A captivating novel about the stories we choose to hand down to our families - set against the sun-drenched backdrop of early twentieth century southern Europe

Proud matriarch Matelda Cabrelli always has something to say. But, as she faces the end of her life, she worries she's failed to tell the stories that matter. Most of all, the story of her mother Domenica's two great loves.

First, her childhood sweetheart: a boy from the same small coastal town of Viareggio. Second, a mysterious Captain: a passion forged in the midst of WW2 - the father Matelda never knew.

Now, it falls to Matelda to tell Domenica's story. And for the Cabrelli women to unpick the mysteries, infatuations and tragedies that sent Domenica away from Italy - then brought her home again. . .