During National Family History Month I will be talking at Lalor Library about my marriage to an older Italian immigrant who was a partisan in Italy at the end of WWII. My memoir 'Marrying Italian: When love is not enough', will take you on a journey through cultural contrasts and parallels, Italian cooking and culture, passionate romance and blind rage, depression, drugs, despair and a joyful family reconciliation in Italy. 

I will also talk about the long road to publication and some of the issues that arose when I began to write about my reluctant family. 

On Tuesday 9 August, I look forward to meeting new people and sending copies of my book to new homes. 

What happens when a headstrong Australian girl meets a charming older Italian man? Vivien was brought up on a farm in country Victoria with dreams of becoming a singer, but was trapped in a disastrous early marriage.  Left alone with a sick child, she fell into the arms of an older Italian friend who had been a partisan in Italy during the latter stages of WWII. Unaware of the opposing forces of history, culture and personality in their lives, she plunged into a second marriage, determined to become a good Italian wife. 

'Marrying Italian' was shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards in 2014. The judges commented that: 'Vivien Achia deals sensitively with pervasive issues in the immigration experience as well as in Australian society. Her writing is full of compassion and generosity and driven by a genuine engagement across cultural divides'. 

Vivien will be selling copies of her book at a special price and will happily sign them for you at this event. 

This is an opportunity to meet Vivien Achia, author of 'Marrying Italian: When love is not enough', on the opening day of the Swiss Italian Festa.  Vivien's book describes the marriage of a headstrong girl from a farm in country Victoria to an older Italian immigrant, Eliseo Achia, who was a partisan in Italy during WWII. 

Her book was shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2014. The judges commented that: 'Her writing is full of compassion and generosity and driven by a genuine engagement across cultural divides....It ultimately serves as a celebration of the migrant experience and the way that it enriches and diversifies the connections  within Australian society and between Australia and the rest of the world'. 

Vivien will be selling copies of her book at a special price and will happily sign copies for you at this event.  

NTH CARLTON LIBRARY   667 Rathdowne St

Vivien Achia met her Italian husband, Eliseo, while working at Nth Carlton library in the mid 1960's when she was renting the first floor of his magnificent terrace house at 760 Drummond St, just around the corner.

Vivien was a naive girl from a farm near  Wangaratta, and Eliseo, 19 years older, was a survivor of WWII in Italy where he was a partisan at the end of the war. Her memoir Marrying Italian, was shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards 2014. 

Vivien will read from and discuss her book, and you will be able to buy signed copies at a special price of $20. 

This event is free but bookings are essential.  Tel: 1300 695 427

or book on the website: www.yarracity.vic.gov.au/libraries 

Come to Ryan's Private Dining Room to hear Vivien Achia reading from her book 'Marrying Italian: When love is not enough' .

 She will also be selling books at a special price at this event and signing them.

Vivien's book  was shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards in the category 'Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW'. The judges commented that 'Vivien Achia evocatively captures multiculturalism and its complex interplay with individuals and their often traumatic personal histories'.

Vivien Achia will be reading from her book 'Marrying Italian: When love is not enough',  selling and signing books at this event.

Her book was shortlisted in the NSW Premier's Literary Awards in the category  Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW Award.

The judges commented that 'Vivien Achia deals sensitively with pervasive issues in the immigration experience as well as in Australian society. Her writing is full of compassion and generosity, driven by a genuine engagement across cultural divides.'

'Marrying Italian' has been shortlisted for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards for 2014. I will be going to Sydney for a presentation and cocktail reception at the State Library of NSW on the evening of May 19. Wish me luck as I fluff up and head north to meet other writers and hope for a win in the category 'Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW Award'. And thank you Neville Wran for establishing these awards!

Meet me at the Caledonian Hotel, Stephenson St, Murchison, where I will be talking about my book and selling and signing copies. This will be followed by a light lunch, coffee and cake. To reserve a seat or table contact Marg Clarke on 5826 2261 or 0409 262 261.

As part of Cultural Diversity Week Vivien will be discussing her book 'Marrying Italian: When love is not enough'. She will also be selling and signing books at this event.

Vivien will be discussing her book 'Marrying Italian', and selling and signing books at the Museo Italiano. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP essential  (03) 9349 9021 Email: ihs@coasit.com.au

Vivien will be selling and signing books at the Murchison Tomato Festival, come and say hello!  Visit the Facebook page for more info

Vivien will be discussing her book 'Marrying Italian: When love is not enough' at the Ivanhoe library. She will also be selling and signing books at this event. Entry is free!

The official launch will be held at Readings in Carlton, I'd love to see you there!