Liana Modigliani The author of The Embrace of the Past, Liana Modigliani (Diana Malivani's pen-name) lives in Paris, France, with her family: her husband and young daughter Michelle. Doctor of Medicine (M.D., Ph.D.), specializing in sports medicine and nutrition, with extensive experience in the fitness industry, she is an author and illustrator of several books for children, published in English, French and German. She is passionate about oil painting and preparing tasty and healthy dishes according to her own recipes.