With my new novel out now, what better way to set the mood for this passionate, fiery, epic love story than explorethe beautiful region of Spain in which it is set: Andalusia. I first visited as a young woman, when after university I went travelling around Europe, and since then I have returned several times. For Andalusia is not a place you visit once; it gets under your skin, and calls you back.

In the words of the hero of Indiscretion: 

Andalucia is a blessed place. According to Islamic legend, Allah was asked for five favours by the people of El Andalus – clear blue skies, seas full of fish, trees ripe with every kind of fruit, beautiful women, and a fair system of government. Allah granted them all of these favours except the last … on the basis that if all five gifts were bestowed, the kingdom would become an unearthly paradise.

All I need do is close my eyes to return to this earthly paradise – and I wanted the readers to have the same ability. So I weaved into the book vivid description to really give a feel for Andalusia. To write such detail, I undertook research, but I also relied heavily on my memories, my impressions and the notes I made on my visits to Spain. These are the aspects that most stand out for me, that spring to mind when I think of Andalusia, and that I hope to convey in Indiscretion:

• Bright and eye-catching colours: From the Moorish-inspired architecture to floor tiles, from the traditional dress to the blood-red cape in the toreo, from abundant flora and fauna to the very bluest of seas beneath the clearest of skies.
• Culture: This is the home of those most famous of Spanish cultural pursuits: flamenco and bullfighting; this is the heartland of the famous Spanish passion; this is where many old cultures assimilate into one, unique, multi-faceted whole. So many wonderful musicians, singers, dancers, film-makers and artists have taken inspiration from the region; one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Picasso, was born and lived and worked here. And, of course, everywhere the influence of the Moors who once ruled Andalusia is evident, in stunning architecture (for more details, see my recent post ‘The Moors of Spain’).
• Cuisine:What amazing meals I’ve had in Andalusia! The ingredients are of such a high quality: langostino de Sanlúcar (prawns), jamón serrano and jamónibérico (cured meats), gazpacho (cold soup), alboronía (like ratatouille), and amazing sweets, like the merengadas and amarguillos(biscuits) – all accompanied by a little jerez (sherry) or local wine.
• Spirit of the people: Andalusia is an autonomous community, and it is more populated than any other autonomous community. So there are many people who are very proud of their Andalusian nationality. The geographical location of Andalusia, on the south coast with a coastline on both the Mediterranean and Atlantic, has made it a popular place for holidaymakers, and I found a real sense of ‘fiesta’ in the places I visited, and an intensity: as Salvador says in the book: ‘Everything we Andalucians do, we do with intensity.’ Plus the temperate climate makes for such a wonderful life enjoyed in the warmth and beneath glorious blue skies (the dry area of Andalusia enjoys some 300 days of sunshine per year!).

Have you ever been to this region of Spain? Would you like to visit (again)? I would love to hear your thoughts.