Book Discussion: Užaljeno maščevanje: Spomin Slovenk in Slovencev na italijanska fašistična taborišča, by Oto Luthar, Marta Verginella, and Urška Strle

Session Submission Type: Book Discussion Roundtable

Brief Description

Spiteful Revenge is a scientific study that examines Slovenian memory of the Italian fascist camps in an innovative and comprehensive way, shedding light on the process of internment of civilians by the fascist authorities. This is one of the most traumatic chapters of 20th century Slovenian history, which has been under-researched until recently. The study, which is supported by the findings of Slovenian, Italian and other internationally relevant historiographic works, is epistemologically placed in the field of memory and cultural history studies. It draws on a wealth of archival material and a remarkable range of testimonies obtained through the methodology of oral history. The book is distinguished by its historiographical sensitivity to autobiographical sources, its comparative approach, as well as its evaluation of previously published memoirs and historiographical treatments. The authors' approach to the book was based on the fact that in current European discussions on totalitarianism in the 20th century, not enough attention has been paid to Italian fascism and its camp system. The study is a contribution to a better understanding of the problematic nature of Italian denial of war crimes. The book has been well received by the public, sold out, and was awarded the first prize of the Slovenian Historical Association. An updated Slovenian edition and translations into Italian, English, German and Croatian are in preparation.

Sub Unit

• History: 1945-1990

Chair

• Ana Hofman, Scientific Research Centre SAZU (Slovenia)

Roundtable Speakers

• Pamela Lynn Ballinger, U of Michigan

• Costantino Di Sante, U of Molise (Italy)

• Urska Strle, Scientific Research Centre SAZU (Slovenia)