Obviously a very important book. Collecting these letters must have not been easy for the receivers, Gramsci’s dear ones. Indeed, it must have been heartbreaking to receive them, especially toward the end.

Most of all this is a testimony of cruelty, resilience, and humanity. Gramsci’s great mind is well known but not really flashed out here, it’s more personal than anything else. You won’t find out much of his philosophy by reading this, but it’s a fascinating insight into fascist opposition repression tactics.