The Unseen Victims of Violence
In the rich and varied landscape of contemporary Italian literature, it is rare to encounter a narrative that strips away all fiction to present raw, unadulterated human resilience. “Ancora in piedi: Il fallimento del violento di fronte all’Amore”, the debut book by Neapolitan television host and artist Ciro Sannino, delivers precisely this kind of authenticity. Published by Infuga Edizioni, this memoir offers a profound exploration of domestic violence, yet it is told from an entirely distinct and deeply necessary perspective: that of the family members who stand beside the victim. Sannino’s work delves into the harrowing true story of his sister, Lucia, who bravely escaped a controlling and violent relationship that reached its peak on a cold February 14. The author meticulously chronicles the silent, enduring pain of the relatives who are forced to witness the abuse from the outside, becoming what he defines as collateral victims who learn to recognize the sound of fear in a single phone call.
A Geography of Fear and Solidarity
The narrative underscores a quintessential element of the Italian social fabric: the unbreakable bond of la famiglia, which acts as a sanctuary and an impenetrable shield against external darkness. Sannino illustrates how the family home in Naples became a refuge, a place where traditional Italian rituals, such as gathering with lifelong friends and the daily work in the family pastry-shop, served as a powerful mechanism for collective healing. The geography of the story spans from the isolation of Portogruaro, near Venice, to the warmth of Naples, highlighting the logistical and emotional challenges of a rescue mission organized through a hidden telephone and the silent support of law enforcement relatives. This journey is not just physical but symbolic, representing the movement from a state of psychological imprisonment to one of rediscovered autonomy and shared hope.
The Failure of the Institutional Machine
What makes this memoir particularly striking is its unflinching critique of the legal system’s limitations. Sannino navigates through the deeply frustrating failures of the judicial process, detailing a grueling seven-year wait for a trial in Venice that ultimately ended in a dismissal due to bureaucratic technicalities and incorrect charges. Despite the evidence of violence and the trauma recorded in legal files, the institutional machine failed to provide a definitive sense of justice. However, the author purposefully refuses to let this failure dictate his life or his narrative; he acknowledges that while the courts may fail, the moral victory belongs to those who refuse to become what they detest. This section of the book serves as a sobering reminder of the gaps in protection for victims, even when they find the courage to denounce their abusers.
The Redemption Through New Life
Salvation in Sannino’s world arrives not through a court sentence, but in the form of new life. The births of Sophie and, later, Rosa become the ultimate symbols of redemption, forcing the shadows out of the Sannino household. Sophie, born on a warm August Sunday, becomes the center of a new universe, teaching the adults the true meaning of normality and unconditional love. The author describes his role as a father by fact, illustrating how the presence of a child can reorganize a family’s priorities and provide a reason to remain still standing despite past wounds. The transformation of a living room into a nursery represents a conscious choice to prioritize the future over the traumatic past, ensuring that the next generation grows up knowing that love does not cause pain.
A Literary Voice for Social Change
Beyond the personal catharsis, “Ancora in piedi” stands as a significant contribution to the social discourse on domestic abuse in Italy. Sannino utilizes his background as a communicator and media figure to break the silence that often protects the wrong side of history. By putting his experience into words, he offers a hand to those who might still be trapped in similar cycles of manipulation and violence. The book is a testament to the quiet heroes of every tragedy: the brothers, the parents, and the friends who stay, support, and patiently rebuild. It is an essential read for anyone seeking a true story of courage and the enduring power of solidarity, reminding us that even the cruelest stories can harbor a fragment of beauty if we have the strength to look for it.
To purchase a copy of the book: https://amzn.eu/d/08ly54lP
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