The DH Lawrence International Travel Literature Festival, now in its 18th edition, once again set off from Mandas station. A well-established event in the island's cultural calendar, this year's theme is "Identity and the Future, Between History and Current Events." The opening day, "Journeying to Awareness," highlighted the themes of health, solidarity, and inclusion. The book "H&J" by Paolo Montaldo, about the story of Henry, a child with autism, was presented with the participation of Tiziana Scotto. This moment of discussion led the festival to reflect on the themes of awareness and acceptance. From individual fragility to collective commitment, "The Gentle Revolution: Towards the Leadership of Kindness" by Ugo Cappellacci was presented in conversation with Riccardo Trentin, president of the Sardinian Diabetes Network. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to type 1 diabetes research. A particularly touching moment was given to Mayor Umberto Oppus, who read "Your Pink Backpack," a story about gestational bereavement.
The festival continues today, Monday, September 28, with a day dedicated to the theme of violence against women. At 5:00 pm, Claudia Sarritzu's book "Patriarchy in the New World Order" will be presented, followed by Jenny Carboni's "Vorrei fosse sempre primavera" at 6:00 pm. The festival will close with music, with the world premiere of "Il tempo muto," performed by Susanna Congiu. With her voice and the lyrics, she will offer the audience important food for thought, urging them not to turn away from violence. The song presents a collective call for responsibility, transforming music into a space for testimony and awareness. As one of its central passages states, the night symbolically becomes "everyone's" against evil, underscoring that no one can consider themselves immune to this tragedy. Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 29, history will speak out. Fausto Orrù's "The Guardians of Nurakea," dedicated to younger readers, and Umberto Oppus's "The Countries of the Ducato di Mandas," will be presented on the 1913 Bauchiero Carriage, with Enrico Trogu, director of the State Archives of Cagliari.
