Nanami Shiono (82) is the best-selling author of historic novels set in the Mediterranean, which have been translated into English, Chinese and Korean. During her 50-year career, her work has covered a span of some 2,500 years, allowing her readers to travel back in time. Since releasing her final historical novel in 2017, centered on Alexander the Great, her interests have evolved. Robert Campbell visits her home in Rome to discuss their mutual fascination with a culture other than their own.

• Masayuki Kusumi
• Robert Campbell
• Jinsei Tsuji