Calabrian Tales

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Summary: A new view of an unfamiliar area of History
Review: As a history buff, this has been a delightful insight into the
background and family history of a great wine producing family,
now of the famous Napa Valley of California

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Summary: A deftly written tale of enduring humanity, pride, & culture
Review: Drawn from a true succession of personal family incidents, Calabrian Tales: A Memoir Of 19th Century Southern Italy by Peter Chiarella is a compelling saga about a family who lived in one of Italy's poorest regions more than a hundred years ago. Here are memorably crafted stories of inexplicable injustice, poverty, avarice, indomitable pride, and survival. Marianna (who is the author's great aunt) is a woman who mortifies her family by becoming the mistress of a wealthy noble. The resulting familial clashes, the trials of emigration, and the struggle to make a new life in America enhance this engaging and deftly written tale of enduring humanity, pride, and culture.

Rating:
Summary: TRIUMPH OVER TRAGEDY
Review: This is a heart-rending story of triumph over tragedy. The characters come alive and invite the reader to see how determination of the human spirit lives on through their valiant lives. Ths story unfolds with a trip through this part of Italy and its history.

Rating:
Summary: Terrific!!!
Review: What an incredible story! Any Hollywood producers out there? I think this book could be a blockbuster film. The descriptions of the characters of Angelo and Marianna are so perfectly written that I could envision many of Hollywood's mega-stars in these roles. Kudos to the author!!!

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Summary: Absolutely the best book I've read this year!
Review: While reading this book I felt as though I was allowed to observe and be included in the life of the Chiarella family. This deeply moving tale of a courageous family will live in my heart forever. The joy, the struggles, the sadness and the hope that the author so eloquently writes about in his book is truly an amazing literary work of art. To the Chiarella family, thank you for such a wonderful book. May God Bless you always.

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Summary: The way life really was
Review: You really feel what it's like to know you will starve once the food you are growing runs out. That overwhelming insecurity was the life of many of our parents and grandparents. The story is fascinating and truly holds your attention. It illuminates our emotional inheritance while it entertains. I want to give this book to all the people who go on about how hard life is these days.