Since its inception in 1947, the prestigious Premio Strega has been a mirror of the Italian cultural environment and its literary taste: its award-winning books have recounted our country, documenting its language, changes, and traditions. The Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco is part of the literary jury with 10 readers that will choose the five finalists and the winner.

To offer English readers a taste and invite you to explore the works of the 12 Italian authors long-listed for the prestigious literary prize Premio Strega, we are happy to bring you the English translations of excerpts from their work.