Archive for July 2016
Book Review: The Improbability of Love
I didn’t know anything about this novel until I saw it shortlisted for the Bailey’s Prize – always a source of inspiration for my reading – and loved its premise. I wasn’t disappointed at all. This was a fabulous find, and its interesting plot and cast of whimsical characters kept up a quick pace throughout…
Read MoreMedieval skylines & dramatic mountain views in Pacentro, Abruzzo
I was out in Abruzzo’s Majella National Park last weekend picking my older son up from his tennis camp – an idyllic, cooler environment to enjoy a week of tennis. On our drive back, we decided to stop off and explore the medieval town of Pacentro. I must admit, it’s the first time I’d ever…
Read MoreBook Review: Along the Infinite Sea
I’ve already reviewed A Hundred Summers, a book I enjoyed by author Beatriz Williams, in an earlier post. You can see my earlier review here. After having enjoyed Williams’ debut novel, I was happy to (bad pun alert) dive back…
Read MoreMedieval sights, sounds & tastes in Abbadia di San Salvatore, Tuscany
I’ve already written about the pretty medieval town in Tuscany: Abbadia di San Salvatore. You can read my previous post about the town here. My family and I discovered it last year when my youngest son began track & field camp there last year. This summer, he was back again, and this time his stay…
Read MoreThe links between authors and painters
“I learn as much from painters about how to write as from writers.” -Ernest Hemingway An interesting question raised by an author I have to admit (stereotypically? unfairly?) I would never have imagined to have pondered such a question. But I have always loved art for many of the same reasons I’ve always loved literature…
Read MorePrague’s Wallenstein Garden
Prague’s beautiful Wallenstein Garden (Valdštejnská zahrada) has always been one of my favorite hideouts in Rome. This beautiful Baroque garden, tucked neatly behind a high wall, was created alongside construction of the Wallenstein Palace, built from 1623-1629. The pavilion, with its impressive views behind it up to the striking Prague Castle, is often the site…
Read MoreWriting as a second life
“Writing is neither a happy nor an unhappy occupation—it is something between. It is a second life.” —Ismail Kadare Thought-provoking words from the talented Albanian author Ismail Kadare. Writing is a type of second life for authors who have an imaginary word in their heads, with their characters speaking to one another, acting out possible…
Read MoreOvid’s birthplace: Sulmona, Abruzzo
Sulmona is a small town in the region of Abruzzo. It is located near one of Abruzzo’s three national parks: the National Park of the Majella. The town dates back to before the Roman Empire, but it was the era of the Roman Empire in which Sulmona boasted its most famous resident: Publio Ovidio Nasone,…
Read MoreBook review: The Storm Sister
I’m usually not a fan of book series. I know they’re all the rage, and authors and readers swear by them, but personally, I tend to avoid them. I picked up, The Seven Sisters, the first book of this series by Lucinda Riley last year without knowing it was part of a developing series. I…
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