The restlessness that has characterized the artistic world of the twentieth century is reflected by the proliferation of many schools, movements, and currents in all creative fields but, most prominently, in cinema and literature. It is, however, difficult if not impossible to bring certain artists under a specific "ism," especially when they have developed a particular voice and style to explore and express the fundamental experiences of living and dying. One such artist is Gina Lagorio.

Lagorio has established her reputation during a career of more than thirty years, and her works range from fiction to drama, from literary criticism to essays of general interest. She has contributed to major newspapers, magazines, and radio broadcasts. Her important criticism includes work on Camillo Sbarbaro, Beppe Fenoglio, Renato Serra, and Angelo Barile. Her writings for the theater are collected in Freddo al cuore e altri testi teatrali (Cold at Heart...