Isabela Livino - An Immaculate Deception

This week on She’s Smart, Maria sits down with author Isabela Livino to talk about her debut novel, An Immaculate Deception.

Set in 1877 Brazil, this Gothic story follows Madalena, a young woman caught in a world of love, fear, religion, guilt and obsession. Isabela takes us behind the book—from the moment she knew this was the story she needed to write to the influences of Dante’s Inferno, philosophy, psychology and her own connection to Brazil.

They talk about creating Madalena and Leandro, how our perspective can shape the reality we experience, and why modern horror can be such a powerful way to explore women’s stories.

Maria may not be a horror reader, but this is one book she couldn’t put down.

And don’t worry—this conversation is completely spoiler-free.

https://www.isabelalivino.com/