In this episode of Conversations, Australian writer Cynthia Banham talks with host Richard Fidler about finding out the story of her great-grandmother, Natalina.

Cynthia had grown up thinking Natalina was orphaned in Bologna, Italy during the latter years of the 19th century.

What she found out was that Natalina hadn’t been orphaned; she was abandoned by her mother.

Wanting to know more, Cynthia headed to Bologna with her own family.

“Along the way she uncovered the stories of 'bastardini' (a home for bastards), literate midwives, epigenetics and possible incest.”

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/conversations/cynthia-banham-journalist-writer-motherhood/106545404