Books
Broken MAdonna
A powerful epic set in post-war Italy, where the mysterious visions of a fragile girl lead to a reckoning with the haunting secrets of the past
AVAILABLE NOW
Historical and book club fiction set in post World War 2 Italy, Broken Madonna explores the fine line between secrets and miracles, as a young girl's mysterious visions set off a chain of events that reach across the years to late '90s England.
A rich, layered epic of love, friendship and motherhood, set against corruption, deception and mental anguish. It's about the agonies of being human and lives buffeted by events beyond their control.​
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ITALY 1949
At an orphanage in the poverty-stricken Apennine Mountains, 15-year-old Adelina has only one younger friend - enigmatic, fragile Elisabetta.
When Elisabetta claims to see the Madonna by the river, Adelina has doubts. But after Elisabetta appears to heal Giulio, an injured and traumatised young soldier, crowds flock to witness the mystery of Elisabetta’s miracles.
Adelina can no longer contain her misgivings and seeks out scheming priest, Padre Bosco. As the secrets of the past begin to unravel, Adelina, Elisabetta and Giulio each have to confront who or what to believe.
Soon they face a terrible reckoning which will cause deep ripples in all their lives, reaching across the years to 1990s England.
Interested in some of the research and inspiration behind Broken Madonna?
Praise for Broken Madonna
“A beautifully written historical novel, set in Italy in the aftermath of WW2, about faith and friendship, loss and love. Evocative, page-turning and original - a novel to savour.”
JACQUIE BLOESE
Author of The French House &
The Secret Photographs
For readers & book clubs who enjoy
Emotionally intelligent bestsellers such as:
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Go As A River by Shelley Read
Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
The Wonder by Emma Donoghue
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
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Or the relationship themes and impact of religion in books by Isabel Allende, John Boyne and Colm Tóibín. There are connections with the themes of Elena Ferrante.
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You might also enjoy authors such as Tracy Chevalier, Rose Tremain and Sarah Dunant or reading timeless classics.​​​
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More information on a virtual book club visit from Anna Lucia for your book group.
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Buy a signed copy direct from Anna Lucia for yourself or as a gift.
£9.99 + postage
Anna will include a personalised message, if requested.
Coming soon
The Lives We Leave Behind
Touching love story shaped by politics, religion and poverty during the rise of Fascism in inter-war Italy
Italy, 1922
Mussolini is on the rise, but the Catholic Church is not about to let go of its hold on the people.
In a poor mountain village, 16-year-old Maria wants more than survival and family duty. She yearns for childhood friend Peppe, who also seeks escape from local corruption and his obligations to scheming priest, Padre Bosco.
When Fascist thugs break up a Peasant League protest, the aftermath takes them close to the changes sweeping Italy but far from one another. Until the day they have to face the consequences of their choices.
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Characters connect Broken Madonna and The Lives We Leave Behind,
but they are standalone novels.
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