”Returning words”, is a book by the Apuan writer sisters Sara and Daniela Bennati who went directly to Lampedusa to collect in the field testimonies, hopes and states of mind of those who risk their lives on long journeys without security to seek a better future with us and those of rescuers and who gives the first welcome. The two sisters also visited Lampedusa on several occasions to evaluate, speaking a year later with the same local people with whom they had managed to “fraternize”, possible changes and improvements in relations with the refugees. And in the book they tell everything, a text to read, which leaves room for many feelings. The book is published by the Mimesis publishing house both in paper and online and can be ordered in bookstores or on the internet.
Promoted by the Friends of Brother Gian Piero Association and the L’Abbraccio Social Cooperative, with the contribution of Confimpresa and Confcooperative Toscana Nord and the patronage of the Province of Massa-carrara, last Saturday at the Sala della Resistenza of the Palazzo Ducale in Massa, the presentation of the book “Returning Words” took place. An autobiographical research in Lampedusa” published by Mimesis. The text offered the opportunity to deal with the current and delicate topic of reception. The authors Daniela and Sara Bennati together with Caterina Benelli, collaborators of the Free University of the Autobiography of Anghiari, in the written pages report the voices of the Lampedusans whose stories they have collected since 2015. The project conceived and conducted according to the methodology acquired in Anghiari distinguishes itself from the journalistic interview above all for two aspects: 1) the transformative potential that can act both in those who collect the story and in those who narrate it – 2) safeguarding the fidelity of the story told by the narrator who is the only one and the sole owner.
Present together with the authors was Dr. Sabrina Da Prato, who has been dealing with immigration since 2013 as CAS director of the provinces of Lucca and Massacarrara (and our province has been generous in welcoming) and since 2023 has also taken care of minors unaccompanied as director of CAS MNSA of Carrara. Doctor Da Prato testified to her experience in the field by explaining how the various reception centers distributed throughout our province are organised. Finally, Enoma Uyi Temple spoke, a Nigerian boy who landed in Lampedusa nine years ago, who with great emotion was able to narrate not only his long journey but also his desire, now that he is well integrated, works and has a home, to be able to have his son and brother with him still in Africa.
The intent of this meeting was not to delve into issues relating to migration, but rather to tell real stories of reception by putting people and their humanity at the centre.
There were numerous questions from the public who appeared attentive and involved. The afternoon ended with a buffet where stories and words continued to intertwine, a clear signal that struck a chord in the souls and sensibilities of those present. And Sara and Daniela’s commitment to telling these human stories, given the relationships they have built with the inhabitants of the island, does not end with this book, there will certainly be a sequel.
