LUISA

The novel of the first great Italian entrepreneur: Luisa Spagnoli. The adventure of a rebellious, headstrong, brilliant, unconventional and creative woman.

The wooden and brass counter, the stands filled with sweets, and the unmistakable aroma of sugar and almonds. When Luisa discovers the confectionery shop in the centre of Perugia is for sale, she knows it's hers. Despite being pregnant, with her husband far away and no knowledge of pastry-making, she is determined to learn. From this small shop, she creates Perugina and the iconic Baci chocolates, which hold a special place in her heart due to her passionate love with the younger Giovanni Buitoni. Her ambition doesn't stop thereshe turns rabbit farming into Angora Spagnoli, a major clothing brand. A symbol of independence, Luisa inspires future generations, including Marina, who finds her own path by reading her grandmother's notebooks. Paola Jacobbi skillfully blends Luisa's rise with the larger historical backdrop, capturing the journey of a woman who defied conventions and created lasting legacies. Paola Jacobi is a journalist and film critic. She collaborates with several newspapers, including Il Venerdì di Repubblica, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. In 2023 she wrote with the Oscar-winning director Gabriele Salvatores Lasciateci perdere (Rizzoli). She also collaborated as screenwriter on the film The Girl in the Fountain (2021), starring Monica Bellucci.