Accabadora by Michela Murgia

Accabadora

Michela Murgia

In Sardinia’s traditional culture an ‘Accabadora’ is the secret, revered position of an angel of mercy that responds to a family’s plea. In this beautiful, poignant and powerful novel, Maria believes she is the adopted daughter of a seamstress, until she finds out the truth. This is an emotional tale which challenged my perceptions about euthanasia, and the issues surrounding the people left behind.

Extract
Bonaria heard him with steely eyes. Despite her fondness for Nicola, her bony ringless hands showed him no pity, locked together like a ball of wool ready for use. Her voice had become as cold as the surrounding air, as if the old woman had turned herself into a bracing draught to freshen the unhealthy atmosphere in the room.
Parallels
  • Casa Rossa by Francesca Marciano
  • Jamilia by Chingiz Aitmatov