The Shoemaker's Daughter by Adriana Trigliani

Back and forth to Italy to New York, the rich characters in Adriana Trigliani's novel are followed through their marriages, births, and deaths. We learn to appreciate the Italians love for family and beauty in the Italian Alps. The author makes the reader comfortable while learning the Art of Shoemaking, while learning a bit about Catholicism and dressmaking and also, the culture of cuisine and music.  The thoughts in the novel do not take away from your beloved culture. The stories within The Shoemaker's Daughter add to your life story.

All of us who live on Earth seem to at one time or another live through wars and the deaths of those whom we love. Enza, a wife, and Ciro, her husband, and others live in such a way that their hardiness finds a place in our hearts. We want to live, grieve, leave and question as they so gracefully do on the mountain.

I did have a question about the Priest Gregorio. One of the main characters Ciro sees the Priest in a delicate moment that should have never taken place. Afterwards, I did not learn much about Priest Gregorio except for the fact that he received another assignment at some point in time. What I wanted to know is was that the only time that he 'sinned' during his time on the mountain? Did he come to a true repentance after that one act?

When asked to review, it is thought good to write what did you like about the book. Give something specific. I loved the relationship between Ciro and his brother, Eduardo. It is a wonderful contrast between two brothers growing up under the same circumstances and becoming totally different. I felt struck by their abiding love while away from their mother and not having a living father.

The novel runs over its cup like a Family Saga. It is hard to stop writing or talking about it. I am left with the feeling that our past is always with us. The people in that past like Selena, Enza's sister; The places in that past like San Nicola Convent are in our blood. Secondly, although death seems the greatest pain, it can not completely steal the ones we love from us. Our memories give them back to us every moment. Enza brings the realization home with three short, whispered words. The words are unforgettable. The novel "The Shoemaker's Daughter" is a gift showing why we take time to read. I am grateful to the author for sharing her way of life with me. My one regret is,well, there are too many to name. http://adrianatrigiani.com/




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