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Made in Nirvana: Love, friendship, experiments with drugs, but above all India and Buddhism
Although they hardly know each other, Maria and Franca are both afraid to go to India alone, so the odd couple set off on the journey of their dreams… and nightmares. Maria is searching for herself and, ideally, the love of her life; Franca is seeking the buzz with any type of drug she can lay her hands on. India is ready and waiting for them. Travelling through the chaos and the magic of India, meeting its people and their ancient wisdom, the landscapes, smells, perfumes, sounds and many gods, they make unforgettable friends and come into contact with a new way of looking at life.
There, in the swirling magic of the land, they will both find a lot more than they had bargained for and realize that for everything there is a price to pay.
Will they rise to the challenge and grow, or lose themselves and fall?
A story of love, friendship, experiments with drugs, naivety and deception, an inner journey of discovery of the infinite potential of human nature, but above all India and Buddhism.
Fascinating, intriguing, deep and at the same time light and fun, an original story that grabs you from start to finish and leaves you feeling richer!
There, in the swirling magic of the land, they will both find a lot more than they had bargained for and realize that for everything there is a price to pay.
Will they rise to the challenge and grow, or lose themselves and fall?
A story of love, friendship, experiments with drugs, naivety and deception, an inner journey of discovery of the infinite potential of human nature, but above all India and Buddhism.
Fascinating, intriguing, deep and at the same time light and fun, an original story that grabs you from start to finish and leaves you feeling richer!
498 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2015
4 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Emanuela Cooper
6 books1 followerEmanuela Cooper (maiden name: Taboga) was born in Treviso, Italy, on 18th November 1953. She studied foreign languages in Venice and Political Sciences at the University of Padua. Following an existential crisis in her life, she made her first visit to India in 1978, where she met her soul mate, Richard. Within a few months they were husband and wife.
Over the following five years they travelled extensively throughout India, Sri Lanka and Nepal and spent longer periods of time in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh and near the beaches of Goa.
In 1983 they moved back to England, settling in Nottingham where Emanuela worked as a teacher of Italian, translator and interpreter until 2011.
They now live in Ibiza, a great place to write novels - especially in the quiet Winter months - and some time in London, especially since becoming a grandmother to Joya Hope.
In 1991 Emanuela started practicing Buddhism and four years later became a member of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a lay Buddhist movement for the realization of peace through culture and education.
In 1992 she started to write with great passion. So far Emanuela has written two novels, which have been beautifully received, and is now writing the third one, titled My Twin Sisters.
Made in Nirvana was published in 2015 in Italian and English.
In December 2019 Three Women Lost in London was published, followed in April 2020 by the Italian version: Smarrita a Londra
Over the following five years they travelled extensively throughout India, Sri Lanka and Nepal and spent longer periods of time in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh and near the beaches of Goa.
In 1983 they moved back to England, settling in Nottingham where Emanuela worked as a teacher of Italian, translator and interpreter until 2011.
They now live in Ibiza, a great place to write novels - especially in the quiet Winter months - and some time in London, especially since becoming a grandmother to Joya Hope.
In 1991 Emanuela started practicing Buddhism and four years later became a member of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a lay Buddhist movement for the realization of peace through culture and education.
In 1992 she started to write with great passion. So far Emanuela has written two novels, which have been beautifully received, and is now writing the third one, titled My Twin Sisters.
Made in Nirvana was published in 2015 in Italian and English.
In December 2019 Three Women Lost in London was published, followed in April 2020 by the Italian version: Smarrita a Londra
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
July 17, 2025
was completely captivated by this book! From the start, I was hooked, eagerly turning pages to uncover what would happen next. The story transported me alongside Maria on her transformative journey to India, where I felt like I was learning and growing with her. Each moment brought a deeper sense of joy and lightness to my heart. This uplifting, feel-good read is exactly the kind of story I love, making it an absolute favorite!
November 18, 2022
A beautiful story of love, India, Buddhism, coming of age. It's a long title, but didn't feel like it. I looked forward to reading it every night.
May 10, 2016
The wonderful descriptions of India and its people create a colourful and realistic setting for the two girls traveling together, who are both looking for different things from their trip.
The story is an uplifting and enlightening tale with a great insight into Buddhism. A Magical combination of adventure, travel and romance that lifts the spirit .
The story is an uplifting and enlightening tale with a great insight into Buddhism. A Magical combination of adventure, travel and romance that lifts the spirit .
May 10, 2016
The wonderful descriptions of India and its people create a colourful and realistic setting for the two girls traveling together, who are both looking for different things from their trip.
The story is an uplifting and enlightening tale with a great insight into Buddhism. A Magical combination of adventure, travel and romance that lifts the spirit .
The story is an uplifting and enlightening tale with a great insight into Buddhism. A Magical combination of adventure, travel and romance that lifts the spirit .
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews