In this rather different series of podcast Episodes (Series 11), I want to share with you a short novel I have written, set in Florence, Italy and inspired by its history and people and a recent working visit there. This series of podcasts is in effect, therefore, an audiobook in a change from my usual host/guest interview format.

This episode therefore introduces you to the third part of my novel, 'Forever in Florence', which is formed in two parts; with the stories being presented as alternate chapters, set in two different time periods, 500 years apart.

The odd numbered chapters; in this episode Chapters 13, 15, and 17; are set in the modern day and introduce you to its lead character, Isabella, who applies for a job in Florence's Academia Galleria so that she can be closer to her muse and idol Michelangelo and his works.

We follow Isabella's life and her loves, including her love of her home city, its food, its people, the beauty of Tuscany and her friendships, particularly with her best friend, Mia. In later episodes, you will also hear about her lifelong love for one particular songwriter, artist and poet who Isabella adores.

Chapter 13 Extract

"The pair skipped through the narrow streets and wide piazzas to bring themselves in front of the newest spa in town. It was already acquiring a solid reputation for some excellent treatments. Isabella was apprehensive about this and wasn’t sure she wanted to go ahead with it. She was sure she had already imagined getting naked in front of David, but not like this, not for just a massage, at least. She had something far more sensual, sexual indeed, in mind."

In parallel with Isabella's life, the second storyline involves Francesca. This story is set in the High Renaissance and follows the life of Michelangelo as he struggles with his art, his stone craft, his relationships with the church and the city and with its controlling family, the Medici. Chapters 8, 10 and 12 in this episode tell Francesca's story.

Chapter 14 Extract

"Francesca slumped across the hard wooden surface of the table and sobbed uncontrollably. She had been barely able to finish the note from Michelangelo before her heart nearly burst in her chest. Her arms stretched out over the table then she pulled them back to cradle her head. She felt immense emotional and physical pain throughout her whole body. Her legs began to shake and her dogs rushed to comfort her as they heard her now audible sobs throughout the house."

While based on some experiences described in the literature about Michelangelo's life, this is a story of fiction and is not meant to be wholly historically accurate, so please accept it as that; a story.

If you would like to receive a free copy of the draft of the story so far, perhaps to read as you listen to the audio version, please email me at ⁠⁠johnscottlawton@hotmail.co.uk⁠⁠

Spotify also has the facility to follow a word by word transcript of the podcast, available via a tab next to the 'Description' tab on laptops or desktops, or at the bottom of the podcast description on mobiles and possibly tablets, headed, 'Episode Transcript'.

For more information on this podcast series, 'John Scott Lawton's English, you know', or to make any comments or to ask any questions relating to English Language learning, please contact me at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠johnscottlawton@hotmail.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or leave a sound bite comment on Spotify.

Please visit my LinkedIn profile at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-scott-lawton/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to view Recommendations regarding my English Language teaching and Executive Coaching Services (towards the bottom of my profile page).

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