“lyrical and powerful”
“a masterpiece of a novel”
“magical, musical and downright glorious”
“an enchanting new novel”
UK Edition
US Edition
“expertly woven”
Alba Fresu's father is kidnapped by bandits and released a month later unharmed but a changed man. Alba is shaken and unable to readjust to normal life. After studying the piano with an eccentric signora in secret , she defies her father and flees her small town Sardinian life for the classical music world of 1970s Rome, entering into the vibrant community of artists and a passionate affair. Her path reaches a crossroads. She must decide how to reconcile her talent with her longing for love and discover what it truly means to live free.
“with sumptuous descriptions of the music and food of Sardinia, Alexander’s pleasurable tale will appeal to fans of Louis de Bernieres’s Corelli’s Mandolin.”
“rich flavours of Italian life and food and the soaring notes of a sensual composition”
Trailer for The Last Concerto
“Alexander’s novel will leave readers riveted until the explosive conclusion.”
UK Edition
USA Edition
“Readers who enjoy Adriana Trigiani’s historical Italian family sagas will adore Alexander’s debut.”
“Alexander paints a loving and breathtaking picture of the Mediterranean island, especially glorious descriptions of food.”
Sometimes a family’s deepest silences hide the most important secrets. For Mina, a London-based travel writer, the enigmatic silence surrounding her aunt Carmela has become a personal obsession. Carmela disappeared from her Italian hometown long ago and is mentioned only in fragments and whispers. Mina has resisted prying, respectful of her family’s Sardinian reserve. But now, with her mother battling cancer, it’s time to learn the truth.
As Mina follows the threads of Carmela's life to uncover her fate, she will discover a past still deeply alive in the present, revealing a story of hope, sacrifice and extraordinary love.
“A touching saga of families, friends, lovers and secrets”
UK Edition
“Escapist summer reading at its best”
US Edition
“Epic narrative with the wonders of self-discovery”
“An absolutely stunning book”
In 1949, hoping to escape poverty, young Santina becomes housekeeper to a distinguished British major and his creative, impulsive wife, Adeline.With each passing year, Santina becomes more deeply entwined with the family, trying to navigate her complicated feelings for a man who is much more than an employer―while hiding secrets that could shatter the only home she knows . . .
The First Spark of Story
My first three novels, published by Harper Collins in the UK and Kensington NYC, are all set in Italy, though different time periods and places. It’s the country where my heart sings fiercest. Its culture is in my bones. These are for readers who yearn for stories that transport them to another time and place, sensual descriptions of its food and culture with complicated, passionate relationships at their core. And they always spark into life from true events.
True stories ignite my imagination. But I never let the truth get in the way of a good story; fiction is freedom.
The Secret Legacy: one trip to a beautiful coastal Italian town began the journey to this tale.
My allotment shed is one of my favourite hideaways. Growing veggies and nurturing stories require similar attention, patience and quiet faith...
The Last Concerto: the true story of my Sardinian godfather that ignited an idea.
At Harper Collins - almost reaching the lectern, sharing some of the background to The Last Concerto
A gorgeous feeling to be invited to talk with primary school aged writers.
HQ Stories Meet the Author Event
with fellow HQ authors Alice Feeney & Felicity Everett