Heart of the Earth, The - Il Cuore della Terre

On the 5th of May 2008, newspapers and TV programmes spread the dramatic news that Cyclone “Nargis” had struck Burma. In its wake, a total of 28.000 people were reported dead and three million left homeless. The Heart of the Earth is a way not to forget the disaster and raise, at the same time, a message of love for life. The book tells the story of Nyan and his transition from child to man by the traditional initiation rites practised by his people. Through the account of his everyday life, he brings us into contact with Burmese culture and conventions. However, his family life is dramatically disrupted by an unforseen event, only portended by his grandmother Rejna. “It was about midnight when he was awoken by the clattering of the metal sheets on the roof. The wind hadn’t stopped. On the contrary, it had increased in intensity. The rain was lashing the walls of their solid house. Wind and water were raging against their safety”. Text in english and italian.