In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.
This episode therefore introduces you to the sixth part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed of two parallel storylines; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.
The odd numbered chapters; in this episode Chapters 31, 33, and 35; are set in the modern day and introduce you to its lead character, Isabella, who applies for a job in Florence's Academia Galleria so that she can be closer to her muse and idol Michelangelo Buonarroti and his works.
We follow Isabella's life and her loves, including her love of her home city, its food, its people, the beauty of Tuscany and her friendships, particularly with her best friend, Mia. In this and later episodes, you will also hear about her lifelong love for one particular songwriter, artist and poet who Isabella adores.
Chapter 31 Extract
"It was Isabella’s turn to kiss her friend now, which she did delicately to each cheek, accompanied by a tight hug to really communicate the warmth and closeness they felt for each other. Mia was a bit of an enigma. She could be the life and soul of the party; but then disappear for weeks at a time, not always coming up with an explanation for her absence when she re-emerged from wherever she’d been hiding herself."
In parallel with Isabella's life, the second storyline involves Francesca. This story is set in the High Renaissance and follows the life of Michelangelo as he struggles with his art, his stone craft, his relationships with the church and the city and with its controlling family, the Medici. Chapters 32, 34 and 36 in this episode tell Francesca's story.
Chapter 32 Extract
"The sheets on her bed were cold to the touch, but in an inviting way as she pulled her long nightdress over the length of her body. Rubbing her feet together quickly at the bottom of the bed to offer some initial warmth, Francesca began to think of her attitude to Antonio that evening and whether she had been too cruel in her response to him."
While based on some experiences described in the literature about Michelangelo's life, this is a story of fiction and is not meant to be wholly historically accurate, so please accept it as that; a story.
If you would like to receive a free copy of the draft of the story so far, perhaps to read as you listen to the audio version, please email me at johnscottlawton@hotmail.co.uk
Spotify and other podcast platforms also have the facility to follow a word by word transcript of the podcast, available via a tab next to the 'Description' tab on laptops or desktops, or at the bottom of the podcast description on mobiles and possibly tablets, headed, 'Episode Transcript'.
For more information on this podcast series, 'John Scott Lawton's English, you know', or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at johnscottlawton@hotmail.co.uk or leave a sound bite comment on Spotify.
Please visit my LinkedIn profile at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/ to view Recommendations regarding my English Language teaching and Executive Coaching Services (towards the bottom of my profile page).
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