Hello and Welcome. Thank you for visiting. I invite you to learn a little bit about the inspiration behind my first novella: Beyond the Bergamot, to discover my latest venture into poetry, and explore moments from my favourite places, I hope you enjoy — Xx

Welcome

About the Author

Adriana Poloz is a Canadian author, Adjunct Professor of Criminal Law, and civil servant. She is a graduate of Carleton University and Osgoode Hall Law School, and the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Medal (2012). Her academic work has been published in Canada’s leading law journals.

Beyond the Bergamot is her debut work of fiction.

Features

I’m filled with both gratitude and joy to share that my poetry has been featured in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper. A heartfelt thanks to @thesundaypaper for their support and belief in my words. As an author, it’s truly inspiring to know that my words have resonated with readers ♡. To read the full feature and explore further, please visit https://www.mariashriversundaypaper.com/tell-me-tomorrow-by-adriana-poloz/

Forthcoming

February 2025 [selected work]:

Words Apart: A Globe of Poetry Book

The inspiration behind: Beyond the Bergamot

Twenty-five years after my father’s death, I stumbled upon this weathered photograph of him standing in front of a seminary in Southern Italy, along with a few pages of his journal during his studies there. In that moment, his absence felt palpable. As if there were words in his heart that had been left unwritten.

And so I set out to capture the wistful affection for the people, places, and precepts he held most dear. To contemplate the possibilities of that broken journey against the backdrop of Italy’s deep south during the 1950s. But most importantly, to create a story that celebrates the indelible imprint he made on my heart and mind.

This novella and its imaginings are dedicated to my father, Joseph, for living a life that inspired me to write it and leaving behind the memories that compelled me to share it.

I truly hope this little story resonates with you.

Adriana

2022.XI.12

About the Book

Beyond the Bergamot was published in November 2022. It is a bittersweet intergenerational story about the immutable bonds of family and friendship; the wilds of fate and faith; and, the frailty and resilience of the human heart. Since its publication, my novella has been a constant companion on my travels — from Singapore to Australia, Italy to Vienna, and beyond.

Set against the backdrop of Italy’s deep south during the 1950s, Beyond the Bergamot follows the life of the Conte family, third-generation citrus farmers who enrol their only son in Italy’s most prestigious seminary. They reasoned it would be best for Joseph to pursue a consecrated life and enjoy the prestige of priesthood, than to work tirelessly and survive quietly.

But as Joseph embarks on his journey, things get complicated as he realizes prayer life isn’t for him. Desperate to resume his carefree life in San Martino, Joseph returns unprepared for the secrets that await him. Soon, the life-blood of the local economy is threatened, and Joseph is forced to confront the limits of his parents’ good intentions. As Joseph uncovers the uneasy truth, he unwittingly discovers his true calling.

Behind the Cover Art

The cover was artfully designed by Matthew Bradley Evans, also known as ‘SnowSkull.’ Matthew is an intuitive Artist focusing primarily on contemporary abstract painting, with a diverse portfolio that includes video, music, and mixed-media collaborations. A graduate of Goldsmiths in London, Matthew’s creations are intricate tapestries, characterized by bold colours and fluid forms set against stark, atmospheric backgrounds. His work delves into the realms of dreams, exploring the vivid, hyper-real aesthetics that bridge wakefulness and sleep. The moniker ‘SnowSkull’ draws inspiration from Gregory Corso’s poem ‘Death,’ symbolizing the interplay between the purity of the snow and the macabre imagery of the skull, representing light (life) and darkness (death). While the skull often invokes negative overtones, Matthew believes they serve to protect our minds — where imagination and creativity converge.

snowskullart.com | Instagram: SnowSkull