‘Amazing treat of beautifully evocative prose.’ Letter from Liselotte

‘Dear Amanda,

I finished reading your absolutely wonderful book yesterday and now feel bereft, in the absence of “living” in the world of the amazing characters you have created, as your story evolves! I was sure, from the jacket resumé and from your Zoom talk, that I would find your book of great interest. However, I was not prepared for being bowled over by the amazing treat of beautifully evocative prose describing richly-drawn, life-like characters and a riveting storyline, galvanizing the attention of the reader, from the unexpected, raw shock of the death of Bella in childbirth in the very first chapter, to the gripping fear pervading the whole of Part Three. I thought beforehand that I knew a little about the period, but you have taught me so much more about the relevant historical background.

I do hope that your book will be nominated for one of the prizes for debut authors! Certainly, for me, your novel was by far the best work of fiction I have read in many years (although I am not a great judge, I am afraid, since I don’t read as much as I would like and, latterly, have mostly read non-fiction). So often I have started a novel with high hopes of enjoyment, but have been left with an unsatisfied feeling at the end - but not so with “The Tears of Monterini”; on the contrary, I was just sad that it was finished!

If you have time, I would love to discuss the book more with you. Perhaps we could chat over the phone one day, or even over Zoom, if you know how to set it up! I have a mobile, but often don’t hear it ringing…..

I shall gladly try to write a review for Amazon and Waterstone’s, as you suggested, but since I have never written such a review before, I would need to ask you first for advice as to how to best formulate it for maximum effect.

With best wishes and warmest regards,

Liselotte.’