A Perfect Sky

A great discussion with Lucia Campanella about her two books and Mussolini’s impact on Italian life pre WWII. Lucia is a teacher, historian and author.  Her first book “La Strada Madre” is currently being translated into English.

In 1930s Illinois, strained by the Great Depression, rebellious young Eveline meets Oliver, a promising but disillusioned and inspirational writer. Only after a few meetings do they overcome mistrust, prejudices and begin to exchange opinions, to tell each other about their lives, their dreams. Meanwhile, Oliver’s close friend, Nick, a lover of life and comfort, feels all the emptiness of his existence, coming to feel a sense of inadequacy. While the winds of war stir on the horizon, the young protagonists will have to learn to fight in order not to be crushed by the events that will change their lives forever.

Her second book “Un Cielo Perfetto” is only in Italian for now.

Three women united by the desire to discover the truth about the mysterious sinking of an Italian submarine during the Second World War. Lina lives alone, not far from the sea that stole her brother from her in unclear circumstances. Her daughter Agata has distanced herself from her since she discovered an inconvenient truth. Jane, a young British researcher on the run from a failed marriage, accepts an assignment that takes her to Salerno to shed light on the tragic events of the submarine. The unexpected experience of a journey tests their ability to overcome limits and to find a dialogue, in the hope of answering questions that have been waiting for answers for too long.

You can find them here.