Friday, April 5, 2013

Book #2: The Shoemaker's Wife

At least one of my New Year's resolutions is right on track.  I've just finished my second book, The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani.  I've enjoyed this book so much.  I didn't want to see it end.
It's well written with enough detail to keep your interest but not so much that the story drags.  The book follows a boy and girl from their childhood in Northern Italy around the turn of the 20th century to their immigration to this country, and the establishment of a life here.  These people could have been my family.  They had different talents and came from a different part of Italy than my family, but their outlook on life and expressions of family values were very familiar to me.  I really appreciated the "goodness" in this book.  The characters had their share of problems throughout the years but they always faced them and persevered without compromising their morals and values.  People died, but no one was murdered.  People were poor, but no one robbed a store.  No one shot a gun.  In fact there was only one person (no details, so that I won't spoil the story) who exhibited unsavory characteristics.

The only thing I don't get about this book is the cover. I understand what part of the story it represents yet it's not the way I would picture it in my mind.

It's definitely a "girl story" but, my brother read AND enjoyed this book!  I think he also appreciated the similarities to our family.

It's a good, wholesome read.  Oh, and the main character is a seamstress!!

5 comments:

  1. That's another book for me to look out for then. I've just finished Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel which I enjoyed a lot.

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  2. I really should start a book wish list. This sounds like one I would enjoy.

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  3. I just reserved it at our library. I'm 7th on the list which is good, because I have some other books on hand to read before it. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  4. I read this one and liked it too!

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  5. Nina, thanks for recommending this book. I loved it! Enza is such a great role model for young women. If it had been written when my daughters were younger I would have recommended that they read it (though I'll recommend it now, too). It's strange: I got stalled reading it after they got married. I always wish love stories would continue after the guy gets the girl (or vice versa) and then I realized that the author had given me exactly what I always hoped to read in a book. It really was just about perfect. Thanks again for the recommend.

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