Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Tripti Kandari is talking with Nora D'Ecclesis, author of The Contessa's Legacy.

FQ: You intertwine the history of ancient Pompeii to the contemporary modern world through a family and its legacy. What was your inspiration behind this multigenerational saga?

D'ECCLESIS: My husband introduced me to The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon. I read all volumes during our college and graduate school years and it was inspirational. Gibbon's masterpiece motivated my jump over 98AD to 1590AD because he explored all facets of those years. I certainly don't need to agree with his theories to value his work, but my novella starting in 79AD is exploring a fictional family and generational legacy. Therefore, my one line in The Contessa's Legacy:

"Following Pompeii, Roman history was marked by frequent and brutal wars…numerous nations merged their cultures and took over Naples and eventually, peace was established."

The Contessa's Legacy is a fictional women's saga that begins in Naples, Italy when the survivors of Pompeii were forced to emigrate from the flames and volcanic ash to the next town. The concept of a multi-generational novella from 79 AD to 2019 challenged and inspired my writing skills within the framework of a limited word count for a novella.

FQ: Every reader will glean some unique message from The Contessa's Legacy. As its author, what message do you hope for its reader to take away from it?

D'ECCLESIS: Since Common Era (A.D.), the topics and social issues such as the horrific slavery, acceptance and/or abuse of emigrants and immigrants, school bullies, suicidal ideation and suicide, freedom of religion and natural disasters, such as volcanic eruption, have plagued our civilizations. We must be diligent to reform and improve on the way prior generations handled these issues. We can continue the dialog and debate on the impact of these global problems and hopefully improve the quality and quantity of life for all humans.

FQ: What were some of the narrative challenges you faced in the process of writing the novella?

D'ECCLESIS: The theme of generational legacy is woven into every chapter, but it takes a swift turn to surprising events in the story telling with an in depth look at the impact of school bullies.

It was written in third person with a reliable narrator, a tad more difficult than a first-person novel for any author.

FQ: How has the work on this novella influenced your ultimate perspective on legacy and change? Has it transformed or challenged your initial beliefs? 

D'ECCLESIS: Contessa Angelina takes the novella into the modern era as she makes the choice, rightly or wrongly, to immigrate to America. It is her character's passion that produces the theme of generational legacy in her children down to her great grandchildren. However, the vicissitudes of life are endured side by side with joys and sorrows in each chapter. It was my intention to tell a good story with historical accuracy of the events that impacted on their lives.

FQ: Do you relate to any of the characters in the book? 

D'ECCLESIS: Not personally, it is a work of fiction and my characters including the protagonist and antagonist are therefore fictional. Writing the Pompeii character of Aunt Giovanina was inspirational, as she would certainly be the bodhisattva saint like goal all mothers strive to emulate.

I released this novella for pre-order April 21, 2024, which is the day Rome was mythically founded by Romulus and Remus on April 21, 753 BC (CE).

FQ: Do you have any upcoming project in mind on similar themes? Any glimpses into your next work? 

D'ECCLESIS: The women's saga of the contessa's generational legacy concept will continue with a stand-alone novella from 2019-present day, with a strong focus on the early married years of Philip and Sofia, who is the relative who carries the flame as well as the green eyes!

FQ: Have there been authors or literary works that you have taken inspiration from for your narrative style and themes?

D'ECCLESIS: It is a theme driven novella...and as Edward Gibbon implied, a literary work should get the historical facts as accurate as possible while telling a compelling story.

FQ: The writing of a literary work is often a transformative experience for an author. What is the effect that the creation process of The Contessa's Legacy has had on you, personally or professionally?

D'ECCLESIS: Our personal legacies are presented to the next generation with the realization that they will take what resonates with them and craft their own. I respectfully accept the modifications, mindfully and without judgement.

We examine history not to avoid repetition of the same errors, because we inevitably do repeat them, but rather to formulate mindful choices in the present.

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