Author and former Valley resident Marion Marchetto continues her tradition of setting her stories in the Valley with her new novel, Oak Cliff: A Tale of Darkness and Despair.
A native of the Naugatuck Valley, Marchetto is a columnist for The Valley Times and the author of two other novels, 201 Atwater and Honeysuckle Hill.
She recently spoke with the Valley Independent Sentinel about the Valley and her new book.
Valley Indy: What are your Valley roots? When and why did you leave and where did you go?
Marchetto: I was born in Derby and lived on Water Street until I was 2 years old.
At that time my parents moved us to Shelton. I graduated from St. Michael’s School in East Derby in 1962 and from Shelton High School in 1966. I lived in Shelton until 1972 when I married my husband Donald.
At that time we moved to New Haven. We subsequently lived in Wallingford and Meriden until we moved to Florida in 2003. I still
have many family members in the Valley, although both my parents have passed away.
Valley Indy: How did you get into writing?
Marchetto: I knew from around age 7 that I wanted to be a writer. Since I love to read I thought it would be simply wonderful to be able to put my own stories into writing. As a child I wrote poems and short stories.
Once I began working, however, my writing was put on the back burner, so to speak. But I never gave up the dream.
I was in my late 40s before I was able to put pen to paper once again and I began several different novels – most of which I’m happy to say I threw away.
Around that time I also produced several role-playing murder-mystery games for between ten and twenty players. These were based on the format of a game I played at a friend’s home. At some point I hope to turn these games into mystery novels. Around age 50, I was inspired to write about the house that my in-laws owned in Fair Haven and I played with that story for quite a while. When I turned 55, I realized that I wasn’t getting any younger so I self-published my debut novel. From there it was an easy move to writing about the place that I grew up – The Valley.
Valley Indy: What is it about the Valley that draws you to set your books there?
Marchetto: The rich history that our Valley has to share is seemingly unknown by many people. The Valley has contributed so much to the history of not only Connecticut but of our country as well. I try to incorporate as many true historical facts about the Valley as I can in my novels. The setting I mostly use, that of an old house recounting history as lived by its occupants, makes it easy for me to cross historical eras.
Valley Indy: What is your fondest memory of living in the Valley?
Marchetto: To choose just one memory is extremely difficult but I think it would have to be shopping in Downtown Derby in the 1950s at J.C. Penny on Elizabeth Street, or having tea with my mom at Weatherby’s, or being treated to a lemon ice from Vonete’s. We had a Friday ritual of pizza at Roseland Apizza for over 20 years and that too is a wonderful memory – hard to choose just one.
Valley Indy: What do you miss most about the Valley?
Marchetto: I mostly miss the wonderful small town atmosphere that pervades the entire Valley region. I miss being able to walk around downtown Derby and Shelton and know that these same streets were where my grandparents walked as well.
I miss St. Michael’s Church, where I was married as were my parents and their parents before them. I miss being in the midst of so much history that seems alive and waiting to be uncovered.
Valley Indy: What do you miss the least?
Marchetto: What I don’t miss is the fact that so many Valley residents take for granted the wonderful area in which they live. Many people are unaware, or uncaring, of the way the Valley should be perceived in history and it is my wish that Valley schools teach their students about the many contributions Valley people have made throughout history.
Valley Indy: What are your future writing plans and do they involve more Valley settings?
Marchetto: I plan to continue the Merline Madagascar series. My first three novels are part of this. I have ideas for about six more books in this series and most, if not all, will be set in The Valley. The next one is under research and should be in set Seymour/Ansonia.
Additionally, I am working on another series of books that should appeal to everyone who is reaching retirement age – it is based on two working ladies who will be trying to adjust to becoming retired. While I’m not sure of the setting of that series it will have some ties to The Valley as well.
More About Oak Cliff: A Tale of Darkness and Despair
When Jack Fournay and Erica Thir purchase the house of their dreams, a historic old home across the street from Oak Cliff Cemetery, they quickly discover the home is more than they bargained for. The old home tells the story from its own view point, bringing to life decades of memories.
To assist in the house’s makeover, Jack and Erica hired an interior designer specializing in historical renovation.
During the early stages of renovations, the contractors uncover human remains in the unfinished basement. Startled, the new owners and design team decide to tear down the house and completely rebuild after discovering the remains.
Built in 1862, the cozy farmhouse was a part of a homestead that stretch across 25 acres of land that also supported a barn with
livestock and a carriage house.
While the new structure is being built, the house fondly reminisces about its former occupants.
Returning to the very beginning, the house tells readers the story behind the mysterious basement remains.
Over the years, the house is hopeful a family will move in and love and cherish it. Today, it longs for the appreciation it deserves.
The home continues to chronicle its habitants until present day and year after year, the spirit of Ilsa Rowan haunts the owners. From a widow with 20 cats to a 17-year-old’s unwanted pregnancy, the old home has plenty of stories to tell.
