Two brothers and a book-home to recover the family destroyed by the dictatorship
The article discusses a book created by siblings Martín and Ana Julia Bonetto that serves as a memorial and a personal account of their family's history affected by Argentina's dictatorship.
The article revolves around the book titled "Hubo una vez un patio" (Once Upon a Courtyard), authored by siblings Martín and Ana Julia Bonetto, which represents a powerful testament to their family's painful history during Argentina's dictatorship. This book is not only a biography of their parents, Anna María Mobili and José Roberto Bonetto, both of whom were disappeared due to their activism, but also serves as a repository of memories, photographs, and a space where a fraternal relationship is nurtured despite the traumas they have faced.
In the story, the authors reflect on their lives in Villa Urquiza and Villa Elisa, La Plata, highlighting the contrasting familial atmospheres—where Ana Julia, an artist, enjoys the sun from her terrace while Martín, a designer and photojournalist for Clarín, recalls darker times inside. Their interactions, filled with humor and care, illuminate the enduring bond they share as siblings amidst the backdrop of a family torn apart by state violence.
Ultimately, the work transcends personal narrative by articulating broader themes of memory, loss, and resilience in the face of historical trauma. It stands as a poignant reminder of the past while fostering a sense of family and belonging that has been stripped away by the horrors of dictatorship, emphasizing the importance of commemorating these stories so that they are not forgotten by future generations.