'A fine and heartbreaking novel' Fiona Shaw

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Salierno family make a tough living as farmers in the forbiding, mountainous terrain of southern Italy.  One stiflingly hot summer, an earthquake strikes, devastating their village.  Concetta, their fifteen-year-old daughter, is seriously injured - and, on waking from a coma, can't remember anything in the weeks before the disaster.  When Concetta discovers she is pregnant, her fmaily marry her off hastily to neighbours who owe a debt of honour.

For her family, this story is over: covered up; but for Concetta, it is only the beginning.  With the help of grieving signora Clara, whose son Peppe lost his life in the earthquake, Concetta sets out to discover the identity of her child's father and solve the mystery of what happened in those forgotten weeks before the earthquake.  In doing so, she must try to balance the demands of her new life with the disturbing half-memories of the her past - of loss, love and violence.

Seen through the eyes of a determined young heroine, this vibrant mystery is remarkable for its historical realism and emotional power.

Published by Tindal Street Press, Feb 2010