The Shoemaker’s Wife
Adriana Trigiani
Harper Paperbacks
August 21, 2012
496 pages
Amazon | BN
provided by publisher
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4/5 Books
The fateful first meeting of Enza and Ciro takes place amid the haunting majesty of the Italian Alps at the turn of the last century. Still teenagers, they are separated when Ciro is banished from his village and sent to hide in New York’s Little Italy, apprenticed to a shoemaker, leaving a bereft Enza behind. But when her own family faces disaster, she, too, is forced to emigrate to America. Though destiny will reunite the star-crossed lovers, it will, just as abruptly, separate them once again—sending Ciro off to serve in World War I, while Enza is drawn into the glamorous world of the opera . . . and into the life of the international singing sensation Enrico Caruso. Still, Enza and Ciro have been touched by fate—and, ultimately, the power of their love will change their lives forever.
A riveting historical epic of love and family, war and loss, risk and destiny, inspired by the author’s own family history, The Shoemaker’s Wife is the novel Adriana Trigiani was born to write.
About The Author:
Adriana Trigiani is an award-winning playwright, television writer, and documentary filmmaker. The author of the Big Stone Gap series; Very Valentine; Brava, Valentine; Lucia, Lucia; The Queen of the Big Time; and Rococo, she has also written the bestselling memoir Don’t Sing at the Table as well as the young adult novels Viola in Reel Life and Viola in the Spotlight. Her books have been published in thirty-six countries, and she has written and will direct the big-screen version of her first novel, Big Stone Gap. She lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.
Connect With The Author:
Website | Facebook | Twitter
My Review
I’m a big fan of Ms. Trigiani’s work. She generally writes novels that are filled with awesome characters and a plot line that will speak to your mind and your heart. She captivates her readers instantly and takes them on a romantic journey of ups, downs, twists and turns. The Shoemaker’s Wife is another novel that deserves high praises. Ms. Trigiani’s talent, once again, shines brightly.
The characters among these pages are awesome. Set in Italy and America, this story is vibrant with the meaning of true love and devotion. Ciro and Enza are truly amazing characters that fill their roles perfectly. They meet as teenagers and there’s an attraction that they can’t deny. But, fates have other thoughts on their lives and they are quickly separated by an ocean of miles. When they are once again reunited they still can’t deny the attraction. They feel they are truly meant to be together, if not in Italy, here in America.
Rich in historical detail, complex and intriguing characters and a story line that will knock you on your seat, Ms. Trigiani takes a timeless love story and shakes her readers with an epic telling. Sometimes it seems life will through you one curve ball after another, but Ciro and Enza are determined to show the world their devotion and love, and that family ultimately rules.
I loved the feeling of family and history rolled up into a moving novel. I could feel the emotions and dreams of Enza and could feel the struggles of Ciro when he’s sent to America from his home in Italy. These two characters came together with sparks, and showed what loyalty is all about. I definitely recommend this 4 Book worthy novel. It’s another amazingly written story by an author who’s masterfully skilled and knows what her readers want. I can’t wait for another epic story from Ms. Trigiani and look forward to keeping this one on my shelf next to her other masterpieces!
I’m reading this now and just got to the part where Ciro is on his way to America – it is SO GOOD so far, and I can’t wait to keep reading!
Thanks for being on the tour.
Thanks for the review – I’ve been wondering if I would enjoy this or not.