Hast Thou been working? by Ada Negri is a powerful and thought-provoking book that delves into the struggles and challenges faced by working women in early 20th century Italy. The protagonist, a young woman named Lucia, navigates the harsh realities of labor exploitation, gender inequality, and societal expectations as she strives to make a better life for herself and her family.

Negri's writing is raw and unflinching, shining a light on the often overlooked experiences of women in the workforce. Through Lucia's eyes, readers are able to witness the daily hardships and injustices faced by women in a male-dominated world. Negri's prose is both poetic and poignant, capturing the emotional complexities of Lucia's journey with great sensitivity.

Overall, Hast Thou been working? is a compelling and important read that sheds light on a crucial moment in history when women were fighting for their rights and dignity in the workplace. Negri's powerful storytelling and vivid characters make this book a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature and social justice.

Book Description:
Multilingual Monthly Poetry Project is a project oriented to gather multiple translations and multiple contributions of one chosen poem for the current month. Welcome to the world of interpretations!

While dreaming about love, the young poetess tells us what type of man she chooses as her lover: it won't be a wealthy bachelor who has never worked in his life and spends his days with cards and booze, but a man, whose chest is burning with the fire of ardor and perseverance.

Poem of September, 2022 - "Hast Thou been working?" by Ada Negri. Language of origin: Italian, "Hai lavorato?".

Contents:
Italian
01-02 original poem by Ada Negri

English
03-04 translated by Adelheid Maria von Blomberg

French
05-06 translated by Anonymous

German
07-08 translated by Hedwig Jahn

Polish
09 translated by Gabriela Jundziłłowa
10 translated by Maria Konopnicka

Russian
11 translated by Vladimir Shulyatikov
12 translated by Aleksandr Yemelyanov

Ukrainain
13 translated by Pavlo Hrabovsky