Ann Goldstein and Judith Thurman with Dayna Tortorici on Alba de Céspedes’ There’s No Turning Back

Céspedes’ debut novel There’s No Turning Back is a coming-of-age story that is as relevant today as it was nearly 90 years ago — following eight women attending college together in Rome with interwoven motivations, dreams, and secrets, it was considered revolutionary when it was first published. Now, this classic novel is available to English-speaking readers for the first time in a magnificent new translation by Ann Goldstein. In a special conversation, hear Goldstein, Thurman, and Tortorici on what made Céspedes, and her generation, electrifying for the Italian writers who wrote in her wake, the social and political forces that nearly silenced her, the art of bringing There’s No Turning Back into English, why the novel remains profoundly relevant today, and much more. Recorded on Feb 19, 2025. Your support helps us continue creating online content for our community. Donate now: http://www.92NY.org/Donate Facebook: facebook.com/92ndStreetY Instagram: Instagram.com/92ndStreetY TikTok: tiktok.com/@92ndstreety Archives: 92ny.org/archives