Post Tenebras – Morte alla Strega

Stories of adventure and magic capture the attention of younger readers by offering a strong mix of emotions, lessons, and entertainment. Valentina Federici’s “Post Tenebras – Morte alla Strega” is no exception to this rule, presenting itself as a fresh and accessible volume that manages to offer a compelling reading experience centered on positive values.

The story follows Mimì, a seventeen-year-old girl who lives in a small village located near Geneva, Switzerland. Orphaned, she runs the family pharmacy, which specializes in the production of colors, together with her older sister Léa. But a mysterious disease is claiming victims along the shores of Lake Geneva, infested with monsters, and Léa has been accused of witchcraft: Mimì must prove her sister’s innocence, fighting against superstition and discovering the truth.

Mimì is a loyal, determined, and curious protagonist. It is thanks to these virtues, and the help of her friends, that she manages to solve enigmas and overcome challenges typical of the fantasy and mystery genres. The hybridization of the two genres and a delicate romantic subplot intertwine in a journey of growth and collaboration, a race against time in which the combination of individual skills in a team effort is the main tool for achieving goals. But Mimì will not be satisfied with simply saving her sister: she will try to put all puzzle pieces together, even at the cost of risking everything. 

“È l’unica occasione che hai di salvarmi la vita, Schatzi. E non partiamo per niente bene.”

One of the most significant aspects of Mimì’s story is its profound message of justice. Faced with the awakening of the dragons that inhabit the depths of the lake and the rapid spread of an inexplicable disease, society is tempted to indulge in superstitious explanations. But, unlike the witches of the Middle Ages, girls of this ucronic Belle Époque have an opportunity for redemption: a voice, the scientific method, the court. Their unfortunate condition is a starting point for exploring diversity and how it can affect interpersonal relationships, especially when hidden interests are at stake. Even when circumstances seem unfavorable, the narrative promotes a positive message, in which people of integrity and altruism can triumph over those who are untrustworthy.

“Ma il reato di disastro ambientale non esiste.”
“Peccato. Lo troverei molto più utile di quello di stregoneria.”

The sisterly relationship between Mimì and Léa is complex and somewhat unconventional. Léa is a modern, charismatic young woman, and her impulsive actions often drive Mimì crazy, requiring her to follow around picking up the pieces. The dialogues in which the two bicker are undoubtedly the most entertaining! But Léa is also willing to take on uncomfortable truths to protect the younger Mimì from the cruelty of the world. Ultimately, the sisters are each other’s only family, and their strengths and weaknesses do balance out.

“Post Tenebras – Morte alla Strega” also stages an original debate between science and magic, which ultimately remains unresolved. In fact, while Mimì follows the young lawyer John in his scientific discoveries, she continues to see and talk to Léa’s spirit while her sister is locked up in prison in Geneva. Truth or suggestion? Is it their sisterly bond that unites them across time and space, or is Léa really a witch? The decision is up to the readers.

“Miss, davvero, non prendetevi gioco di me. Dev’esserci una spiegazione logica! Scientifica”
“John, non so cosa dirvi. Mia sorella, a volte, sembra una vera strega.”

The final element that contributes to making the volume such a captivating work is the product’s graphic design: the cover illustrated by Giulia Rosa, sprayed edges, and chapter headings that perfectly capture the Victorian atmosphere of the story. A very pleasant detail is the chapter titles, each of which bears the name of a color that the Buchen family produces in their pharmacy, often a clue as to who will be involved in the action and what the overall tone of the scene will be.

In conclusion, “Post Tenebras – Morte alla Strega” is an accessible and immersive read, without excessive detail or narrative complexity, yet it manages to create a world in which classic elements of the fantasy genre are mixed with original settings and profound, positive messages capable of engaging today’s young readers.