experience. Johanne Lykke Holm's prose is captivating, and Saskia Vogel's translation brings the characters to life with remarkable depth and emotion. The novel serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of young women, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a better life.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 137 x 211 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781919609225