The author - Amanda Lynch

Amanda’s Scottish Great-Aunt Mary never married, but as a governess she travelled the world with her charges. The ceiling and eaves of her attic bedroom were covered with postcards from the children she had taught over the years. Mary revealed nothing about any youthful romances she might have had, but it was family knowledge that in her 80’s she fell passionately in love with a young Italian man of 18. She was a great inspiration for Ridley. 

The choice of Corsica for the setting of the book was not just down to the exquisite beauty of the island. Equally fascinating were its air of secrecy, its tales of blood feuds and bandits, and its longing for independence. Above all there was the Maquis itself: “This ‘Maquis’, or robe of green, covering every part of the landscape except the farthest snowy heights, is beyond description lovely, composed as it is of myrtle, heath, arbutus, broom, lentisk, and other shrubs, while, wherever there is any open space, innumerable crimson cyclamen flowers dot the ground.” Ralph Richardson, “Corsica, Notes on a Recent Visit”, 1894.

The book seemed to cry out for a graphic novel format, particularly one which would show the beauty of the Maquis. Amanda was thrilled to work with award-winning artist Francisco Centofanti. His stunning original ink and water-colour panels have transformed the book into a lovely and lasting work of art.

Francisco has been a professional Artist since graduating from the 

Florence Academy of Art, Italy in 1999. He currently lives and works in Swansea, Wales.