All's Well House
ISBN: 9780983121008
Published Nov 2010
Trade Paperback, 412 pages
My review:
Reviewed by Sandra
This novel is about Egisto Bertozzi and his wife Armida (I couldn't figure her out at the beginning but was able to sympathise with her as the story developed) whose story begins as they emigrate from 1920's Italy to America, but it is so much more than that.
This is a poignant family saga exploring the ties that bind the extended Bertozzi family on both sides of the Atlantic. (You may need to refer to the list of characters at the front of the book often in order to keep track of them, as I did.) Each character in the family has a unique, strong character who, while passionate, fierce and lovable, are flawed as they display jealousy, anger, remorse and resentment. However, these same people find within themselves forgiveness, compassion, and the meaning of family loyalty.
Right from the outset the author evokes the dynamics of an extended Italian family and an air of mystery. The author has a sensual, earthy way of writing as she describes both Egisto's sculptures, the food "….brightly painted trays of stuffed black olives, prosciutto, and garlic-rubbed crostini, wooden bowls filled with scarlet-tinged pears and fresh red-fleshed figs; and countless other stomach-coating accoutrements" and life in Italy, as well as the beautiful northern Italian lake's area. The use of Italian words lends authenticity.
I enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel as the author describes the era of Mussolini when Italy spiraled into civil war, its ensuing starvation and other hardships while describing the resilience of the Italian people.
I didn't see the relevance of the title even though Bianca is recounting much of the story. The reader first learns about the vineyard vis-Ã -vis Bianca near the end of the book. Apart from that, I only have praise for this most worthy historical novel that is based on real-life events. I loved it!
Note: This book is rated G.
Right from the outset the author evokes the dynamics of an extended Italian family and an air of mystery. The author has a sensual, earthy way of writing as she describes both Egisto's sculptures, the food "….brightly painted trays of stuffed black olives, prosciutto, and garlic-rubbed crostini, wooden bowls filled with scarlet-tinged pears and fresh red-fleshed figs; and countless other stomach-coating accoutrements" and life in Italy, as well as the beautiful northern Italian lake's area. The use of Italian words lends authenticity.
I enjoyed the historical aspect of the novel as the author describes the era of Mussolini when Italy spiraled into civil war, its ensuing starvation and other hardships while describing the resilience of the Italian people.
I didn't see the relevance of the title even though Bianca is recounting much of the story. The reader first learns about the vineyard vis-Ã -vis Bianca near the end of the book. Apart from that, I only have praise for this most worthy historical novel that is based on real-life events. I loved it!
Note: This book is rated G.
To read more reviews, please visit Teresa's page on Italy Book Tours.
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About the Author:
Teresa Neumann and her musician husband live in Oregon's beautiful Willamette Valley near their three children. As well as being an author and journalist, Teresa loves to fiddle on her violin and live "la dolce vita" in Italy whenever she can talk her family into going with her. Bianca's Vineyard is her debut novel.
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Sandra's disclosure: Thanks to Laura Fabiani from Italy Book Tours for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.Connect with Teresa: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
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I really enjoyed it, too. Armida certainly was a complex character.
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