Maria CalandroneMaria Grazia Calandrone, born in Milan in 1964 and based in Rome, stands as a prominent figure in the realms of poetry, playwriting, journalism, and performance art. Currently serving as the director of cultural programming for RAI Radio 3, she also irects video programs for Corriere della Sera web TV and collaborates with Italian TV channels Rai Letteratura, Rai Cultura, and Cult Book, focusing on culture and literature. A passionate advocate for inclusive literature, Calandrone conducts poetry workshops in schools, prisons, and mental health units. Volunteering at the Piccoli Maestri children's reading center underscores her commitment to fostering a love for reading among young audiences. Her poetic journey began with the acclaimed Illustrazioni (Illustrations, 1994), which received the Eugenio Montale Prize. Calandrone's poetic repertoire includes award-winning works like Pietra di paragone (Touchstones, 1998) and Serie fossile (Fossil Series, 2015). In addition to her poetic achievements, Calandrone has explored prose with works such as the pseudo-novel L'infinito mélo (The Infinite Apple Tree, 2011) the novel Splendi come vita (You Shine like Life, 2021), shortlisted for Strega and Campiello Prizes, and Dove non mi hai portata: Mia madre, un caso di cronaca (Where You Didn't Take Me. My Mother, A News Story, 2022) her last novel, finalist for the Strega Prize. Calandrone's role as an editor and her involvement in various cultural projects showcase the depth of her impact on the Italian literary landscape. For more information, visit her website at www.mariagraziacalandrone.it. Read More Read Less