Invisible Heroines: Maddalena Celano Gives Voice to the Forgotten Women of History

Gianfranco Ferraris (GF): Maddalena, thank you for being here with us. Your book "Profiles of Rebel Heroines" explores female figures who had an extraordinary impact on revolutionary struggles in Latin America. What was the central element that motivated you to write this collection?

Maddalena Celano (MC): Thank you, Gianfranco, for the opportunity. The element that inspired me was the deep desire to give voice to extraordinary women who, despite playing crucial roles in the history of revolutionary struggles, have often been forgotten or marginalized. These women dedicated their lives not only to the cause of political independence but also to social and cultural liberation, challenging gender stereotypes and fighting for a fairer future. Their strength, courage, and determination deserved to be told in a more profound way.

GF: The book combines history and poetry, offering a unique perspective. How did you decide to blend these two seemingly distinct elements?

MC: I chose to use poetry as a tool to bring to life the emotions and inner experiences of these women. History is necessary to recount the facts, but poetry allows for a deeper exploration of their feelings, their internal struggles, and their emotional impact. Their lives were not only physical battles but also symbols of spiritual and social resistance. Poetry allowed me to pay tribute to these women in a more intimate and universal way, attempting to convey what historical words alone could not express.

GF: In the book, you discuss figures such as Manuela Sáenz, Juana Azurduy, the Mirabal sisters, and others. Which profile among these revolutionary women impacted you the most, and why?

MC: Each figure I chose holds a special place in my heart, but if I had to pick one, I would say Juana Azurduy. Her story is exemplary for her military courage, but also for her total dedication to the cause of freedom, despite suffering devastating personal losses. Her fighting spirit and military leadership in an era when women's roles were limited to domestic tasks make her a true icon of resistance. Juana not only fought on the battlefield but also led troops, demonstrating that women can be great strategists and leaders.

GF: Your book embraces figures of various nationalities and cultures in Latin America. How did you choose the women to include?

MC: I wanted to create a mosaic representing the diversity and cultural richness of Latin America, choosing figures from different countries who had played crucial roles in various historical contexts. I sought to include women who represented not only the struggle for independence from colonizers but also the fight for the rights of indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and women themselves. I wanted readers to see the variety of battles faced by these women and understand that the revolution was not just about political power but also about social and cultural justice.

GF: Another remarkable aspect of your work is the way you highlight not only the heroic side of these women but also their vulnerabilities and difficulties. How important was it for you to show these aspects?

MC: It was fundamental. Often, when we talk about heroes or heroines, there is a tendency to idealize their figures, forgetting that they were people with fears, doubts, and sufferings. Showing their vulnerabilities and difficulties seemed necessary to humanize them, so that readers could identify with them and understand that courage is not the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. Their vulnerabilities do not diminish their greatness; on the contrary, they enhance it.

GF: In closing, what do you hope readers will take away from your book?

MC: I hope that readers, especially female readers, will find inspiration and strength in these stories. These women teach us that change is possible, even when it seems impossible. I would like their lives to be an invitation to never give up in the face of injustices but to fight for one's rights and freedom. And, above all, I hope this book helps keep the memory of these heroines alive, so that their sacrifice is never forgotten.