Blog Archives
A Historical Journey
The Road to Moresco follows an Italian woman and her daughter who, during WWII, faced multiple tragedies and had to find a way to survive amidst the constant turmoil. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I was inspired by the actual life events of these two women and even more so their perseverance in the face of these events. I had the good fortune to meet the daughter, Clara, and through conversation with her, I began to also get details about her mother. The time periods and events these women had to endure mirrored a life existence that my own parents and their parents had. It was eye-opening to see this same time period through a different lens. I started doing research into the historical events during those times. I asked deeper questions about how societal shifts in mindsets influenced events and actions. First, I wanted to structure the story as a historical journey, staying true to the timetable of these events like landmarks on a road trip. Along the way, I noticed that the characters’ reactions and emotions became much more important, while the historical references shifted into the background as environmental. The dialogue between characters was the hardest part for me. I wanted to balance the “show don’t tell” aspect of conveying their thoughts and emotions with an almost Socratic-like approach to give the reader a better understanding about how their way of thinking was also changing over time. I do not think I would have been as passionate about telling their story in this manner and doing this work if I had not been so moved and inspired by them in the first place.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The human condition – what we feel, our emotions, the life events we encounter – can be the basis for empathy and connection to a reader. This goes beyond the psychology or philosophy that a reader may be looking for. There is an acknowledgement, the understanding, that binds the reader to the character leading to a condition where the reader cares about and for the character in the book. The reader sees themselves. They can live through the fiction as if they were there themselves. In that moment, they are on the same journey as the character. They are looking for the same thing. I tried to do that with my storytelling, so that at the end of the book it becomes a shared effort, that the reader, too, has been all along on the road to Moresco.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
There is a central theme of water, first as destruction and catalyst for change, but also a binding element that brings people together. And ultimately a peaceful and serene element that conveys resolution and calm. I was also keen to explore the various theories of psychology and philosophy that not only were driven by shifts in societal norms but also that impacted the characters directly in how they coped with certain events or with each other. Blending Eastern versus Western philosophy was cathartic because I also had to infuse so much of myself into the book and into the characters, my imagination, and my real-life experiences having to fill the gaps.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I think The Road to Moresco has its own place in my heart, with a certain sense of completeness and depth that I do not want to dilute. I wrote with a certain purposefulness and intended for the context to be approachable while also delivering on ideas and concepts that provoke introspection. I am hopeful people will read this book many times over and get something new from each time. I do not think there is a follow-up to this story. However, I am beginning to work on a new story. It is in the formative stages. I did not consider myself to be a writer before publishing Moresco, but I really enjoyed the process and the result.
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But when multiple tragedies struck – earthquakes and storms, unexpected deaths, World War II, broken relationships, even murders – she, and later her daughter Chiara, were forced to find a way forward despite their irreplaceable losses. Against the backdrop of a Europe in constant turmoil, their survival instincts, persistence, and resilience became their path forward. Discover more about these astounding, complicated, talented women in The Road to Moresco.
The Road to Moresco
Mark Jamilkowski’s inaugural novel, The Road to Moresco, presents a sweeping narrative that spans over 150 years, intricately weaving the threads of global historical events with the intimate saga of an Italian family. The novel’s canvas stretches from the mid-1800s in Sicily to contemporary Italy, tracing the Moresco family’s odyssey across continents and generations. Jamilkowski blends historical fact with fiction, creating a richly detailed world where readers can vividly experience both the grandeur and the turmoil of the times.
The novel’s strength lies in its complex and dynamic characters. It features a diverse ensemble, each navigating the turbulent waters of their personal and political realities. Particularly noteworthy are the novel’s female characters. They are portrayed as formidable and resilient, actively shaping their destinies against the backdrop of societal constraints.
Jamilkowski’s prose is evocative, painting each scene with such vivid imagery that readers feel transported into the heart of the story, experiencing its highs and lows alongside the characters. At the core of The Road to Moresco are themes of fascism, Nazism, and the ramifications of the Second World War. The narrative delves into the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship set against this tumultuous historical backdrop.
The story primarily focuses on Maria-Luisa Moresco, a determined pianist, as she juggles her career ambitions with the demands of family and motherhood, and her daughter, Chiara, who navigates her own complex path of love and duty. Their relationship, marked by love and conflict, mirrors the larger historical and cultural shifts of the era.
Jamilkowski’s debut novel blends music, war, love, and family life. It all comes together in a resonant and powerful narrative. This book is an engaging read for those interested in the interplay of history, culture, politics, and personal stories within the grand tapestry of a family saga. Jamilkowski’s work leaves an indelible mark, making The Road to Moresco a commendable addition to the genre.
Pages: 310 | ASIN : B0CCK7DMPJ
Blending the Past with the Present
Rome’s Last Noble Palace follows the lives of two women living over a century apart who are connected through a shared location of an attic room in the Palazzo Brancaccio. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The Palazzo Brancaccio is a real monument in Rome. I was inspired to write the story after moving beside this palace and, one night, seeing a ghostly light and what seemed like a hand adjusting a window of one of the attic rooms. This image, combined with the real-life story of the American princess who married into an Italian noble family and used her wealth to build the Brancaccio Palace, sparked my imagination for this story.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
I enjoyed writing all of my characters, but I always find myself fascinated by the past, so I was truly drawn into Isabelle’s story in fin de siècle Rome – such an exciting time, in the “new” capital of a newly united Italy. Rome was a heady mix of new ideas in art, music, literature, art and urban planning – and I loved creating my character in the midst of this optimistic time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As always with my historical fiction, I love to draw parallels between the past and the present, and to create connections between characters in our contemporary world and those who came before us. This novel also includes themes of self-realization, resilience, embracing change and overcoming hardships, and the strong female friendships that help us through our greatest challenges.
What is the next book that you are working on and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I switch between historical and contemporary fiction (the latter requiring a lot less research!) My next, out in spring 2024, is a sequel to my first, contemporary novel, Three Coins. It’s been four years since Emma, Annarita and Tiffany threw their coins in Rome’s Trevi Fountain and cemented a friendship that would change their lives, in more ways than one. Emma has departed Rome for the charming Umbrian village of Todi. where she’s busy managing the Three Coins Inn, while Annarita and her husband run the hotel’s cooking classes. When a new set of hotel guests descend on the idyllic property, eager to recharge and leave their problems far behind, will the inn manage to work its magic on them?
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
American Isabelle Field has been shipped off to Rome to live with her aunt, Princess Elizabeth Brancaccio. Isabelle’s aunt and mother share a common goal – replicating Elizabeth’s success by marrying Isabelle off to a European nobleman.
But Rome in 1896 is on the cusp of a new century and Isabelle longs for more than a titled husband. She secretly designs costumes for Rome’s burgeoning theatre environment and dreams of opening a fashion atelier. Can she gather the courage to forge a life for herself, even if it means going against expectations?
Over a century later, doctoral candidate Sophie Nouri can’t believe her good fortune when she is selected to intern in Rome’s Near Eastern Art Museum. Even better, the position includes an attic apartment in the spectacular museum property, the Palazzo Brancaccio.
Overseeing a major exhibition is stressful, but tension alone can’t explain the disturbing nighttime presence in the deserted hallways of the grand palace – especially one no one else can sense. Almost as if a spectral being is trying to communicate with Sophie directly. Or warn her.
Rome’s Last Noble Palace
Rome’s Last Noble Palace by Kimberly Sullivan is a captivating work of fiction rooted in the enchanting city of Italy. In this narrative, we follow Sophie Nouri, who, after a lengthy twelve-year absence, bravely confronts the ghosts that have barred her from Rome, her former home. Accompanied by her son from Vermont for a conference engagement at the Palazzo Brancaccio—the museum that not only served as her previous workplace but also as her residence—Sophie’s journey stirs a cascade of personal recollections. These memories intertwine with the history of another inhabitant of the palazzo from over a century ago. In 1896, this noble estate was rocked by a dark misfortune. The story teases us with a question: Will Sophie uncover the truth about the mysterious woman who once resided in the attic room of the palazzo?
The book’s narrative structure is particularly compelling, weaving between the present-day experiences of Sophie and the life of Isabelle in the late 19th century. As a reader who appreciates both contemporary and period narratives, I found the alternating chapters between the two time periods to be an effective technique for maintaining my engagement. The suspense built around the outcomes of these parallel lives, separated by more than a hundred years yet connected by shared geography, is a strong narrative hook.
The contrasting depictions of Rome’s evolution from the 1800s to the present are vividly rendered, allowing one to traverse time through Sullivan’s evocative scenery. The friendship dynamics—between Sophie and Martina and Isabelle and Stefania—add a heartfelt layer to the novel, culminating in a satisfying resolution to Sophie’s harrowing tribulations.
While the journey through the dual timelines was intriguing, a more intertwined revelation of their connection earlier in the novel could have enriched the reading experience. I enjoyed the story, but I thought specific segments of the narrative, particularly Isabelle’s discussions with Stefania’s cousin, Lamberto, might benefit from more variety to avoid repetitiveness. I felt that the debates over personal ambitions versus familial expectations, while essential to Isabelle’s character development, occasionally retread familiar ground.
Readers with an affinity for suspenseful historical fiction and evocative dual narratives will likely find Rome’s Last Noble Palace a rewarding read. The author has crafted a story that, while traversing through time, captures the essence of Rome and the perennial human struggle for self-determination.
Pages: 388 | ASIN : B0CJY89NQT
Darkness and Light Intertwined: Book 3 of the Agent Orange Trilogy
In 1954, against the haunting backdrop of war-torn Vietnam, Chi Anh Ong faces the heart-wrenching separation from her baby daughter Linh, who is, unbeknownst to her, taken to an orphanage by her father. Abandoned by Linh’s father, a foreign soldier, Chi is cornered by circumstance and grief. Yet, in a fervent pursuit of revenge, she joins the Viet Cong, targeting American soldiers.
As the years pass, Linh begins to lose herself. Her struggle for survival pushes her into the shadows of prostitution. A chance encounter with an American soldier offers her a shimmering ray of hope and the possibility of a new life in the US. But can one ever fully escape the past?
Darkness and Light Intertwined, by Kaylon Bruner Tran, is a poignant historical fiction novel, featuring a cast of characters caught in the brutal jaws of war yet yearning for redemption. The desperation Chi feels in her search for Linh is palpable, while Linh’s own journey illustrates the depths one might go to for survival.
Kaylon Bruner Tran strikes deep emotional chords, rendering a tale of individuals seeking healing from the scars of war. Each character’s internal struggle prompts readers to grapple with the intricate moral implications of their own choices.
Darkness and Light Intertwined underscores the moral conundrums faced by those in conflict zones. Amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War, each character yearns for a glimmer of light–a semblance of normalcy. Darkness and Light Intertwined is more than just a book; it’s an introspective journey, prompting reflections on the gripping emotional trials born out of real-life adversities. Highly recommended for those seeking a deep, thoughtful read.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0BGJSVWW5
