The Shoemaker’s Wife was gifted to me by my mother-in-law and since I had not heard or read anything about it I was not quite sure what to expect. I found the book to be an easy, pleasant read. The Shoemaker’s Wife is a love story but it doesn’t get overly saccharine and sentimental. The book recounts the story of Ciro and Enza, two teenagers living in different villages in the Italian Alps at the turn of the last century, who meet under tragic circumstances. Conditions are harsh in this part of Italy and life is fragile, yet love starts to blossom – until Ciro catches the parish priest of his village in a scandal and is abruptly shipped off to a very different life in America. When he gets there he is apprenticed to a shoemaker in New York’s Little Italy area. Some time later, Enza and her father also embark on a ship for New York. Eventually, Ciro and Enzo’s paths meet again and they reunite but fate still manages to shake things up a bit.
Although romance is at the core of The Shoemaker’s Wife, it is not just a love story. It also provides a glimpse into the life of Italian immigrants in America in the early 20th century. At the heart of this novel you will find the three main values for which so many immigrants were renowned: hard work, family and a hope in something greater than themselves. Perhaps one can say that these are the values that built America and which are at the heart of the American dream.
The book has its faults and does contain some inaccuracies but they are easily forgiven. My main issue with it is that, although Trigiani maintains a steady pace throughout the book, too many events happen in the last two chapters, leaving one with the feeling that the author is trying to tie up all loose ends without increasing the length of the book considerably. So, yes, the ending does come across as being rather rushed but, all things considered, The Shoemaker’s Wife will make a lovely summer read that will leave the reader with that feel-good factor that so many books these days seem to lack.
Loree’s rating: ★★★☆☆
Never heard about this book. I have to say that I have less and less time to read a book ! I am reading Blogs for the moment.
ReplyDeleteBlog comments don't arrive in my gmail inbox anymore. Many people have the same problem. It's very annoying because I have to go to the Blog to answer comments !!
Dear Loree this sounds like an intesting book. It so nice when you share a book review. Will check out the library for this one. Hope you are having a good week. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI've not been getting your posts in my Reader so have signed up again in hopes I don't miss any future ones.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a post yesterday about your lovely card - it was so nice to find it in my mailbox - thanks Loree.
Loved your Windsor Castle post - my mother lived there as a child when my grandfather, a member of the Coldstream Guards, was assigned to the castle!
Hugs - Mary
Thank you Loree for the book review
ReplyDeleteIts time to make a summer reading list.