The Last Letter from Sicily
An Interview with Lindsay Marie Morris
This week I’m sharing a Q&A with Lindsay Marie Morris about the path to publishing her debut novel, The Last Letter from Sicily, which was inspired by the love story between her grandparents.
Lindsay and I met at the 2023 Historical Novel Society Conference where she was pitching this story and it has been so exciting to see her book come to life!
What was the real family story that inspired The Last Letter From Sicily?
The story is inspired by the tale of my grandparents, who were separated by war and geography when my maternal great-grandparents decided to move with their daughters from Porticello, Sicily, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There, my grandmother, who was 18, worked as a seamstress at a garment factory.
She and my grandfather continued their relationship long-distance through letters. When Italy entered World War II, my grandfather was sent to serve with the army in Cagliari, Sardinia. After Italy declared war on the U.S, my grandparents’ letters ceased as correspondence was nearly impossible between enemy nations. And yet, they each continued to hold out hope that they would reunite on the other side.
Following eight years of separation, my grandmother sailed to Italy, where she married my grandfather. She brought him back with her in 1948 to the U.S., where they settled in Milwaukee and raised their family.
I’d always been fascinated by their story of commitment, resilience, and hope. The Last Letter from Sicily’s primary characters, Concetta and Gaetano, share first names and some similarities with my grandparents, but ultimately, the story is a work of fiction.
How did you go about researching this novel and what did you uncover that surprised you?
I started by tracing my grandparents’ own World War II experience. For example, I knew my grandmother arrived in the U.S. aboard an ocean liner called The Rex. This was a famous ship, the largest of its kind since the Great War. It was built to beat speed records, allowing Atlantic passage from Italy to the U.S. within days. It was so iconic that it was featured in Federico Fellini’s semi-biographical film, Armancourt.
I first researched the ship online, stumbling on a site dedicated to its archives, containing passenger lists, brochures, tickets and receipts, and sailing schedules. Then, I found an eBay listing for a Rex brochure, which I purchased. It was full of photographs and descriptions of the sailing experience. I used all the information to bring readers aboard The Rex with Concetta and her family.
In crafting Gaetano’s parallel experience, I wanted to bring him to Cagliari, Sardinia, where my grandfather had served, primarily because I knew little about his experience. He rarely spoke of it. I started my research online, but my husband and I ultimately ended up traveling to Sardinia, where we stayed a month in Cagliari so I could immerse myself in the place. I found an architectural engineering professor from the University of Cagliari, who took us on a tour of Sant’Elia Hill, where we toured the remains of World War II bunkers. I was able to stand inside some of these stone structures, peer out of the windows, and view what these men must have seen. That experience and further research into the anti-aircraft batteries stationed on this hill shaped several chapters from Gaetano’s point of view.
Why do you think World War II stories continue to fascinate us as readers?
My grandparents’ story of being separated during that war was a shared experience for so many young couples at the time. In fact, my paternal grandparents were newly married when my grandfather was shipped off to Europe. These stories exemplify the power of love and the human capacity to endure.
How many years did it take you to go from idea to published book? And what advice would you give to writers on that journey?
I started my novel-writing journey in 2019 with a short story written in a creative writing class. I found myself revisiting the story, expanding it, and ultimately realizing I had something worthy of a novel. That being said, I set it aside several times, not believing I was capable of the endeavor.
If I could provide any advice, it would be first to find a champion who will keep you motivated to jump the hurdles and cross the finish line. That could be a coach, a critique partner, a trusted friend, or—as in my case—a partner. For three years, my husband, Matt, encouraged me; he didn’t let me quit. He saw my potential, and I am truly grateful for that.
Secondly, I advise writers to find beta readers. I located three people on forums. Unlike Matt and my family, who had read various drafts, these people didn’t know me and could provide completely objective feedback. Your mother will likely love your novel as it is, but a beta reader will point out plot holes and inconsistencies you’d otherwise have overlooked. It wasn’t until I had incorporated that valuable beta reader feedback that I truly felt I was finished. A month later, I had a two-book contract from my publisher.
Is there a favorite historical novel that made you want to write historical fiction?
Two novels equally inspired me to write The Last Letter from Sicily: first, Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend (followed by her entire Naples Quartet), and second, Lisa Scottoline’s Eternal. These books were set in Italy during and shortly after World War II. Much has been written about that war, but the Italian experience, particularly for young people, has received far less coverage.
About the Author: Lindsay Marie Morris is a novelist and journalist based in Los Angeles, California. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Marquette University. A former Shape magazine editor with a passion for storytelling, Lindsay continues to write for various publications, including Forks Over Knives, for which she is a frequent contributor. Her work spans multiple topics, with a particular focus on travel, small business, health, wellness, and plant-based lifestyle. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys camping, exploring the great outdoors, baking, and cooking.