ISCHIA AND ITS DOCTOR PAGLIUCHELLA

First of all, I would like to thank Laura Mattera Iacono, author of the book Ischia and Its Doctor Pagliuchella, published by La valle del tempo  for the copy of the book.

Ischia is Laura’s “home,” and Dr. Pagliuchella is Agostino Mattera Iacono: her father.

I loved this book.
Those of you who follow me know I don’t say this often, but this time I had the opportunity to discover a story that is as true as it is precious for what it represents.

We’ve already gotten to know Laura together as the translator of Bergsøe’s books: The Singing Stone and The Lucky Family. 

In describing the Doctor of Ischia, Laura also tells her own story, with the stern judgment of someone who grew up with a great man as a father.

Setting aside generational differences, there’s a lot of Agostino in Laura: that total, all-consuming commitment to doing every task to the best of her ability.

It is extremely difficult to “capture” a figure like Dr. Mattera Iacono: the kind of doctor we’d all like to meet.

Yet Laura has managed to be measured and ruthlessly honest, letting her father’s actions speak for themselves.

An example for us all and an important message to pass on: the aspiration of a man who never stopped thinking about young people.

Ischia and its Dr. Pagliuchella, the story begins right from the title.

Ischia, the hot springs, the treatments seen as opportunities for research aimed at providing the best possible health and therapeutic care.

Ischia, the island that has transformed over the years.

The chapter that, in my opinion, perfectly captures the essence of Ischia’s transformation, and of our lives in general, is “The Beach.”

I recommend you discover it for yourself and continue following Laura through her blog Al tavolo di Amalia. 

I’ll conclude by quoting a piece of advice from Dr. Agostino Mattera Iacono: per aspera ad astra.