Mezza Italiana: An enchanting story about love, family, la dolce vita and finding your place in the world

Zoë Boccabella

Eph 2011 · Bolinda · Kuchazwe ngu-Marcella Russo

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Growing up in Brisbane in the 1970s and 80s, Zoë Boccabella knew if you wanted to fit in, you did not bottle tomatoes, have plastic on the hallway carpet or a glory box of Italian linens. Though she tried to be like ‘everyone else’, refusing to learn Italian and even dyeing her dark hair blonde, Zoë couldn’t shake the unsettling sense of feeling ‘half-and-half’ - half Australian, mezza italiana - unable to fit fully into either culture, or merge the two. Years later, she travels to her family’s ancestral village of Fossa in Abruzzo and discovers a place that is the stuff of fairytales - medieval castles, mystics, dark forests, serpent charmers and witches. As Zoë stays in the house that has belonged to her family for centuries, the village casts its spell. She begins to realise the preciousness of her heritage as the stories, recipes and traditions of her extended Italian family become a treasured part of her life. Then, the earthquake hits...

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Zoë Boccabella is an Australian author whose books have been much acclaimed, shortlisted for both popular and literary awards and sold internationally. Her writing is influenced by her migrant ancestry, spoken histories and recipes handed-down, alongside travels in Europe and Australia. With a degree in literature and sociology and a Master of Philosophy, Zoë has also worked as a researcher and writer for government and universities as well as freelance.

Marcella Russo has worked extensively as an actor and singer in theatre, film and radio. Her film work includes The Dreaming, Struck by Lightning, Un Padre Traditionale and The Big Maybe. Marcella is an experienced voice-over artist and has performed in various ABC radio dramas.