This Is Beautiful! The Story of Rospella

A review of Anna Sarfatti's book
This Is Beautiful! The Story of Rospella

Enough is enough. Rospella, the little girl deemed in need of fixing (according to her mother and Dr. Tiriparo), reaches a breaking point. "I look at them and I wonder: / 'But who among us needs healing?' / My diving suit, my tubes, my bandages— / I'm taking them off right now." Anna Sarfatti's book is wonderful, graced with the splendid illustrations of Eleonora Marton. It tells the story of the endless, well-meaning torments endured by this small girl until the day she rebels. With a clear-eyed view of herself, Rospella discovers that her supposed defects are not just tolerable—they can actually be celebrated. She teaches her friends—who, like all of us, could use a little work—the secret to living happily. "And I throw away this toad's wardrobe / without a moment's regret / and looking in the mirror I declare: / I AM ROSPELLA AND I'M PROUD OF IT!"

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Giulia Galeotti

Giulia Galeotti

After her postdoctoral research and various positions, Giulia began collaborating with several publications before settling at L'Osservatore Romano, where since 2014 she has been responsible for the…

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