The Heart of an Artichoke

The Heart of an Artichoke is a novel by Vanessa Milano that explores the experiences of a military father's daughter, living through riots in the Middle East, being pregnant in 1967, and being an Au Pair in France. It also explores the differences between the stiff upper-lip English and the family-loving Latinos.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 27 May 2022
Publisher: i2i Publishing

Vanessa Milano, a writer of literary fiction, was born in England but currently resides in the South of France, alongside her French husband and family. Her debut novel, titled "The Heart of an Artichoke," is inspired by real-life experiences, encompassing various aspects of her life. Growing up as the daughter of a military father, she witnessed the unrest in the Middle East. In 1967, while living in puritan England, she faced the challenges of being pregnant and living in a 'Mother and Baby home,' where she was subjected to forced adoption. Additionally, her journey as an Au Pair in France added another layer to her experiences. Throughout the novel, a constant presence in the background is the son she lost after his birth. Despite her deep longing for reconciliation with her first-born, the question remains whether this will ever be possible. The reader is transported back to the sixties and seventies, where the contrast between the stiff upper-lip English and the family-loving Latinos is vividly portrayed. The English, known for their insistence on doing "what is right," grapple with the unacceptable behavior of their offspring, while the Latinos, despite their initial reluctance, ultimately accept and embrace their children's imperfections. "The Heart of an Artichoke" is a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and the search for identity. Through Vanessa Milano's vivid storytelling, readers are invited to explore the nuances of human relationships and the enduring power of hope.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 141 x 199 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914933295