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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Loved this one! I had a hard time not putting it down. Family systems, tradition, relationships, and the complexity of the Italian family.
Dive into this one if you are in for the journey...a story of a woman's lot in life from small town Italy to the US. I enjoyed the storytelling.
I loved this book! It is not a generally happy book, although there is some happiness. It is sometimes funny. It is not very uplifting. It's sad. Parts are terrifying. But always, it's compelling. I am not Italian, but knowing about my family's history in Poland, the story resonates. I look forward to the next book by this author.
Note: the only disappointment in the book was that the editor did not catch "principle" as a school administrator.
Note: the only disappointment in the book was that the editor did not catch "principle" as a school administrator.
A favorite. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Where to even begin? I’m surprised I don’t see more five star reviews for this perfectly-written compelling story of an Italian immigrant family. The author is also an editor, and it shows in the clear, intentional writing. I read Stella Fortuna’s story over a couple weeks alongside other books, and it’s unusual for me to take that long to read a book. It was easy for me to pick up and hard to put down with each session. At the beginning, there’s a learning curve because there are several characters with similar names, but there’s a family tree included that helps with that.
The story begins with the birth of the first Mariastella Fortuna, born to young parents, Antonio and Assunta in Calabria, Italy. I learned so much about Calabria’s history. After the first Mariastella passes away, another daughter is born, and she is also Mariastella, a second chance for these parents, especially the mother, to protect her. This Stella, however, has several brushes with death over her lifespan; seven or eight incidents, in fact. That’s only part of the story.
The heart of this story is the living, breathing characters and the shifting and evolving family dynamics between them. They move from Italy to America and adjust to a new country together, some better than others. Antonio, the father, is demanding and wants not only his wife, but his daughters, too, to be submissive to his authority.
Both World Wars happen; one while the family lives in Italy, the other while they are living in America. It is deeply, movingly a story of family, and it’s no coincidence the story is told insightfully by a family member. It felt so authentic, so raw and achingly real, that I just knew I would find out it was inspired by fact and the author’s own family once I read the author’s note.
There’s so much to tell you and so much I want to leave out about this epic story. There are more strengths than I could take the time to list here. I have read few books of this caliber, that nail why I read. The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna is a remarkable, indelible story of sisterhood, family, forgiveness, and strength over any hardship or adversity.
Trigger warning: Abuse, though it is not gratuitous and is not what the book is about.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Where to even begin? I’m surprised I don’t see more five star reviews for this perfectly-written compelling story of an Italian immigrant family. The author is also an editor, and it shows in the clear, intentional writing. I read Stella Fortuna’s story over a couple weeks alongside other books, and it’s unusual for me to take that long to read a book. It was easy for me to pick up and hard to put down with each session. At the beginning, there’s a learning curve because there are several characters with similar names, but there’s a family tree included that helps with that.
The story begins with the birth of the first Mariastella Fortuna, born to young parents, Antonio and Assunta in Calabria, Italy. I learned so much about Calabria’s history. After the first Mariastella passes away, another daughter is born, and she is also Mariastella, a second chance for these parents, especially the mother, to protect her. This Stella, however, has several brushes with death over her lifespan; seven or eight incidents, in fact. That’s only part of the story.
The heart of this story is the living, breathing characters and the shifting and evolving family dynamics between them. They move from Italy to America and adjust to a new country together, some better than others. Antonio, the father, is demanding and wants not only his wife, but his daughters, too, to be submissive to his authority.
Both World Wars happen; one while the family lives in Italy, the other while they are living in America. It is deeply, movingly a story of family, and it’s no coincidence the story is told insightfully by a family member. It felt so authentic, so raw and achingly real, that I just knew I would find out it was inspired by fact and the author’s own family once I read the author’s note.
There’s so much to tell you and so much I want to leave out about this epic story. There are more strengths than I could take the time to list here. I have read few books of this caliber, that nail why I read. The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna is a remarkable, indelible story of sisterhood, family, forgiveness, and strength over any hardship or adversity.
Trigger warning: Abuse, though it is not gratuitous and is not what the book is about.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
4.5 stars. as soon as i started this book i loved it. the writing was wonderful. the story of one Italian immigrant family told by one woman about another through the stoires of all the times she almost died. It is a painful read at times. The main character is difficult to say the least and reading about how women were treated is hard. I was left wanting more
Good use of character name. Otherwise sad, SAD, depressing, S A D.
Sorry, I was so looking forward to this read and in the end, it was a complete snore fest. I struggled through it, but I already can barely remember the book.
Favorite story I’ve read in 2019 so far. Sticks with you far after you finish. A necessary story in this day in age. Recommend to everyone!
3.5/5
Little too long for my liking, sort of repetitive and just too depressing.
Little too long for my liking, sort of repetitive and just too depressing.
A challenging read. Very interesting insights into Calabrian life during the early 20th century and the difficulties facing female immigrants to America.