Happy Birthday, Italy!

As the author of Verdi's Dream and a proud citizen of Italy these many years by virtue of my marriage to an Italian many years ago, I am thrilled to be celebrating the nation's 150th birthday, to be commemorated officially on March 17th. The 'triumvirate' of Italian unification--Verdi the musical genius, Garibaldi the revolutionary militant and man of the people, and Cavour the great statesman--seem unique to Italy, its cultural heritage and tradition of the humanities. How many nations can claim a great composer as one of its most inspiring founding fathers?


Although the action in Verdi's Dream unfolds during the last month of WWII, the novel takes its title and draws one of its major themes from Maestro Giuseppe Verdi's obsessions: liberty, unity, fraternity among men. The composer has never ceased to inspire his people--and people the world over who love and appreciate music and its power to motivate and touch hearts.  So, to honor the moment in my own modest way, Verdi's Dream will be on sale on both Smashwords and Kindle UK and USA. And others have been kind to me as well with blogs and recommendations worthy of the Maestro!  Thanks, keep reading, and keep loving Italian culture. Auguri, Italia!