In the heart of Taviano, a town that hums with the quiet charm of southern Puglia, literature takes center stage when celebrated broadcaster Serena Bortone arrives to present her latest work, Le dirimpettaie, published by Rizzoli. The evening brings together three powerful voices from Italian media—Bortone herself, alongside Stefano Coletta and Elisa Isoardi—for a conversation that promises wit, warmth, and the kind of storytelling that feels like sharing secrets with old friends.
A Festival Evening That Celebrates Stories
This presentation forms part of the Salento Book Festival 2026, an annual celebration that transforms towns across the region into open-air literary salons. Taviano's participation in the festival showcases the town's commitment to cultural programming that reaches beyond the summer tourist season.
The format is intimate and conversational, designed to let the audience glimpse not just the book itself but the creative process behind it. Expect candid reflections, insider anecdotes from the television world, and the dynamic interplay between three personalities who know how to hold a room.
- Hear Serena Bortone discuss the inspiration behind Le dirimpettaie and the themes that drove her writing
- Enjoy the chemistry between Bortone, Coletta, and Isoardi as they explore media, storytelling, and contemporary Italian culture
- Discover Taviano's emerging identity as a cultural hub in Puglia's literary circuit
- Engage with the Q&A portion, where audience questions often lead to the evening's most memorable moments
Why This Literary Gathering Stands Out
What sets this event apart is the caliber of the guests and the genuine rapport they share. Stefano Coletta, a key figure in Italian public broadcasting, brings institutional insight. Elisa Isoardi, with her television charisma and relatability, adds a layer of accessible warmth.
Together, they create a conversation that feels less like a formal presentation and more like eavesdropping on a fascinating dinner party. The book itself—Le dirimpettaie, which translates roughly to "the women across the way"—explores themes of female friendship, proximity, and the invisible threads that connect neighbors and strangers alike.
Making the Most of Your Evening
Arrive early to soak in the pre-event atmosphere, when Taviano's piazza fills with fellow book lovers and the scent of espresso drifts from nearby cafés. The town's compact historic center is perfect for a leisurely pre-event stroll.
After the presentation, consider exploring Taviano's local trattorias, where you can continue the evening over plates of orecchiette and robust Puglian wine. The town sits within easy reach of both the Ionian coast and neighboring cultural centers like Gallipoli and Casarano, making it an ideal stop on a broader exploration of the region.
If you're drawn to literary culture, thoughtful conversation, and the chance to see familiar faces from Italian television in an unexpectedly intimate setting, this evening in Taviano offers all three.