About Daniela Frendo

Daniela Frendo in Lisbon

Hi! I’m Daniela, your classic camera-shy, introverted writer.

I penned my first story at age 10 and haven’t stopped since. At 35, I finally took the plunge and decided to publish my first novel.

Bad idea? Only time will tell.

I live in Malta with my husband and our sweet little dog. I have a master’s degree in social anthropology and run a travel blog called Grumpy Camel.

When I’m not writing, I’m usually re-organising my bookshelves and buying new plants. I also enjoy playing tourist in my own country, exploring new places, and winding down with a good book and a glass wine.

I’m inspired by vibrant cities and eccentric people.

Favourite books

  • The House of Spirits, Violeta, and A Long Petal of the Sea, by Isabel Allende
  • All the books by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, particularly The Shadow of the Wind
  • A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
  • The Rainbow by D.H Lawrence
  • Everyone Knows Your Mother Is a Witch by Rivka Galchen
  • The Cloisters by Katy Hays
  • The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
  • The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
  • Juliet by Anne Fortier
  • Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene
  • Prague Spring and The Glass Room by Simon Mawer
  • The Secret History by Donna Tartt
  • The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley

As an anthropology graduate, I also enjoy non-fiction works on a variety of human topics, including death, witchcraft and superstition, human rights, and politics. I have a particular interest in the histories and cultures of Cuba, Morocco, Spain, and Afghanistan.

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