In Leverano, a small town in the Puglian countryside near Nardò and Copertino, a book presentation turns into something closer to a gathering. Martina D'Agostino presents Donne che sapevano, a book about the women who held the community's most delicate moments in their hands.
Women Who Knew: The Story Behind the Book
The title says it all: these were the women who sapevano, who knew what to do and what to say. The book explores rites of birth, care and farewell as they were lived in this part of southern Italy between the 1800s and the 1900s.
It is a look at a world where knowledge was passed down by voice and by gesture. Birth, illness and death were not handled by institutions alone, but by neighbours, mothers and grandmothers.
More Than a Talk: Music and Readings
The evening is not a classic lecture. Alongside the presentation, there are musical performances and readings that give the pages a voice.
Hearing a passage read aloud, followed by music, changes how the words land. Songs and spoken words were always part of these rituals, and here they help you picture the rooms and the faces behind the research.
- Readings that bring the book's voices into the room
- Live music that sets the mood between one theme and the next
- A relaxed, conversational atmosphere where questions are welcome
- The chance to meet the author and talk about her research
An Evening at the Laboratorio Sociale
The setting is the Laboratorio Sociale, a community space that suits this kind of event. Expect an informal, close-up experience rather than a formal stage.
It is free of the stiffness of a big auditorium. You can come alone, as a couple or with friends, and still feel part of the same conversation.
Tips for Making the Most of It
Come a little early to find a good seat and soak up the atmosphere. If the topic speaks to you, bring a curious mind and maybe a family story of your own: these themes often spark memories.
The event details are published on the organiser's Instagram page, so check the post for the latest updates before you go.
Combine It with Leverano and Its Surroundings
Leverano is known for its wine-growing tradition, and a stroll through the historic centre before or after the event is a pleasant way to connect with the place the book speaks about. Take a moment to notice the old doorways and courtyards, which hint at the domestic world described in the pages.
If you have time, the baroque streets of Nardò and the sandy coast of Porto Cesareo are a short drive away. They make an easy day out to pair with an evening of local history and culture.
For anyone curious about the traditions and the female memory of this land, this presentation is a gentle, moving way to listen to the past.