Join author Anita Chapman for a journey through Italy past and present, as she shares the inspirations behind her acclaimed historical novels.
Wednesday 23rd September 2026
The Athenaeum, Church Alley, Liverpool L1 3DD
6.30-8.00pm (doors open 6.00pm)
Anita Chapman’s dual timeline historical fiction set in Italy has enchanted readers around the world. Her debut novel, The Venice Secret, spent six weeks in Amazon’s Top 100 Kindle chart. This was followed by The Florence Letter, The Tuscan Diary, and The Italian Vineyard. Anita’s latest novel is The House in the Tuscan Hills.
Join Anita in the iconic Library Reading Room of Liverpool’s Athenaeum for a fascinating insight into how her love of Italy has inspired her writing career.
This inspiration comes in many forms, starting at an early age, when Anita’s mother took her to see the Canalettos at The National Gallery in London as a child. Many of Anita’s summers growing up were spent with her family driving to Italy, and as part of her university degree she spent several months studying and working in Siena. She draws further ideas from reading old journals and diaries, and visits to galleries, museums and stately homes.
This unique, illustrated talk is for anyone who loves Italy and historical fiction, and who wants to know more about the writing and publishing process. We look forward to seeing you at this engaging event in one of Liverpool’s most beautiful rooms – perfect for readers, travellers and writers.
The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A and the chance to buy signed copies of Anita’s books.
Brought to you by the Smithdown Litfest with support from the Research Institute for Literature and Cultural History at Liverpool John Moores University.
Smithdown Litfest events always sell out – book now to avoid disappointment!