Marianne was recently interviewed by booksandbenches.com
“Marianne Perry weaves a very vivid tale that might well have happened hundreds of times over the centuries.”
What are five things people may not know about you?
- I have explored every continent in our world.
- I was 51 the first time I backpacked in Europe.
- My Nana (Grandmother) Caterina emigrated from southern Italy in 1913 eventually settling in Canada and I am the first of her bloodline to visit the mountain village where she was born.
- I have a black Libra-horoscope tattoo on my left leg above the ankle.
- My beloved pet, a Golden Retriever named Ranger, died forty years ago and I still have his dog tag in my jewellery box.
Why did you write The Inheritance?
Family mysteries intrigue me and I wanted to understand why my Nana (Grandmother) Caterina left Calabria, southern Italy as a young woman in 1913 and never returned. We had a large family yet no one knew much about her early life so I started genealogical research. I investigated family history, traveled to Calabria and went to the mountain village where she was born. I solved the mystery and though The Inheritance is historical fiction/romance, my discoveries inspired the story.
What is your favourite non-writing pastime?
I love this photograph of the Cheetah with her two-month cub and snapped it when my husband and I were on safari in Masai Mara, Kenya, East Africa
Taking photographs! I snap tons during my travels plus keep a camera/smartphone with me to capture unexpected magical moments. I blog about genealogy, travel and writing on my website and I post photos from around the world reflecting the entries. I took the picture of the crumbling stone cottage on the cover of The Inheritance when I was exploring Calabria, southern Italy studying family history and researching this book.
I love this photograph of the Cheetah with her two-month cub and snapped it when my husband and I were on safari in Masai Mara, Kenya, East Africa.
Where do you write?
Marianne and a Maasai artist was taken in Tanzania, Africa
I have a den dedicated to writing and genealogical research with windows fronting Lake Superior. I believe in positive energy and am selective as to whom I allow to enter the room. I’ve also handpicked every item in it and the space honours cherished family photographs, treasured mementos, travel memorabilia and favourite books.
This photograph is of me and a Maasai artist was taken in Tanzania, east Africa when my husband and I were on safari. She made the beaded necklace I am holding and I’ve displayed it on the wall beside my desk in my den.
