AUTHOR OF THE CHESTNUT HOUSE
Anna Valencia
SYNOPSIS…..
Two women, separated by two generations and continents, both trapped in their grief and unable to move forwards.
Upon inheriting Stazzana, a crumbling farmhouse in the wilderness of northern Tuscany, Emma flies out to Italy in the hopes that unravelling the truth of the past will heal her present.
Local retired farmer Luciano befriends them and finds a new lease of life introducing them to the traditions and wildlife of the mountains, but he has his own secret to harbour, his own need for redemption. His sister, Giuliana, left Italy in 1945, and has spent her life running from the past. The past that Emma now seeks.
Can the truth of what happened at Stazzana set them both free?
The Chestnut House is published by The Book Guild. It can be found on their website, or at well-known bookshops. If you would like a signed copy please message us below.
For press please contact Philippa Iliffe at The Book Guild.
Email: p_iliffe@bookguild.co.uk
Anna Valencia is available for PR opportunities in the UK and abroad.
“I cannot not believe how absolutely stunning this book is ! I finished it yesterday and immediately restarted reading it -that’s how much I totally love it. Anna Valencia is a truly awesome storyteller, not only that – she makes the reader feel as if they are right there in the moment with amazing poetical prose that brings everything to life! Thank you for a wonderful experience! Now I feel I have lots of birthday presents lined up to give to my very fortunate friends who I’m sure will also adore this wonderful book.” Barbara, Devon
“It is a rare thing when a novel is published which combines themes ranging from historical accounts to personal experiences to descriptions of local places, traditions and events. Anna Valencia’s ‘The Chestnut House’ is this very special kind of novel. It may be read principally as a work which interlaces the stories of various characters who are related to a specific area of Lucca province, the ‘Garfagnana’, that semi ‘wild-west’ part of Tuscany which, with its marble mountains, all-encompassing forests haunted by wolf-packs and isolated villages only quite recently connected by tarmac to the outside world, makes such a startling contrast to the touristic view of Tuscany as a land of rolling hills, vineyards, olive groves and rows of cypresses where one sips endless supplies of Chianti. I especially recommend ‘The Chestnut House’ to all readers who love Italy, Lucca province and, in particular, the Garfagnana, whether, they are interested in the history of the area, whether they want to discover its traditions and cuisine, or whether they just want to read an engrossing and very moving story involving love and death, misplacement and self-realization, hindrance and encouragement.” Francis, Tuscany
“The Chestnut House is as much about love between people – couples, families, and friends – as it is an ode to northern Tuscany: its beauty, culture, and of course, historical significance for the ‘Gothic Line’ during World War Two. The book weaves together the stories of two women living seventy years apart through history and place. But what could have become a rather complicated balancing act between the two eras works really well. Both characters’ stories are so compelling, and in moving between the two, Valencia manages to immediately ground the reader right where they’re meant to be through a combination of evocative descriptions and well-researched historical background. A real page-turner, it’s a must-read for Italophiles and fans of historical fiction. Recommended”. Frances, Berlin.
“If you love historical fiction and Italy, this is the book for you! Valencia transports you to the mountains of the Garfagnana, and weaves a tale of love, grief and redemption that will have you longing to read more! A great summer read!” Chiara, London
“Unexpected gem. Give this a go !!
Sumptuous descriptions of a relatively unexplored area of Italy.
Totally believable local characters and cultures .
Anna obviously has first hand knowledge of the locations.
On top of this is the storyline of a WWII conflict that I was totally unaware of, either geographically or politically.
Loved it !!” Gabrielle, Exeter
Anna Valencia 