In: Historical Fiction| Italy| Renaissance| Sarah Dunant| The Borgias| Uncategorized
12 Apr 2011It is the strangest feeling, sitting at my computer in a little room in North London, watching spring 2011 outside the winter, surrounded by leaning towers of history books, as I sink myself into Rome five hundred years ago. At this moment I am in the coliseum, 1494, where on Good Friday they put on [...]
In: Academia| Catholocism| Cultural History| Historical Fiction| Italy| Music| Renaissance| Sacred Hearts| Uncategorized| Women's Studies| the power of singing
9 May 2010I suppose the best thing about life is the challenges it throws up. And if you had any idea quite how hard it might be, you would be tempted to say no. So maybe sometimes better not to know.
Last weekend in the one of the most surprisingly lovely churches in the city of Brighton a [...]
In: Art History| Catholocism| Cultural History| Ferrara| Historical Fiction| Italy
21 Apr 2010Having been having the time of my life on this book tour. I wish I could say it has come from selling books (I fear the days of book shops gigs are numbered) but also because the time you actually get to do that – to really talk to people and start a conversation about [...]
In: Catholocism| Cultural History| Historical Fiction| Italy| Renaissance| Sacred Hearts| Saints| Women's Studies
6 Aug 2009Having been on the road with Sacred Hearts and the Renaissance for almost four weeks (how rich and interesting to carry a convent of women around with you in your head) I am due a short break on a small gulf island off he coast of British Columbia and Vancouver island. I will read, eat, [...]
In: Academia| Catholocism| Cultural History| Historical Fiction| Italy| Renaissance| Sacred Hearts| Sarah Dunant| Uncategorized| Women's Studies
3 Aug 2009So, someone sent this to me today and I was fascinated to read it. : http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/books/2009/08/sarah-dunant-bares-all.html
It is quite close to my heart because ,of couse, while the renaissance is known for its beauty and wonder, it was also a time of huge violence and brutality. That I certainly believe. And given the levels of pain [...]
In: Academia| Art History| Catholocism| Cultural History| Florence| Historical Fiction| Italy| Music| Renaissance| Sacred Hearts| Sarah Dunant| Women's Studies
3 Aug 2009i think Lewis and Clark did it the other way around, yes but I finally arrive in the East. First Washington and a great NPR interview with Lianne Hanson, then Miami – Book and Books and one hell of smart audience firing on al cylinders – thank you Miami Now New York City To all [...]
In: Academia| Art History| Catholocism| Cultural History| Historical Fiction| Italy| Renaissance| Sacred Hearts| Sarah Dunant
21 Jul 2009first thing to note. It’s hot. Seattle sings in the sushine. i got here yestrday after a fantastic weekend at the Denman island Writers and Readers festival. If you don’t know about it and you live anywhere in British Columbia then check it out. The most beautiful place, the kindest most hospitable people and the [...]
... to my open forum. Although I will be posting my own ideas, thoughts, and experiences the primary aim of this blog is to broaden the discussion long after the last page has been turned. Please feel free to comment on my books, art history, culture, media, herbalism, travel, literature, history, etc. Engaging with my audience and connecting people through dialogue is important to me, so don't be shy.