Recognised as one of the foremost Italian writers of the twentieth century, and one of the most eloquent and incisive commentators on postwar Italy, Ginzburg was never reluctant to take unpopular or controversial positions. Here are her autobiographical essays on being a writer, a mother, and a displaced woman during World War II. Full of self-doubt and searing insight, Ginzburg is merciless in her attempts to describe herself. The book also includes portions of the culminating non-fiction work of her career, inspired by the separation of a baby from her adoptive parents.