And just as Anna uncovered secrets about her own past in Tuscan Roots, it is Francesco who now makes a surprising discovery about his own identity. Giuseppe finds companionship and romance through his trials, while Anna’s family have each to find their own way through the maze of present-day dilemmas. This transumanza lasted five months and encompassed many hardships, including the ever-present threat of malaria, bandits and a long period of separation from family.Įach generation is on a journey of self-awareness. Interwoven are the adventures of Giuseppe (Francesco’s grandfather) and his winter journeys from the mountains down to the Tuscan plains, herding sheep and cattle to better grazing. You can find Angela on her Website | Booktrail | Review Now and then in TuscanyĪ sequel to Tuscan Roots, carries on the story of Anna and Francesco Starnucci with their family in the Apennines. I lived and worked in Sicily in my twenties and recently returned after a thirty-five-year gap, so I’m looking forward to this a lot. I have never come across this author, but the blurb was enticing – set on an island off Sicily. Today I have ordered a hardback copy of “The House at the Edge of Night” by Catherine Banner.

One book you are looking forward to reading? Storyline brilliant characters that are very real beautifully written. It took the author ten years to write this piece of art.

“All the light we cannot see” by Anthony Doerr. What book will always stay with you and why?

I was ill in bed when I was ten for a week or so and was captivated by the descriptions and story.Ģ. “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgsen Burnett, a children’s classic, written in 1911. What’s the first book you remember reading? To date, she has published (via Endeavour Press) two historical novels set in Tuscany and in 2017 her short stories appeared in the People’s Friend and in PRIMA magazine, winning the May 800 word story competition.ġ. Her head is full of stories and she always carries a pen and note-book wherever she goes to capture more ideas.

She has travelled all her life: born in Germany, she spent six years as a child living in Rome, worked in Amsterdam after finishing her degree in Italian, moved to Italy for her job, then to Tanzania for three years. Welcome to 3 books and to Angela Petch’s choices.Īngela lives half the year in a remote valley in the Tuscan Apennines and six months by the sea in West Sussex.

Tuscan Roots by Angela Petch