Travelling with the Duke

Travelling with the Duke

Ever felt like running away from it all?

Nelly Larkin has done just that. And her grandchildren are worried sick.

Nelly Larkin has run away, and no-one knows where she is- except Pino, the local greengrocer, and he is sworn to secrecy. She certainly hasn't confided in her daughter, Jenny, or her grandchildren, who would only try to stop her. With her Italian dictionary and grammar book, and a portrait of the Duke of Montefeltro as her travelling compassion, Nelly settles into her small 'room with a view' in a hilltop town in Tuscany.

Her new life as the local curiosity is busy, as she works on her Italian vocabulary, learns to make the perfect zabaglione, and wards off the attentions of an eccentric yet persistent, Professor of Renaissance art. She quickly becomes a part of the community-but steadfastly refuse to write home.

Back in Australia the search for Nelly sets off a chain of events, journeys, and encounters that change the lives of her daughter, Jenny, her granddaughter, Katherine, and even her downstairs neighbour, Mrs Ellis, forever.

Anne Harvey was born and educated in Melbourne. She attended Melbourne University, where she acted rather than studied, performing with the Melbourne University Dramatic Society and in University revues, often writing her own songs and sketches. After working as an actor in professional theatre and television her career has combined directing, writing, and teaching. Since 1998 she has been co-teaching Literature and Cultural courses for Sydney University Continuing Education and leading cultural tours to Italy, exploring Tuscany, Umbria, Venice and the Veneto. These tours combine the study of Renaissance Art and Italian culture with having a good time and discovering the 'fatal charm of Italy'.

Travelling with the Duke
Random House Australia
Author: Anne Harvey
ISBN: 9781863256285
RRP: $24.95