Nicoletta Romanoff, a name that echoes with a regal lineage, has recently stepped into the literary world with her first novel, Come il tralcio alla vite, published by Rizzoli on May 6, 2025. This deeply personal narrative explores her complex relationship with faith, interwoven with the joys and sorrows of her life experiences.
In her debut novel, Romanoff reflects on her journey, stating, "The right moment arrived at the right time, excuse the pun." She notes that 28 years have passed since a significant event in her life, linking it to the anniversary of the apparition of the Madonna of Fatima and the assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II. "On May 13, I received an email from Rizzoli asking me to write a book about my faith journey," she recalls, suggesting a divine orchestration behind her writing venture.
Romanoff, who became an only child at the age of 18 and embraced motherhood at 19, has crafted a narrative filled with both pain and hope. "The hardest parts to write were those about my children. As a mother, I feel that my greatest vulnerability lies in that realm," she confesses. Her writing process is spontaneous; she says, "I always write in a rush, I write and don’t reread. This applies to all my letters, be they greeting cards, dedications, or outbursts. I write a lot spontaneously to empty what I have inside me." Each chapter of her novel emerged from a need to express herself forcefully, almost as if she had to release her inner turmoil.
Nicoletta’s life has been marked by profound loss. She openly shares the impact of her brother's suicide, stating, "With my brother, a part of me died; a part of me is buried with him." This tragic event left a void that she transformed into a creative force. "In the book, I recount that day when the best part of Nicoletta left with him. When we fought, we would write long letters to reconcile, which I kept under the door. I preserved them all," she shares, underscoring her deep connection to her brother.
Despite the pain, Romanoff finds solace in her faith. "I discovered the strength to cling to God, like a branch to the vine. Faith is an integral part of my existence, just like eating well and exercising. My spiritual life goes hand in hand with everything else. It's a daily story of friendship with God. I talk to Him and share my problems," she explains.
Her creative journey didn’t solely stem from her personal trials; her career in film also played a pivotal role. Romanoff was propelled into the spotlight at 18, thanks to director Gabriele Muccino in the film Ricordati di me. "I went to the audition secretly with a friend. I had nothing to lose. There were 600 girls, and I was chosen among them," she recalls. Her performance as Valentina Ristuccia captured the audience's attention and marked the beginning of her acting career.
Working with renowned directors like Carlo Verdone has also shaped her artistic path. "Verdone directed me in Posti in piedi in Paradiso, a kind and gentle master. In dark moments, he returns with his hilarious stories about his hypochondria," she reveals. Romanoff's experiences on set taught her valuable lessons, especially from established actresses like Laura Morante and Monica Bellucci, who guided her with kindness during her early career.
As a mother of four, Romanoff has often found her career interrupted by family obligations. "I have never regretted it. It costs me to be away from them. At 25, I turned down many opportunities, which led to long periods without work. Directors don’t wait for you," she admits, highlighting the challenges many working parents face in balancing career and family.
In her novel, Romanoff aims to convey a positive message despite the struggles she recounts. "I hope to leave a positive and bright message. I tell many sorrows, but it is also true that I recount many joys. And, as I have often emphasized, the joys I have received outweigh the pain," she concludes, reflecting her optimistic outlook on life.
As readers delve into Come il tralcio alla vite, they will find a tapestry of emotions—joy, sorrow, resilience, and faith—woven together by a woman who has transformed her pain into a powerful narrative. Nicoletta Romanoff's journey is not just a story of loss but a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit.
