“The one I liked the most”
Roberto Genazzini and the History of the Ceresio Border
A Journey Through Literature, History, and Memory in Valsolda
The Ceresio It is not just a body of water of extraordinary beauty; it is a place of stories, of borders and, in the past, of dramatic destinies. Valsolda Municipal Library invites you to an unmissable evening to discover the latest, touching novel by the writer from Gandria, Roberto Genazzini, a work that sheds light on a little-known but profoundly significant page in the history of our region.
The enigmatic and powerful title, “The one I liked the most”, is taken from a real and chilling phrase.
Roberto Genazzini retraces the true story of a young Jewish teacher from Milan who, during the dark years of the Second World War, desperately sought refuge in Switzerland. His attempt was foiled at Swiss customs of the Cantine di Gandria, where she was denied entry.
Tragically rejected, the young woman was later captured and died in the extermination camp of Auschwitz.
What inspired the novel and gave it its title is a historical detail: next to the refugee's name in the refugee register, a Swiss customs officer wrote down the sentence that is now the title of the book: “The one I liked the most”.
This sentence, together with the original register (a reproduction of which will be shown during the evening), raises profound questions about the individual responsibility, humanity and the cold border bureaucracy in times of extreme crisis.
Roberto Genazzini He is one of the most authoritative literary voices of our lake. Deeply linked to Gandria and to the whole territory of the Ceresio and Valsolda, his works are a tribute to the landscapes, traditions and human stories of this border region.
His bibliography, available on the official website robertogenazzini.ch, demonstrates a constant attention to local dynamics, transforming the history and geography of Ceresio into a universal narrative.
The meeting will not be a simple reading, but a real immersion in the historical and narrative context:
-Presentation with the Author: Roberto Genazzini will present his work, revealing the historical research behind the narrative and the motivations that drove him to tell this story.
-Special Screening: It will be screened on video from the RTSI broadcast “Il Quotidiano” (Swiss Television) dedicated to the novel, offering further insights and testimonies on the context.
-Debate: There will be time for questions and reflections with the audience on the history, memory, and importance of these events for today's community.
Event details
📅 Friday, November 21, 2025 – 8:45 PM
📍 Loggio Schools – Valsolda Library
🎟️ Free admission – everyone is welcome!
An unmissable opportunity to deepen your understanding of our region through great literature and historical memory. We look forward to seeing you!
