The Cursed Friend

'A widescreen, sensory, visual story that starts with an edge-of-your-seat, crowd-pleasing trick … The characters are big and colourful' The Times 'Francesca and Maddalena are vibrant characters for whom we quickly root. Their central relationship and cruel initiation into the world of men is richly imagined. I’m excited to read what Beatrice does next' Observer 'This debut grips your soul and never lets go’ Le Point ‘A little gem that proves that Italian women's literature is undergoing a revolution’ Vogue Spain ‘Reading The Cursed Friend, one immediately understands the reasons for the rapturous reception. The intensity of the writing, the tight, believable dialogue … the visceral and powerful friendship between two different but connected young girls. Brings to mind Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend’ La Repubblica ‘Bloody, unapologetic, and wild … I loved it!’ Naomi Krupitsky, New York Times bestselling author of The Family ‘From its opening pages, The Cursed Friend grabs the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go. Beatrice Salvioni has written a magnetic coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of 1930’s Italy and the threat of fascism. The center of the novel lies in the complicated and yet essential friendship between two girls, Maddalena and Francesca, and their journey toward understanding the boundaries of right and wrong’ Laura Spence-Ash, bestselling author of Beyond That, the Sea ‘In her gripping novel set in fascist Italy, and in the tradition of Elsa Morante and Natalia Ginzburg, Beatrice Salvioni gives powerful voice to the female experience in Italy’ Jenny McPhee, author of The Center of Things