Ombre nell'acqua

The landscape plays such a vital role in the mood of the story. I wonder if the environment was based on a real place or crafted to evoke a particular atmosphere.

The way guilt and trauma lingered throughout the story made it feel so visceral. How do readers connect with the characters' emotional struggles?

Some parts dragged a bit, but it seemed to heighten the suspense. I'm curious if the author planned it this way or let the story evolve naturally.