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The Sardinian Story
Apennine Mountains, Italy, 1965 Leonora Bacchetti was once a happy child. But at the age of seventeen she has become a wild and rebellious young woman who leaves her parents in despair when she runs away from home with a group of itinerant travellers. In the eyes of their friends and neighbours in the tight-knit village of Montacciolo, her parents’ good name is ruined. At first, Leonora keeps in touch with her mother and father, sending letters and postcards from different countries until, very abruptly, her correspondence stops. The girl has vanished. Vague, unreliable rumours of her fate abound, but newspaper appeals, police and private investigations reveal nothing. Until, eighteen years later, in the midst of a snowstorm, a stranger from Sardinia knocks on the door of Leonora’s father’s little mountain house. Now a widower, he has come to terms with never knowing what happened to his daughter. But everything changes when the unexpected visitor claims that he has new information. The two men quickly bond and gradually begin to piece together the truth about Leonora , provoking deep questions about her life and how they have lived their own – questions about love, loyalty, honesty and what being a family really means. The Sardinian Story is a novel of exquisite power and deep emotion which will live long in the memories of its readers.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 28, 2023
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October 18, 2023I have an extract for you today.
This extract is taken from the start of Chapter 2. Dante Bacchetti has welcomed into his home a stranger, Jubanne Melis Puddu, who has arrived out of nowhere telling Dante he has information about his long lost daughter. Dante has been convinced that Jubanne has something useful to tell him, and now Jubanne begins his story…
Jubanne Melis Puddu considered that life had dealt him a very favourable hand. He had many blessings to count, and he counted them often.
What man alive would not be grateful to have a wife as fine as his? Signora Melis Puddu was blessed with innumerable good qualities – kindness, intelligence, fortitude, to name but a few. Not only that, she was also strikingly beautiful, of unmistakably Mediterranean appearance, brown-eyed, dark-haired and olive-skinned.
Jubanne had been utterly taken with her from the moment they had met but had been shy about making his feelings known. Surely such an exceptional woman, one endowed with such elegance, class and sophistication, would not be interested in a great lumbering bear like him? Had she not made the first move, he might not have had the courage to mention that dance – but she had inquired whether he had any intention of asking her, and when he had mumbled ‘yes’ she had smiled and said, ‘I’ll consider myself invited, then.’. From that moment, he had never looked back. They’d got married only six months later. Everybody had been thrilled for them, saying what a good match they were.
There were those who couldn’t help but remark on the couple’s considerable difference in height. Jubanne didn’t mind if people mentioned the fifty centimetre disparity, but those who cracked off-colour jokes, or made any kind of innuendo, were immediately reprimanded. He was very proper when it came to things like that. This adherence to good manners had been instilled into him by his grandmother, the venerable Nonna Maria-Annoriana.
The Melis Puddus seldom argued. Both worked on the premise of being considerate
towards one another. There was nothing that Jubanne would not do to make his wife happy.
The fruit of this content and successful union was two children, a boy and a girl. That summer they were eight and ten years old respectively. Jubanne would gladly have had more children, but had agreed with his wife that a large family would be too much to deal with. They already had enough on their plates running the business.
Their guesthouse, Villa Zuannicca, had come from Signora Melis Puddu’s side of the family, but when she had inherited it, it had been a sorry place – out-dated and shabby, and lacking any sort of modern amenities or indoor plumbing. Over the years Jubanne and his wife had worked tirelessly to make something of it. Now Villa Zuannicca was a fine establishment, clean and well-appointed with three bathrooms on each of its three floors, plus separate WCs. There were fifteen guest rooms in total, each equipped to lodge between two and four people. The Melis Puddus served their guests good, wholesome food, and plenty of it – home-made pasta, traditional local fregola made from semolina, and fresh fish brought in daily off the boats, as well as the finest Sardinian lamb and suckling pig. The wine from the neighbouring vineyards flowed plentifully.
Every Friday night a band would come to entertain the guests and there would be dancing on the terrace. Sometimes, if she was not too busy and she felt that way inclined, Signora Melis Puddu would agree to sing, for aside from all her excellent qualities, she was blessed with a beautiful voice. Her repertoire comprised a wide range of traditional Sardinian folk tunes, and sometimes she took modern songs and gave them a folkish twist. The guests were always an appreciative audience. Jubanne would watch and listen, tapping his foot and swelling with pride – unless his wife sang ‘Amore Mio, Amore Mio’, before which she would say, ‘I dedicate this song to my husband,’ – in which case he would have to move discreetly to one side and pretend that he had something in his eye.
This extract is taken from the start of Chapter 2. Dante Bacchetti has welcomed into his home a stranger, Jubanne Melis Puddu, who has arrived out of nowhere telling Dante he has information about his long lost daughter. Dante has been convinced that Jubanne has something useful to tell him, and now Jubanne begins his story…
Jubanne Melis Puddu considered that life had dealt him a very favourable hand. He had many blessings to count, and he counted them often.
What man alive would not be grateful to have a wife as fine as his? Signora Melis Puddu was blessed with innumerable good qualities – kindness, intelligence, fortitude, to name but a few. Not only that, she was also strikingly beautiful, of unmistakably Mediterranean appearance, brown-eyed, dark-haired and olive-skinned.
Jubanne had been utterly taken with her from the moment they had met but had been shy about making his feelings known. Surely such an exceptional woman, one endowed with such elegance, class and sophistication, would not be interested in a great lumbering bear like him? Had she not made the first move, he might not have had the courage to mention that dance – but she had inquired whether he had any intention of asking her, and when he had mumbled ‘yes’ she had smiled and said, ‘I’ll consider myself invited, then.’. From that moment, he had never looked back. They’d got married only six months later. Everybody had been thrilled for them, saying what a good match they were.
There were those who couldn’t help but remark on the couple’s considerable difference in height. Jubanne didn’t mind if people mentioned the fifty centimetre disparity, but those who cracked off-colour jokes, or made any kind of innuendo, were immediately reprimanded. He was very proper when it came to things like that. This adherence to good manners had been instilled into him by his grandmother, the venerable Nonna Maria-Annoriana.
The Melis Puddus seldom argued. Both worked on the premise of being considerate
towards one another. There was nothing that Jubanne would not do to make his wife happy.
The fruit of this content and successful union was two children, a boy and a girl. That summer they were eight and ten years old respectively. Jubanne would gladly have had more children, but had agreed with his wife that a large family would be too much to deal with. They already had enough on their plates running the business.
Their guesthouse, Villa Zuannicca, had come from Signora Melis Puddu’s side of the family, but when she had inherited it, it had been a sorry place – out-dated and shabby, and lacking any sort of modern amenities or indoor plumbing. Over the years Jubanne and his wife had worked tirelessly to make something of it. Now Villa Zuannicca was a fine establishment, clean and well-appointed with three bathrooms on each of its three floors, plus separate WCs. There were fifteen guest rooms in total, each equipped to lodge between two and four people. The Melis Puddus served their guests good, wholesome food, and plenty of it – home-made pasta, traditional local fregola made from semolina, and fresh fish brought in daily off the boats, as well as the finest Sardinian lamb and suckling pig. The wine from the neighbouring vineyards flowed plentifully.
Every Friday night a band would come to entertain the guests and there would be dancing on the terrace. Sometimes, if she was not too busy and she felt that way inclined, Signora Melis Puddu would agree to sing, for aside from all her excellent qualities, she was blessed with a beautiful voice. Her repertoire comprised a wide range of traditional Sardinian folk tunes, and sometimes she took modern songs and gave them a folkish twist. The guests were always an appreciative audience. Jubanne would watch and listen, tapping his foot and swelling with pride – unless his wife sang ‘Amore Mio, Amore Mio’, before which she would say, ‘I dedicate this song to my husband,’ – in which case he would have to move discreetly to one side and pretend that he had something in his eye.
June 10, 2024
This book started slow and didn't immediately grab my attention and I almost gave it up. Luckily I kept reading and am so happy I did. This author knows how to keep you thoroughly involved with the characters . She is also a trickster with her surprising plot twists. I loved this book, a super read.
November 18, 2025
the first half was agonisingly slow in parts but the author had to make you feel for Dante and glad i persevered. the men in the book were repulsive and I was more than happy to read how Dante’s reputation fell apart after what he did to his family
July 16, 2024
A study in point of view, and how much one’s perspective shapes one’s life, actions, and consequences, even when they run parallel with others’ stories.
November 17, 2023
Good writing with prejudice
I have read all of Francisco's books. I enjoy her writing but she has a very negative view of the Catholic church, priests, and men in general and incorporates them into her books. This book had a very explicit sexual section which I thought I was reading lithograph and I was really put off by it. It was not needed. The story was good without it.
I have read all of Francisco's books. I enjoy her writing but she has a very negative view of the Catholic church, priests, and men in general and incorporates them into her books. This book had a very explicit sexual section which I thought I was reading lithograph and I was really put off by it. It was not needed. The story was good without it.
August 25, 2024
Incredible book
I loved this book from the first page. It was so different and the twists and turns kept me guessing right to the end.
I loved this book from the first page. It was so different and the twists and turns kept me guessing right to the end.
September 13, 2024
heartbreaking
I don’t know what I was expecting of this novel but it absolutely tore me to shreds. I’m always amazed when an author can take one small detail or almost an aside and make it so full of meaning that you have to stop reading to process it for a moment .
I don’t know what I was expecting of this novel but it absolutely tore me to shreds. I’m always amazed when an author can take one small detail or almost an aside and make it so full of meaning that you have to stop reading to process it for a moment .
December 8, 2024
great Italian story
A lovely story of family, lies and running away from meanness of a father
Thank you Love all description of places
A lovely story of family, lies and running away from meanness of a father
Thank you Love all description of places
August 1, 2025
Just right for my little holiday in Sardinia.
August 26, 2025
Fantastic book!
Beautifully written and engrossing story set in Italy. I did not the ending coming at all! I highly recommend it.
Beautifully written and engrossing story set in Italy. I did not the ending coming at all! I highly recommend it.
September 8, 2024
Excellent twists
All my sympathy for Dante vanished , my empathy for all the other main characters grew. Excellent read , I was not expecting such twists !
All my sympathy for Dante vanished , my empathy for all the other main characters grew. Excellent read , I was not expecting such twists !
November 21, 2024
riveting
A fathers search for a daughter that doesn’t want
To be found. A completely unexpected twist . I could not put the story down; I read in one sitting.
A fathers search for a daughter that doesn’t want
To be found. A completely unexpected twist . I could not put the story down; I read in one sitting.
July 6, 2024
Unique
I much enjoyed the settings in this story. From the mountains to the sea. All the t unexpected twists. Good read !
I much enjoyed the settings in this story. From the mountains to the sea. All the t unexpected twists. Good read !
July 4, 2025
Wonderfully Brilliant!
I had no idea of all the ins and outs of this amazing novel!
All parts so believable! The characters so brilliantly interwoven, I could never have guessed what would happen!
It is the first novel of this author I have read but it will not be the last!
Recommended!
I had no idea of all the ins and outs of this amazing novel!
All parts so believable! The characters so brilliantly interwoven, I could never have guessed what would happen!
It is the first novel of this author I have read but it will not be the last!
Recommended!
August 6, 2024
A story told by 3 different people gives a view of his they see themselves.
Who’s is the correct version? Intriguing book.
Who’s is the correct version? Intriguing book.
February 7, 2024
I’m a huge fan of this author having previously read two out of three of the Paradiso novels as well as The Lost Boy of Bologna (use the search bar to find earlier reviews), so I was really looking forward to reading this latest offering.
What drew me in immediately is the way Francesca Scanacapra pulls you into the setting with her evocative descriptions, of both characters and locations. Long held traditions, viewpoints and accepted social norms are examined, along with the impact they have on individuals and families.
I loved the way the chapters switched between the memories of Dante and Jubanne, revealing not only their histories but also their own personal inner turmoil caused by the various events in their lives.
I found Leonora’s character fascinating; clearly at odds with her rural upbringing and desperate to make her own way in the world and yet bound by family ties enough to maintain frequent correspondence until her disappearance many years later.
A stunning, evocative read which I can’t recommend highly enough!
With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
What drew me in immediately is the way Francesca Scanacapra pulls you into the setting with her evocative descriptions, of both characters and locations. Long held traditions, viewpoints and accepted social norms are examined, along with the impact they have on individuals and families.
I loved the way the chapters switched between the memories of Dante and Jubanne, revealing not only their histories but also their own personal inner turmoil caused by the various events in their lives.
I found Leonora’s character fascinating; clearly at odds with her rural upbringing and desperate to make her own way in the world and yet bound by family ties enough to maintain frequent correspondence until her disappearance many years later.
A stunning, evocative read which I can’t recommend highly enough!
With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
October 18, 2023
Here we have a captivating and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of family, loss, and identity. The story follows the disappearance of Leonora Bacchetti, a rebellious young woman, and the devastating impact it has on her parents and their small village.
The author skillfully weaves together past and present timelines, building suspense and intrigue until the truth about Leonora's fate is finally revealed. The narrative is rich in detail, vividly depicting the Italian landscape and creating a strong sense of place.
The characters in this novel are well-developed and relatable, with their flaws and vulnerabilities laid bare. Through their journey of searching for answers, deeper questions about love, loyalty, and honesty are explored, leaving readers pondering their own definitions of family and the decisions they make in life.
Overall this is a poignant and thought-provoking read that explores the depths of human emotions and the enduring power of hope. Fans of family dramas and literary fiction will find this book a satisfying and compelling read.
The author skillfully weaves together past and present timelines, building suspense and intrigue until the truth about Leonora's fate is finally revealed. The narrative is rich in detail, vividly depicting the Italian landscape and creating a strong sense of place.
The characters in this novel are well-developed and relatable, with their flaws and vulnerabilities laid bare. Through their journey of searching for answers, deeper questions about love, loyalty, and honesty are explored, leaving readers pondering their own definitions of family and the decisions they make in life.
Overall this is a poignant and thought-provoking read that explores the depths of human emotions and the enduring power of hope. Fans of family dramas and literary fiction will find this book a satisfying and compelling read.
December 12, 2023
Misleading
Although a very good book, the author is a bit of a prankster. She takes you through a journey of learning about the lives of two men and then wham! You're hit with a surprise you never expected! Many surprises in fact. If you liked this, you're really going to like another book of hers - The lost boy of bologna - it's a winner!
Although a very good book, the author is a bit of a prankster. She takes you through a journey of learning about the lives of two men and then wham! You're hit with a surprise you never expected! Many surprises in fact. If you liked this, you're really going to like another book of hers - The lost boy of bologna - it's a winner!
February 6, 2024
This book sucked me in.....
The first section of the story some might find a little slow. For me it was like an addiction. I had to finish this book. And was definitely glad I did. Each character in the story has tale to be told. It's said that there are always three sides to the truth: your's, mine and the truth. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
The first section of the story some might find a little slow. For me it was like an addiction. I had to finish this book. And was definitely glad I did. Each character in the story has tale to be told. It's said that there are always three sides to the truth: your's, mine and the truth. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.
February 8, 2024
The Sardinian Story
The Sardinian Story is a novel of heartache and deceit in an Italian family. It is definitely a page turner and gives an excellent account of life in Italy and Sardinia with its many wonderful culinary delights and scenic views. I certainly recommend for those who want a good read!
The Sardinian Story is a novel of heartache and deceit in an Italian family. It is definitely a page turner and gives an excellent account of life in Italy and Sardinia with its many wonderful culinary delights and scenic views. I certainly recommend for those who want a good read!
March 15, 2024
Heart wrenching and Engrossing
The Sardinia Story is a wonderful fiction set in Sardinia Italy. Although I found some sections to be slow, the story kept me coming back for more. I have read all of Francesca Scanacapras' books and I have loved each of them. I highly recommend this author and hope she has more books coming.
The Sardinia Story is a wonderful fiction set in Sardinia Italy. Although I found some sections to be slow, the story kept me coming back for more. I have read all of Francesca Scanacapras' books and I have loved each of them. I highly recommend this author and hope she has more books coming.
April 2, 2024
Wow
I came across this book by chance,it's hard to find the right words to use, it's a study of people,and how you become so fooled by how they portray themselves,when the reality is something else entirely. I can't recommend enough,I felt like I was in Italy,and could almost see the landscape myself.
a person, but the reality is something else entirely
I came across this book by chance,it's hard to find the right words to use, it's a study of people,and how you become so fooled by how they portray themselves,when the reality is something else entirely. I can't recommend enough,I felt like I was in Italy,and could almost see the landscape myself.
a person, but the reality is something else entirely
January 9, 2024
I wasn’t expecting much beyond this book but an easy read, but it’s brilliant. A really well woven story that I couldn’t put down. If you enjoy historical fiction/mysteries then you should read this.
October 17, 2023
powerful story
It is a very meaningful and well developed story about a remote village and a family secrets. Very well written
It is a very meaningful and well developed story about a remote village and a family secrets. Very well written
December 23, 2023
As the secrets were being revealed I didn’t like where story was going but by the end I really liked the whole book. Very unusual and unexpected.
May 2, 2024
finally - something different!!!!
I read everyday and was surprised by the story, which is hard to do -I love this book and its unique story!!!!!
I read everyday and was surprised by the story, which is hard to do -I love this book and its unique story!!!!!
February 7, 2025
I wouldn’t recommend
I read it to the end; but wouldn’t recommend it. It’s a pretty miserable story and neither compelling nor believable.
I read it to the end; but wouldn’t recommend it. It’s a pretty miserable story and neither compelling nor believable.
October 13, 2023
I found this to be a little bit addictive to read! It’s one of those stories that has so many elements to it that it kept me gripped and entertained throughout, even when it took me to places I wasn’t expecting!
At the heart of the story is a family drama full of dark secrets and looking to be your own person and escaping the past. We meet Dante who is living alone up a mountain, with a meagre existence and feel his torment over wondering what happened to his daughter, Leonora. It was a high profile case when she went missing, but the mystery was never solved. Maybe it is about to be by a stranger who shows up with a story to tell. And you can understand Dante and his reluctance to take this person seriously as he’s been hearing from cranks for many years with their own theories as to what happened to Leonora.
There’s so much to explore within this book! We delve into the past of all of them and it really takes the reader on some very different tangents as their complicated lives take over – there’s a young girl wanting to break free, the toll it takes on those left behind and also the role that the mind plays on events many years later as when we go back in time there are some shocking truths revealed! And that’s what kept me turning those pages as the story gets darker and darker – it left me feeling quite exhausted and very emotional as we got to see the story play out.
I became totally transfixed with the drama as it played out in front of me and it was a story and characters you still think about long after the final sentence!
At the heart of the story is a family drama full of dark secrets and looking to be your own person and escaping the past. We meet Dante who is living alone up a mountain, with a meagre existence and feel his torment over wondering what happened to his daughter, Leonora. It was a high profile case when she went missing, but the mystery was never solved. Maybe it is about to be by a stranger who shows up with a story to tell. And you can understand Dante and his reluctance to take this person seriously as he’s been hearing from cranks for many years with their own theories as to what happened to Leonora.
There’s so much to explore within this book! We delve into the past of all of them and it really takes the reader on some very different tangents as their complicated lives take over – there’s a young girl wanting to break free, the toll it takes on those left behind and also the role that the mind plays on events many years later as when we go back in time there are some shocking truths revealed! And that’s what kept me turning those pages as the story gets darker and darker – it left me feeling quite exhausted and very emotional as we got to see the story play out.
I became totally transfixed with the drama as it played out in front of me and it was a story and characters you still think about long after the final sentence!
October 18, 2023
What an incredible book this was and it is going to be so difficult to describe it without giving anything away.
This is a story that plays with your emotions on so many levels and almost has you feeling exhausted, mind wise, at the end of it .
What appeared to start off as a straight forward story about wondering what had happened to Leonora gradually started to go on different narrative journeys, each with a different perspective and understanding as to what actually happened and why.
I personally have never come across a book like this before. It has you questioning what you have previously read and realising that it could be totally different from someone else's point of view. I would almost guarantee that by the time you reach the end of it you will feel incredibly moved by this story.
The moral of the story: There are always multiple sides to a story - don't always believe the one you come across first.
Right I am not going to say anymore other than this is a book that you definitely must read for yourself and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
To sum up in single words : Powerful, Thoughtful, Emotional, Mind-blowing.
This is a story that plays with your emotions on so many levels and almost has you feeling exhausted, mind wise, at the end of it .
What appeared to start off as a straight forward story about wondering what had happened to Leonora gradually started to go on different narrative journeys, each with a different perspective and understanding as to what actually happened and why.
I personally have never come across a book like this before. It has you questioning what you have previously read and realising that it could be totally different from someone else's point of view. I would almost guarantee that by the time you reach the end of it you will feel incredibly moved by this story.
The moral of the story: There are always multiple sides to a story - don't always believe the one you come across first.
Right I am not going to say anymore other than this is a book that you definitely must read for yourself and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
To sum up in single words : Powerful, Thoughtful, Emotional, Mind-blowing.
October 19, 2023
What a incredible experience reading The Sardinian Story was, it is written like nothing else I have ever read. It is not a easy book to laze back and follow but it is a thought provoking read with so many complex layers underneath the surface. It's the same story told from different points of view and it just proves that not everyones mind sees the same thing. It is the story of Leonora when as a rebellious teenager she runs away from home with some travellers. Her father gave up hope of ever finding out what happened to his daughter until one day a man shows up on his door claiming to know what happened to Leonora. The emotional rollercoaster ride I went on while reading this book is one I won't forget any time soon The plot is well designed and implemented and the characters are all well thought out. I loved every minute of this unforgettable, thought provoking story and I particularly enjoyed how it challenged my mind and played with my emotions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews