Book Details:
Book Title: Wanderers No More by Michelle Saftich
Category: Adult Fiction, 290 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Odyssey Books
Release date: August 2017
Content Rating: PG (Very little bad language (if any), kissing, references to sex but nothing actual or explicit, some violence in the way of school bullying – no major adult themes like abortion or suicide etc.)
Book Description:
The war may be over, but the fight to belong is just the beginning.Left homeless, starving, and almost killed by the Second World War, the Saforo family are refugees fleeing Italy for a better life. The shores of Australia are calling to them and they head off, packing dreams of jobs, a home and… soccer.
But from the moment they get off the boat, adapting to the Australian way of life is harder than it seems. Their family doesn’t speak right, eat right or even look right. As they struggle to build a simple life against the backdrop of 1950s’ racism, they start to wonder if they will be outsiders forever.
A true family affair, Wanderers No More will make you laugh, remind you of your family, and warm your heart.
To follow the blog tour and read reviews, please visit Michelle Saftich’s page on Italy Book Tours.
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Meet the Author:
Born and raised in Brisbane, she spent 10 years living in Sydney; and two years in Osaka, Japan, where she taught English.Her historical fiction novel, Port of No Return, was inspired by a true family story. It was published by Australian independent publishing house, Odyssey Books in 2015. Its sequel, Wanderers No More was released in August 2017. Michelle is married with two children.Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook
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Author Interview
There are many books out there about migrants. What makes yours different?
My two-novel fiction series starts with a little-known war in north-east Italy at the end of World War II. There are very few stories written about this conflict and how it resulted in hundreds of thousands of displaced people. My father’s Italian family was part of this mass displacement and, inspired by their journey, I wanted to write about it. My first novel Port of No Return is set in Fiume and war-torn Europe. The sequel Wanderers No More follows the family as they migrate to Australia and battle to belong.
Which was the easiest character to write?
Monte was the easiest. Perhaps because he is purely fictional. He is not inspired by anyone in my family though some of things he does are based on true happenings. He is the villain of my novels. It is enjoyable to have a truly hateful character and to know that readers will share in their dislike for him. So many readers have commented to me about Monte – which is very satisfying.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?
Once I have an idea for a story, I rarely struggle to write. I think this is partly because I am a visual writer and once I can see a story, I can just write it.
I also think my flow comes from frustration. There is never enough time to write! I work part-time and I am mother of school-aged children, which means I can only write on Friday during school hours and on Sunday afternoon. When that time finally comes around, I am eager to get on with it.
What is your next project?
Having written a series about the past, I’ve decided that next I want to write about the future. At this point in time, I’ve just finished the first draft of my next manuscript – a science fiction novel. But I can see there are common themes across my writing projects. Refugees are still featured!
What is the last great book you’ve read?
I read The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I thought the author very brave to tackle her family story in the way that she did. I admired her for it.
Favorite dessert?
While I do love anything with berries, I find it hard to say no to cannoli – creamy filled Italian pastries. My favourite is with creamy chocolate. I have a friend who passes a traditional Italian bakery on her way to my place. So whenever she comes over for coffee, she often brings a couple of cannoli with her. Very indulgent.
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Thank you for posting about my book and giving me the opportunity to share more about my writing and myself. All the best.
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