The book is the tale of the women who took part in the Italian Resistance Movement against the occupying forces of Nazi Germany and the fascist collaborationists of the Italian Social Republic at the end of World War II.

“I was swept away by this book, like a river,” said Tobagi at the award ceremony.

“I have the feeling that these women carried me on their shoulders up to here, up to this stage.

“I’d like to dedicate this prize to the memory of these extraordinary women who fought and who did not turn the other way at a terrible time.”

The Campiello is one of Italy’s top literary prizes along with the Strega and Bancarella awards.

ANSA