Double emotions in Asti, as Angela Kosta launches the novel ‘The Mother’s Eyes’ and celebrates her niece Chanel Bashhysa’s literary debut
By Francesca Gallello
On February 7, the city of Asti hosted two deeply emotional events: the presentation of writer Angela Kosta’s novel The Mother’s Eyes, second edition, published in Italy by G.C.L. Edizione under the direction of publisher Giancarlo Lissi. Although I was unable to attend due to commitments in Calabria, I followed every detail closely through social media, where Angela shared her experience with sincere and touching words, as well as through a pleasant phone conversation.
The writer described the day as “beautiful and unforgettable,” experienced in a warm, welcoming, family-like atmosphere filled with mutual affection. The audience participated with great interest, engaging in a profound dialogue on delicate and highly relevant issues such as femicide and the complex parent-child relationship, with contributions, questions, and reflections that enriched the presentation.
The event was organized by the Albanian Artistic and Cultural Center “Margarita Xhepa,” the Forumi I Gruas Shqiptare – The Albanian Women’s Forum (Asti), with the support of the Association AssoAlbania Asti, represented by its President Marjan Bjeshkza. Among the authorities present were the Mayor of Asti, Maurizio Rasero, the President of the Provincial Council for Equal Opportunities, Dr. Bianca Terzuolo, and the President of the Equality Council of the Municipality of Asti, Dr. Nadia Milleto.
Angela expressed special thanks to the moderator, Sabina Darova, who led the meeting with professionalism, and to the pianist Sonila Molla, who accompanied the reading of selected excerpts from the novel with an evocative musical background, performing compositions by the renowned composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky.
The readings, performed by various participants, gave voice to the pages of the novel, intensifying its emotional impact.
However, Saturday also brought another joy and emotion: the presentation of her niece Chanel Bashhysa’s first fairy tale book, Michelle and Her Princess Dream, published by Kubera Edizioni (Italy), a debut warmly welcomed with enthusiasm and affection. For Angela, it was a double joy: seeing her own work appreciated and, at the same time, witnessing the first literary steps of a young author in her family. A double emotion that made the event even more special.
Angela Kosta is a prominent figure in the Italian-Albanian cultural scene. A writer, journalist, and international promoter, she is the director of the literary magazine MIRIADE, a reference point for cultural exchange between Italy and Albania, as well as THE LANTERNS OF POETRY GLOBAL and NUANCES ON THE PANORAMIC. She collaborates with several newspapers and international magazines. She has published poetry collections, novels, and children’s fairy tales translated into 12 languages.
Her texts have been translated and published in 45 languages and countries. She is the editor and co-editor of numerous anthologies in Italy and abroad. She has translated 1,500 texts by various authors into Italian and Albanian, including reviews, interviews, poems, short stories, literary criticism, and academic studies. She has served and continues to serve as a jury member for various literary competitions in Italy and abroad. She is a member of associations registered with the United Nations and the Italian Senate. She has received numerous prestigious awards as best translator, cultural promoter, and poet in various countries, including the “Naji Naaman,” the “Oscar Wilde” Award from the Italian Critics Association and the European Parliament (Brussels), the Excellence in Literature Award, the title of Ambassador of Culture, and the Dr. Honoris Causa medal under the patronage of the European Parliament. She is also Director of the International Press at the Accademia Tiberina (Rome) and the Chair of Italian Women (UN).
Of Albanian origin, she has lived in Italy for thirty years, where she is appreciated for her talent, sensitivity, and tireless commitment to promoting literature. Awarded multiple times in prestigious literary competitions and internationally recognized, Angela represents an authoritative and refined voice in the contemporary literary world. Her work is valued not only for the quality of her writing but also for her ability to address profound themes with delicacy and clarity.
Here is how she responded to questions for our magazine, Saturno Magazine:
Angela, how would you describe the atmosphere of the presentation in Asti?
It was an unforgettable experience. I felt part of a big family, welcomed with affection and admiration. Every moment was filled with emotion.
Which themes sparked the greatest interest among the audience?
Certainly femicide, unfortunately a current and painful issue, and the parent-child relationship, with all the difficulties it entails. There were profound contributions, questions, and exchanges of opinions that enriched the dialogue.
What made this day even more special?
The presentation of my niece Chanel’s first book. Seeing her enthusiasm and the warmth of the audience, especially the children from the center who surrounded her with so much affection, was and will remain an extraordinary gift. A double emotion, a double success.
Is there anyone you would like to thank in particular?
It is rare for an author to be overwhelmed by a feeling of complete happiness. It happened to Chanel and to me! Not only through words, but through actions. During the event, everything enveloped us in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, as if we were in a large home. I was deeply touched by the way the children asked Chanel questions, their maturity, and their desire to go beyond the writing of a fairy tale… Saying THANK YOU is truly not enough. This day will remain in our memories, in those embraces filled with love. With deep gratitude, we once again thank the Albanian Artistic and Cultural Center “Margarita Xhepa,” the Albanian school Udha e Shkronjave, all the organizers, the authorities present, the moderator Sabina Darova, the pianist Sonila Molla, and everyone who read excerpts from the novel.
The presentation of the novel The Mother’s Eyes, translated and published also in Albanian and Turkish, was not just a literary event, but a spiritual encounter, a moment of collective reflection, and an opportunity to celebrate talent, culture, and family bonds. For Angela Kosta, a writer with a strong and authentic voice, it was a day that will remain engraved in memory: a personal and family success, an embrace from the community, and a confirmation of the value of her work.
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Francesca Gallello is Director of Saturno Magazine and Veliero Publishing House, journalist, writer, literary critic.
