Italian literature explores the human-animal bond

New literary works in Italy are exploring the profound emotional connections between humans and animals. In the book ‘Bestiola’, published by Mondadori, Jonathan Bazzi uses autobiographical elements to examine the bond with his cats, Mirtilla and Purè. The narrative addresses the legitimacy of grief following the death of a pet, highlighting how such losses can deeply impact identity and domestic life despite a lack of collective social rituals for animal bereavement.

Additionally, Accornero Edizioni has announced the selected authors for a new anthology titled ‘Nei loro occhi’. The collection, scheduled for publication on October 29, 2026, stems from a literary prize that challenged writers to use animals as silent observers or witnesses to human experiences. The anthology features various stories, such as ‘La gazza ladra’ by Simona Celli and ‘Il mio branco’ by Sarah Checchin, focusing on universal themes like solitude, family, and belonging through an animal-centric perspective.