On Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., as part of the usual literary review "Writers at the Fort", in Forte Corbin,  the author Raffaella Calgaro will present her book "Where are you, mother?", transforming a simple presentation into an engaging moment with music and readings.

The book, published by Marcianum Press in 2024, narrates the human relationship between two women, one Italian and one Eritrean, different in culture but united by maternal love. Livia Ghellè, a retired biologist at loggerheads with life, one morning finds herself at the home of Mariàm Abrahàm, an Eritrean whom her son Luca has hired as a nurse-helper. No warning, no explanation for her from her son, who behind this painful decision hides a secret that few know. 

And so two different worlds, Europe and Africa, face each other, suspicious and distrustful. Between Livia and Mariàm there is not much desire to look for meeting points but their motherhood, desired through science or arrived with violence, breaks barriers to tell overwhelmingly true stories, of love and war, of children lost and then found. Italian and Tigrinya begin to intertwine in a dialogue that does not judge but understands. And Asmara, a city of a thousand faces, returns images of joy and sorrow, which slowly bring Livia closer to Eritrea. The sudden discovery of Luca's secret will be the definitive turning point. 

In this story of confrontation between two mothers fleeing violence, the values of time, friendship, mutual respect, trust in life and love emerge and there is no lack of a continuous reference to the Italian presence in Eritrea, an indelible sign of a crossroads that took place over time and has never been forgotten.  

• The event will take place in the area in front of the bar of Forte Corbin.
• It's free.

Raffaella Calgaro is a professor of literature and history. Passionate about historical research, she has given the press several and happy literary experiences: 'Adele Pergher, refugee', 'A rebel teacher' and 'A whole other story - The great war told by women and children'. The role of women in history is the recurring theme of her works, which have often also given rise to theatrical works.

CORBIN FORT

Perched on a spectacular natural terrace overlooking the Val d'Astico, Fort Corbin is one of the most impressive and best preserved forts of the First World War. Visiting it you can immerse yourself in history, exploring galleries, stations and original environments, with a gaze that sweeps over one of the most evocative views of the Asiago Seven Municipalities Plateau.

 ITINERARIES TO REACH CORBIN FORT

If you want to reach Fort Corbin on foot, with a suggestive walk from Treschè Conca, here are two itineraries not to be missed:

For more information contact Fort Corbin by clicking on the green button below. 👇