A New Year of Me
And a video hello!
Thought I’d mix it up this time around with a video instead.
In hindsight I probably should have horizontally done this, so apologies. Next time!
ENDS SUNDAY - BOOK GIVEAWAY
In The Painted Palace, Mary Jane Cryan offers a unique insider view of life in the historic town of Vetralla and the sprawling former noble residence of the Piatti family. Cryan, a passionate researcher, traces the lives of the palace's former owners and residents. The Piatti family, industrialists from Piedmont, purchased the Vetralla palace in 1893, restructuring it into a grand edifice with 85 rooms, including annexes such as cantinas, gardens, workshops, and stables. Lavishly frescoed inside and out, the palace became a symbol of opulence.
Cryan highlights the lives of the wealthy proprietors, who owned estates including Bisentina Island on Lake Bolsena and Villa Carpegna in Rome. The palace has seen a variety of uses over the years, from a club for Fascist party members to a refuge for homeless families during WWII, and now, individual apartments for foreign residents. Among the notable figures connected with Palazzo Piatti are sculptor Pietro Canonica and opera singer Olga Matteini. Cryan also explores the “Secret Gardens” and lesser-known monuments in the surrounding Tuscia area, including the ancient Roman theatre at Ferento and the “Boston Michelangelo” fresco in Vetralla's Church of San Pietro.
This giveaway closed at midnight ET on 06/09/24. Winners will be notified within 48 hours of the giveaway closing and announced in my next newsletter/post.
Important to Note: You must be 18+ and a United States resident (pesky international laws make it tricky to do giveaways worldwide). If you are someone who loves to read the rules, you can find the obligatory info here.
WHAT’S BRINGING ME JOY
Gollum + Geese
In 1981, Loredana Bertè released In Alto Mare, which brought her Italian fame. She was once a Warhol Factory girl, and married briefly to Björn Borg. Now she’s on Italy’s The Voice Senior as a judge.
Ten years ago I took this amazing photo of Lady Gaga at her show in Boston. Yes, I really was that close.
If you love food and love Italy, and haven’t read THE CHEF’S SECRET or FEAST OF SORROW, click the links to learn where to buy your copy! 🍒🍗🍷 And now you can pre-order IN THE GARDEN OF MONSTERS!
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Happy birthday!
Happy Year of You, Crystal! I’m so excited to be part of your tribe of book friends in this big year ahead for you.