Wanda Chuard – Novelist
A woman full of passion for life, humanity, and literature, Venetia Pitsiladi Chuard, also known as Wanda Chuard, is a shining example of a modern Greek woman of the diaspora. A permanent resident of Geneva, Wanda maintains unbreakable ties with Athens, the city where she grew up and which she describes as “the centre of the world.”
“I am very proud to have been born Greek. Being Greek is both a gift and a heritage,” she says with emotion.
Through her work, she honors Greek culture and history. Her life is a continuous mission to promote Greek civilization, both through her active participation in cultural and charitable organizations and through her literary works. With studies in Journalism, Counseling Psychology, and Educational Sciences in London and Geneva, Wanda combines her deep understanding of the human psyche with the artistic essence of an author. She is an active member of the Swiss Committee for the Return of the Parthenon Marbles, Ambassador of the “Ioannis Kapodistrias Center for European Studies and Research” in Switzerland, and coordinator of the successful “Geneva Literary Circle of Book Enthusiasts”. She serves as a beacon of cultural diplomacy. In 2015, she was awarded the Gold Medal by the Hellenic Literature Translators Society for her contribution to spreading the Greek language abroad. “My passion is diving into the depths of the human soul,” she characteristically states. She explores the complexities of human existence and describes them with admirable skill. Wanda Chuard takes us on a journey through her thoughts and emotions, reaffirming once again that she is a true ambassador of the Greek spirit to the world.
As a Greek-Swiss, how have your cultural roots influenced your writing style?
The themes I develop in my books always include “Greek experiences.” Greek culture, customs and traditions, moral principles, and life values, as well as Greek civilization, are deeply rooted in my subconscious and psychology.
What inspired you to become a novelist?
From a young age, I wrote poems because I felt an emotional need to express my feelings. I remember that in high school, my literature teacher used to say “Pitsiladi, you were born to be a writer”. My grandfather, born in Constantinople, would tell me fairy tales—though they were stories of his own life—so vivid that I would live them with him. He was the first to lead me down a poetic and literary path.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories and characters?
I would say that my inspiration stems from my boundless imagination. Inspiration also comes from today’s volatile society, which seems to have lost its way and is desperately seeking to rediscover the moral bonds of family and the lost values of life.
Your novels are social-psychological portraits dealing with human relationships. What message do you convey to your readers?
I am fascinated by analyzing human emotions, delving into childhood traumas that often trap my characters and lead them to impasses, great passions, and extreme mistakes. When “the memory of our soul” is wounded, it desperately needs to forget while struggling to forgive and find redemption. Only “emotional maturity” can provide stability, greater inner strength, and self-confidence. For our psyche to be healthy, it requires significant “emotional resilience.” We know that the less we accept ourselves, the more we will crave the acceptance of others. It is, therefore, crucial to learn to love ourselves. Our happiness depends on us!
Can you share something about your upcoming book?
My next book will be released soon. It is a profound, emotional, and captivating psychological novel titled “The Mistake of Forgiveness.” It is a powerful story, which will awaken consciences. With bated breath, we analyze the unpredictable reactions of the characters wondering: “How much strength and endurance does forgiveness have?” Do you have the power to forgive the unforgivable? Could forgiveness ultimately be a mistake? The characters in this novel take us between Athens and Geneva—my two favorite cities, where I also share my personal life.
Thank you, and we wish you great success with your new book!
Wanda Chuard’s Novels – Psychological Portraits:
1. “The Actress of Life” – Savalas Publications / June 2011
2. “Completely Naked with Psychic Handcuffs” – Oceanos Publications / June 2015
3. “Storm in Venice” – Oceanos Publications / June 2019
4. “Not One Day More” – Oceanos Publications / June 2021
5. “Passionate Affairs” – Oceanos Publications / June 2023
6. “Pas un jour de plus” – Spinelle Publications, France / January 2023
7. “Tempête à Venise” – Spinelle Publications, France / March 2024
