This is a great book to use in making the transition from textbook to real Italian literature! Aleramo's clear and expressive narration sets up a novel that draws the reader in quite early in the plot. She also manages to breach the stream-of-consciousness technique, without losing any effect of her story.

The historical significance of this novel is not to be missed. Printed in 1906, "Una Donna" remains one of the first feminist books written in Italian.

Overall, Aleramo's autobiographical debut is simply wonderful. I especially appreciated the insightful perspective on the pressures and challenges of becoming and being a woman in turn of the century Italian society.

I've read this book partly in Italian and in English. It, honestly, changed my life. It enabled me to see the error in selflessness. Selflessness means without self and Sibilla demonstrates without question the insanity of trying to live a selfless existence.