Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office

Amanda and Silvia met at a creative writing course in London. Bonded by their love of writing, literature, Italy, food and culture, they wrote stories as a means of improving their craft and deepening their friendship. They became 'sisters in writing'. Over many years one of their stories evolved into The Lost Secrets of the Italian Post Office. The research for this novel brought them to Molise; the discovery of its strategic importance during the war and the beauty, history and generosity of its people. Amanda studied Modern Languages at the University of East Anglia, followed by a PGCE at King's College London. She worked as a French teacher and then ran a company in International Advertising Sales. She currently works as a copywriter for a care home in London for older people. She is the author of The Italian Bookshop Amongst the Vines published by Embla, 2023. This is her second novel.Silvia Mazzola, Milanese by birth, London resident for many years. An art historian passionate about art, literature, theatre and food. She is the author of La Miniaturista (Fazi, 2011), a novel which has 18th century Venice and a woman artist as protagonists. She has also published La lingua nel piatto (Mursia, 2006), Londra e contorni (Mursia, 2009), Mangiamore (Ugo Mursia Editore, 2007). She is co-author of the comedy script The Wily Widow (2017). She guides tours at the V&A, London.