Behind the scenes
Anna focuses on little explored places and ways of life, rarely covered in fiction in English. She is inspired by family stories and has always been interested in European history post WW1, particularly the impact of political, cultural and societal change on ordinary lives.
She has travelled and researched extensively in Italy, putting her Italian to good use.
Film has always been a big part of Anna's life, particularly Italian, French & German cinema. The films of Vittorio De Sica (who coincidentally was born close to the Atina setting of Broken Madonna, in Sora) shine a light on the life and times of Broken Madonna. Her favourite film is the timeless Cinema Paradiso.
Genealogy, lost families and family secrets pique Anna's interest and she is fascinated by the relationship and social history aspects of TV programmes such as Who Do You Think You Are? and Long Lost Family.
The impact of Catholic culture and worship of the mother figure of the Virgin Mary are areas which Anna has long explored.
Click on the photos for snippets of research and inspiration behind the mystery of Broken Madonna.
Broken Madonna inspiration
