Acclaimed author Nicky Pellegrino joined Kerre McIvor to talk about her latest novel, A Year at Hotel Gondola.

Kerre was interested in why Nicky's novels are often set in or around Italy. She says it's because her father is Italian, and her childhood memories help inform her writing.

Nicky says the setting of her books is really important to her, and when planning a new novel she starts with place, rather than the plot.

Speaking of her latest work, Nicky says that "Venice is a character in the book."

LISTEN ABOVE AS NICKY PELLEGRINO CHATS WITH KERRE MCIVOR