The recent event at the Terranova bookshop in Lucerne was among those I’ve enjoyed the most, out of all my readings from That Summer in Puglia. I had presented my novel widely when it first came out in 2018, and the event this June was to launch the second edition (Breakthrough Books). Having moved six years ago from London to the Lucerne area, I was especially pleased to be sharing my work with people in my new ‘home’. I’ve been reflecting on what else made the evening so special for me, and I think it’s down to a combination of factors.
The enthusiasm of Terranova’s Ottilia Lütolf and Markus Elsener meant that I felt warmly welcomed from the outset. They stock titles in several languages and in translation (another element that connected us, as I collaborated for years with the European Literature Network), and regularly organise fabulous literary evenings. This would be their first in English. They made the event’s promotion effortless for me, as they could rely on their experience and established channels. I added to it by reaching out to Lucerne’s international community.
My interviewer, Literature and Philosophy lecturer Monica Tiffany, had read the novel with exceptional attention and sensitivity, so her questions and comments were incredibly thoughtful, as well as heartfelt. It made the conversation between us flow so naturally! We touched on the story, its themes, the characters’ arcs (while avoiding spoilers…), the centrality of the Apulian setting, the veiled references to philosophy, and narrative choices such as the use of the dramatic monologue form.
The public was wonderfully responsive. They asked lots of questions during the Q&A session, as well as afterwards when I was signing copies of the book. It was lovely to see friends in the audience, and lots of interesting people I had never met until that evening.
The event space also fostered this warm atmosphere. The conversation between Monica Tiffany and me had originally been meant to take place at the Terranova bookshop, an attractive and cozy place. Demand for seats, however, turned out to be higher than we had imagined. A substantial waiting list and the possibility that additional people might arrive on the night without having contacted the bookshop prompted a search for a larger venue. Markus was able to secure the Himmelrich events hall, just a few doors down, and so we were thankfully able to accommodate just over fifty people.
The drinks and snacks with which, after the talk, we celebrated the launch of That Summer in Puglia’s second edition created a veritable party feeling. People stayed at the hall until late into the evening. It was so enjoyable to meet everyone. What can I say? It really was a warm welcome for my novel… and for me in the country where I now live.
Valeria Vescina 