The Town of Celico: A Story Years in the Making

There are moments in life that feel like they belong to someone else’s dream—but today, I’m living one of my own. I’m thrilled to share that my debut novel will be published soon! It’s an exciting milestone and one that I still find myself quietly absorbing.

As this journey unfolds, I wanted to reflect on something close to my heart: the setting of my book. Like any writer, I had the entire world to choose from—but instead, I chose a small town perched in the hills of southern Italy: Celico, from the province of Cosenza.

Why Celico? Because it’s more than just a picturesque village—it’s a place that lives inside me. It’s where my father was born, and where his earliest memories were shaped. Growing up in Toronto, I was raised on his stories—vivid, enchanting tales of long summer days, village traditions, mischievous adventures, and simple joys. As a child, I couldn’t get enough. His stories weren’t just entertainment; they were transportive.

Then, when I was ten years old, I had the chance to see Celico for myself. We took a family trip to Italy to visit my grandmother and other relatives. I remember arriving with wide eyes and boundless curiosity. In Toronto, my brother and I were rarely unsupervised—any trip outside usually involved a parent nearby, unless we managed a secret mission to the variety store for gum or a few precious minutes of video games. Those little moments of rebellion felt thrilling at the time, but they were brief and always watched from the corners.

In Celico, everything was different.

We had freedom. Real freedom. The kind that feels almost mythical now. My brother and I wandered the narrow cobbled streets, played soccer in dusty piazzas, joined local kids for impromptu adventures, and explored fields and hills without anyone keeping time. The town embraced us like a long-lost relative. It was pure, unscripted childhood—and it left a mark on me I still carry.

That visit planted a seed. When I eventually began to write this novel, Celico surfaced again and again—not just as a location, but as a spirit. It represents memory, origin, family, and the magic of feeling truly alive.

More details coming soon: title, cover reveal, and release date are just around the corner. 

Umberto Stories