A pleasant, interesting meeting, with a bookstore full of people – mostly women – all there for the same reason: to listen, share, and let themselves be inspired for a new read.

Because those who love reading know: books are not just read, they are lived. And when you have the chance to listen to the author telling how a story is born, what’s behind the characters, which places inspired her… the experience changes completely.

At the Libreria Il Mosaico di Tirano I participated in the presentation of Il segreto di Villa Carlotta, the new novel by Silvia Montemurro, an author from Valchiavenna, who with this book has launched a new saga: Le Ville sul Lago di Como, five novels set in enchanting locations, all inspired by true stories.

Silvia, with her simple and passionate tone, managed to convey to us not only the enthusiasm for writing, but also the depth of the work behind it. Before writing this novel, she spent time dentro Villa Carlotta, listening to the silence of the rooms, walking in the gardens, trying to “feel” her characters moving through those spaces. Because even before telling, Silvia wanted to live the story.

Her work was a long documentation effort: letters, diaries, testimonies, and historical research. Not only to build a credible context, but because, as she herself said, “reality is already full of wonder.” And alongside the fictional part, Silvia wanted to maintain respect for historical facts, offering the reader an experience that combines emotion and truth.

The protagonist of the book, Carlotta, is the eldest daughter of Duchess Marianne Nassau and Prince Alberto di Prussia. After a scandalous incident (her mother left her husband and the court), Carlotta reluctantly leaves Potsdam to join her in Tremezzo, on Lake Como. It is 1848, and the lake is Europe’s most exclusive destination: the nobility meets there for receptions, alliances, and marriages. Carlotta is also set for a debut in society… but she feels suffocated by this destiny written by others.

During her first ball, she flees to the park and encounters Giorgio, Duke of Sachsen-Meiningen: charming, grumpy, mysterious. He seems to understand her more than anyone else… and yet he does everything to keep her away.

But this is just one of many secrets of the villa. Carlotta begins to explore the rooms and discovers an old diary, belonging to a maid named Elena, who lived in the attic many years ago and was involved in a tragic event. And then there's that voice calling at night: a little girl wandering the corridors searching for her mother. Imagination? Suggestion? Or something that no one has ever wanted to tell?

With an elegant yet engaging style, Silvia weaves history and fiction with great delicacy. And she chose Villa Carlotta as the heart of her story because – as she said – she fell in love with it. A place that many of us, despite living just a few kilometers away, take for granted. While it is often foreigners who recognize its charm, beauty, historical and artistic value.

A special thanks goes to Samantha and Paola from Libreria Il Mosaico, who passionately organize always very interesting and engaging events. 
In particular to Samantha, who was able to lead the evening with balance and naturalness, without spoilers but igniting in everyone the desire to read the book.

Of course, the signed book was a must. After listening to Silvia, you couldn't leave without taking home a piece of her voice, her story, her emotions.

And now?
Now I can't wait to start reading Il segreto di Villa Carlotta. And maybe – why not – to actually return there, with the curious gaze of someone searching for traces of a newly discovered story.