The Woman in Red
Historical fiction often allows writers and readers the opportunity to explore the lives of people whose names may be missing from history textbooks, yet whose contributions may be no less important than those names enshrined in history. Frequently, these forgotten, historical figures are women.
In this debut novel, Giovinazzo shines a light on the life and accomplishments of Anita Garibaldi, the wife of the man who unified Italy. When they meet in Brazil in 1839, where Garibaldi is a leader in trying to liberate southern Brazil, Anita is instantly attracted to his adventurous and idealistic ways. She finds meaning and purpose in linking her life with his and becoming not only the wife of a revolutionary, but a revolutionary in her own right.
Anita discovers her bravery and develops talents she didn’t know she had as she helps her husband’s efforts by establishing field hospitals, procuring much-needed supplies, organizing women volunteers to serve as nurses, and even taking up arms beside him. The couple’s revolutionary zeal takes them from Brazil to Uruguay, and eventually to Italy, Garibaldi’s homeland.
Giovinazzo gives the reader a fascinating look at 19th-century South America and its culture, where machismo prohibited women from any meaningful role or status in society. It’s Anita Garibaldi’s fight against those prohibitions that make her such an inspirational character.
The Woman in Red is a finely crafted, exciting page-turner and is highly recommended for readers interested in learning about strong and empowered women.
