Accabadora

Accabadora, winner of six major literary prizes, including Italy's prestigious Premio Campiello, written by Michela Murgia is a truly beautiful read.

The book follows the life of Maria, soul child of Bonaria Urrai, Accabadora (Sardinian for 'an angel of mercy who tends the chronically sick and dying') of Sardinia. Adored but feared by the other village members, Bonaria tries to shield Maria from the truth of her duties as Accabadora.

Set for the most part, in rural Sardinia in Italy in the 1950s, the book allows us to view the sensual atmospheric picture of a local Italian village. We are shown how very different life and death was viewed in the 1950's, with family ties and obligations having a drastic influence on much of life's 'comings and goings'.  

This book is a most pleasant, but unusual read. With euthanasia playing a bit part in the story, it does make you question everything you believe about the real meaning of life and death.