**Author Rachel Beanland Reflects on Family Journey to La Maddalena for New Novel Research**
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Rachel Beanland, the author of the forthcoming novel *The Half Life*, recently undertook a significant journey to La Maddalena, Italy, with her family in a bid to connect the past with her creative pursuits. Beanland, who has a strong belief in the power of research, invited her mother and three siblings to accompany her on this trip, which would ultimately help to enrich the narrative of her book.
The inspiration for *The Half Life* draws from Beanland’s childhood experiences on the island in the 1970s, during a time when the U.S. Navy was stationed there, specifically with a submarine tender capable of supporting nuclear-powered vessels. Her father, a naval officer, was stationed in La Maddalena, where the family created lasting memories until they returned to the United States, a transition that became particularly poignant following her father’s passing in 2010 due to pancreatic cancer.
As she began planning her trip, Beanland realised that her mother’s presence would not only be enjoyable but beneficial; her mother, Sara, is fluent in Italian and retained sharper memories of their time on the island than her daughter. Initially inviting her mother, the plan expanded to include her sisters, Ruthie and Eve, while her brother Danny, somewhat hesitant, eventually decided to join at the last minute.
The family reunion at the Sardinian airport was filled with shared excitement, reflecting a nostalgic kinship reminiscent of their childhood road trips. With no partners or children tagging along, this adventure felt particularly significant for the siblings as they revisited a cherished chapter of their family history.
Upon their arrival on the island in early May, the reunion solidified into a vibrant exploration of their roots. They stayed overnight at a hotel by the sea and, the following day, set off along the Emerald Coast, making their way to La Maddalena. Instantly, the island’s familiar landscapes rekindled memories. In an encouraging twist, their mother quickly established rapport with a waiter, who reminisced about the American families who had once inhabited the island, rekindling connections to the past.
As the family roamed La Maddalena, they revisited favourite spots, including a focacceria where Sara had once taken her children. Each location prompted memories and stories, particularly as she recalled pushing young Ruthie in a stroller while the older children attended school. However, the trip soon turned to practical matters as Beanland’s research ambitions took centre stage.
One of Beanland’s primary objectives was to locate the commodore’s house, a significant landmark from her childhood. With directions in hand, the family encountered a security gate leading to the property. Demonstrating resourcefulness, Danny, encouraged by his sisters, approached the gate, successfully engaging a local man who then graciously offered them a tour of the picturesque property.
With their collective energy and courage, the siblings ventured to various other locations that held historical significance for Beanland’s novel. One notable site was the Villaggio Trinita, an abandoned housing community initially built for Navy families. Driven by a mix of nerves and excitement, the siblings navigated the area, capturing photographs while maintaining an air of innocence about their presence.
Among their explorations was Villa Webber, a property steeped in history, previously used for Mussolini’s house arrest. Encouraged by a local, Beanland and her siblings embarked on a brief adventure through dense undergrowth to reach the villa. The trek was a testament to their bond, with remarks like “This is love,” from Eve, illustrating the shared commitment to seamlessly blend their familial experience with the novel’s development.
Throughout the trip, the family visited various notable landmarks, including City Hall and the local Catholic church, and even attempted a challenging hike that was meant to be “moderately difficult.” Standing atop Bear Rock, the siblings were reminded of their father’s absence, adding an emotional layer to this meaningful reconnection with their roots.
Despite the inevitable squabbles that arose from travelling together, the trip proved an invaluable opportunity for the Beanland siblings to reconnect and rediscover each other in a profound way. Their adventure did not simply centre on research; it was a shared experience that cast a warm light on their collective childhood, paving the way for introspection and growth.
*The Half Life*, which intertwines personal history with historical elements, is set for release on July 14 and is currently available for pre-order through various outlets. With the insights gained from this reflective journey, Beanland hopes to craft a narrative that remembers the past while celebrating the complexities of family ties.