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The Tears of Monterini

By Amanda Weinberg

"Warm, moving and compelling. An emotionally raw story you will be unable to forget. I utterly loved this book"- Vanessa Feltz, author and broadcaster

Set in the fictional village of Monterini in Italy, during the fascist period, this novel explores the lives of two families, one Catholic farmers, the other Jewish intellectuals. Yacobo, a dreamer, works in the family bookshop and Angelo, a contadino, makes good wine by singing to the grapes (Yacobo's discovery). Their children grow up and fall in love. Amidst a backdrop of village communal life, Etruscan tales and the growth of fascism, we witness the characters' struggle to come to terms with the Italy of Mussolini as their peaceful village is torn apart.

While the 1938 racial laws are passed, the love between Bella and Rico thrives amidst, and perhaps because of, the fear and uncertainty. When Angelo discovers their liaison he suggests they marry but life is complicated and tensions simmer beneath the surface of love and friendship. When war is declared on the day of Bella's wedding to Michele, a fellow Jew, the peaceful village they live in is torn apart. The Levis find themselves displaced and fighting for their lives. Will life ever be the same again?

"So evocative! I was transported into this small Tuscan village and the lives of its rich characters at a turning point in Italy's history from a perspective rarely given. Compelling storytelling with a touch of magic too" -Diane Samuels, playwright and author of Kindertransport

About the Author

The Tears of Monterini is Amanda Weinberg's first novel inspired by an Italian village with which she has a deep connection. Amanda has a degree in modern languages from the University of East Anglia and a PGCE from King's College, London. She taught languages for several years (French, German and Italian) in a London comprehensive and then moved into advertising, sales and marketing working for publishing companies. In 1988, she launched a small company with a business partner called A-Z International Sales.

After 20 years organising sales and exhibitions for telecommunications magazines worldwide, Amanda decided to return to tutoring foreign languages in order to write this novel. She is currently writing a memoir of her personal experiences in the real Monterini - Pitigliano.

Amanda has attended several writing courses at the City Lit in London. In 2004, she was short listed for the London Writer's competition for her short story The Rose and again in 2005 for her short story It's My Turn. In 2014, Amanda attended a nine month UEA/Guardian course: How to Finish a Work of Fiction, under the supervision of Gillian Slovo. She is represented by Curtis Brown and lives in London, and spends a lot of time in Italy. She is married with two grown up children, works as a volunteer for the Jewish Volunteer Network where she is involved in a mentoring programme.

ESSENTIAL DETAILS

Title:The Tears of Monterini

Author:Amanda Weinberg

Genre:Historical Fiction

Publisher:RedDoor Press

Publication date:Aug 6 2020

Availability:Paperback, eBook,

ISBN:PB

Number of pages:352

Price:PB £8.99

Press folder:bit.ly/TearsOfMonterini

Online profile:www.literallypr.com/public_relations/file/Amanda-Weinberg---The-Tears-of-Monterini.php

Connect online:www.amandaweinberg.co.uk

For more information, extracts, editorial opportunities, interview requests or review copies please get in touch withhelenlewis@literallypr.com+44 (0) 7904801669