Accabadora [Lingua Italiana]

The novel Accabadora is set in the small town of Soreni in Italy and follows the story of Maria, a young woman who moves into the home of an elderly seamstress named Bonaria Urrai. The reason behind this arrangement remains a mystery to the townspeople, as does the true nature of Bonaria herself.

Maria is the fourth daughter of a widowed mother and has always seen herself as "the last." As a result, she is surprised by the respect and attention that Bonaria shows her, offering her a home and a future while seemingly desiring nothing in return. However, there is something mysterious about this old woman dressed in black and her long silences, an aura of mystery that surrounds her along with a shadow of fear that appears in the eyes of those who meet her.

Maria notices strange nighttime outings by Bonaria but does not understand them, nor does she comprehend the ancient wisdom this old woman possesses regarding life and death. What everyone in town knows, but Maria does not, is that Tzia Bonaria Urrai sews clothes and comforts souls, knows spells and charms, but when necessary, she is ready to enter homes to deliver a merciful death.

Her act is the loving and final gesture of an accabadora, the last mother.