Q: What was your inspiration for the character Margaret?Ī: Margaret is a dark thread running through my narrator’s memories. Growing old in that society is quite different. Raucous octogenarians gather for an aperitivo in late afternoon. The 98-year-old grandmother joins the party. A big difference is how older people are not isolated or pushed aside. The feasts, the strong sense of community, that you own time instead of it owning you. Mysterious, that process.Ī: Once my characters are in Italy, they begin to experience, as I did, the intense joys of everyday life in a small Italian town. Will they - or anyone - find what they’re wanting in a foreign country? I’ve seen people move to Italy and hightail it home after a year. They’re looking for more, for life to continue to open rather than closing in. My four women characters are all these things, and they are definitely in transition, as ex-pats often are. Also, I’ve found that these seekers are usually curious people, open to learning a new way of living. Away from the home turf, you’re much more on your own. Q: What’s intriguing about ex-patriots living far from home?Ī: People living abroad are usually both self-reliant and willing to take a risk. A reservation is needed for a luncheon on Tuesday. She is the author of the delightful memoir and New York Times bestseller “Under The Tuscan Sun.” Mayes will be at Warwick’s Monday evening to talk about her latest book. Frances Mayes’ new novel, “Women In Sunlight” celebrates adventure, friendship, food and, as in several of her books, Italy.
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