It seems each time I’m writing a book, old photos are a big part of the research and these lovely black and white ones are just a handful of quite a few I kept near as I worked on, The Proxy Bride.
The courageous women who were proxy brides and who banded together to keep their farms going after their Italian husbands were interned during WW2 was a story I wanted to write for such a long time. Nonno Anni initially mentioned it to me many years ago. He spoke with such admiration for the women and how tough they did it. This stayed with me and as time marched on, I didn’t want the story to be lost.
To everyone who’s embraced this book – thank you. I’m very grateful. xx And to those who’ve contacted me recently saying they’ve been unable to find a copy in bookshops, (yes, they’d sold out!) I’m very happy to say they’re available once again, both in stores and online. (If you don’t see a copy in a bookshop you’d like to buy it from, they can order one in for you that should arrive within a week or so.)
Again, thank you for your kindness surrounding this book. It felt the time was long overdue that ‘proxy bride’ was no longer only said in a whisper – a long-hidden part of Australian history. These women were incredibly brave and strong and your recognition of them is giving them a voice too – grazie infinite! ❤️ Zoë x
Also, since I mentioned in my last post that Nanna Francesca would’ve been especially happy to see, The Proxy Bride in the Australian Women’s Weekly, I thought I should mention the same might’ve been for Nonno Anni regarding a recent article about my books appearing in the Italian Australian newspapers, Il Globo and La Fiamma (full article in Italian online). I have lovely memories of him at the kitchen table often reading one of these newspapers with a morning coffee (International Roast boiled on the stove in the enamel pot, of course!)
The Australian Women’s Weekly has chosen, The Proxy Bride to feature in their latest issue – out today! I just picked up a copy and still can’t quite believe it. I thought it only fitting to share with you it sitting on Nanna Francesca and Nonno Anni’s pink-marble Laminex 1950s kitchen table. (The table from their very first house in Wyandra Street – yes, I’m so fortunate to be its current custodian!)
Melanzane fritte – made with eggplants from the backyard vegie patch, just like the crumbed, fried eggplant slices that Nonna Gia and Sofie cook together in, The Proxy Bride. I’ve put these ones on one of Nanna Francesca’s plates and next to them is a little pot I bought in Italy to stand in as a ‘chilli pot’ (though I confess mine has salt in it at present!)
Four months until, 
“In 1939, Giacinta sets sail from Italy to Australia. Decades later, a granddaughter discovers the true story of her family… A stunningly crafted novel of family, secrets and facing adversity.
Zoë Boccabella 