A quote from Bob Marley appears on the back cover: “You never know how strong you are, until being strong is the only choice you have.”
This quote is particularly apt, given the strength of the 12 individuals who all live in different countries, including Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Germany and China.
The book shows the pandemic as a creeping force that suddenly dominated global life in a destructive way.
Two of the co-authors of the book, journalists Manuela Rispoli and Nadja Fronteddu, will be at the April 30 event.
Rispoli and Fronteddu founded an online magazine called Amiche di Fuso, a platform for those who live abroad by choice, through work or because of love.
Faced with the first images of medical personnel in overalls, masks and gloves, deserted city streets, trucks full of coffins and people singing from balconies for their confined neighbours, the world gradually became aware that the virus was certainly among us.
Rispoli and Fronteddu’s written perspectives allow readers to compare their experiences over the past two years of restrictions, closed borders, lockdowns, new forms of work, study and socialisation and the forced cohabitation of families.
At the event on April 30, we hope to reflect on the positive aspects that have arisen from this drama, and that will perhaps contribute to making humanity better, in time.
NIAWA’s event will also speak of the tragic outbreak of war in Ukraine and remind guests that peace is not a foregone conclusion.
NIAWA looks forward to sharing video messages from other amiche di fuso (friends of the spindle), who have been able to apply survival strategies such as resilience, patience, courage and strength in the face of the pandemic.
These messages will be followed by a debate and refreshments.
For reservations, send an email to NIAWA or phone Gina on (02) 9550 9043/0416 207 606 or Dona on (02) 9713 4907/0405 447 471.
