The Land of the Living: A Novel

by Timothy Crellin

The Land of the Living is a historical novel that explores the themes of immigration and assimilation, war and its impact on families, the role of race and class in forging identity, and what it means to find home. The story follows Angela Amorelli and her husband Tommaso through Ellis Island and on to their new life in a New England fishing town. Angela sacrifices everything, hoping to create a better future for her children, only to be confronted with more loss and strife than one could bear. But with remarkable strength and resilience, she carries on through the wars and upheaval that shaped the 20th century, becoming the force that confronts war's impact and heals her family. An unforgettable story of family and faith, The Land of the Living inspires readers to rethink how we came to be who we are.

430 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2025

Reviews

[Susan Hubbard]

A Tapestry of Love and Humanity: A Review of The land of the Living
Timothy Crellin's The Land of the Living is a deeply moving narrative that transcends the boundaries of a simple story, evolving into a poignant exploration of love in its multifaceted forms. At its core, this novel delves into the profound connections between individuals, weaving a tapestry of romantic love, familial bonds, patriotic devotion, and spiritual faith.
From the outset, readers are drawn into the lives of the central characters, their authenticity and vulnerability immediately forging a strong emotional connection. Timothy Crellin demonstrates a remarkable ability to portray the nuances of human emotion, allowing the reader to experience the characters' joys, sorrows, and struggles with remarkable clarity. The narrative's pacing is masterfully executed, consistently propelling the reader forward with an insatiable desire to uncover the next chapter of their journey.
Beyond the personal narratives, the novel confronts the complex and often contentious issue of immigration with sensitivity and depth. In a landscape where discourse surrounding immigration can be highly polarized, Timothy Crellin humanizes the experience, reminding us that behind the statistics and political rhetoric are real individuals with real lives, hopes, and fears. The author effectively illustrates the immense emotional and logistical challenges faced by those seeking a new life in a foreign land, prompting readers to reconsider their perspectives and fostering empathy.
The emotional journey undertaken while reading The Land of the Living is both profound and transformative. The author's skillful prose allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the characters' experiences, fostering a sense of shared humanity. This is not merely a story to be read, but one to be felt, absorbed, and reflected upon. The novel possesses a quiet power, one that lingers long after the final page is turned, inviting readers to contemplate the true meaning of love, resilience, and the human spirit.
In conclusion, The Land of the Living is a compelling and timely work that resonates on multiple levels. It is a testament to the enduring power of love, the strength of the human spirit, and the importance of empathy in a world often divided. This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking a story that not only entertains but also enlightens and transforms.

[Cindy Pappas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I write this with the familiar lump, just under the voice box - like Tomuzzo. I have been savoring the last part of this book because I did not want it to end. I finally had the courage to finish the last few pages this morning.

This book is so beautifully written. Tim’s prose breathes life into the people, places, landscapes, and experiences that make up this powerful story. From the very beginning, you’re transported back to early 20th-century Cefalù, Sicily, where a young Tommaso, newly married, finds himself at a crossroads. Enticed by his cousin Carlo and the promise of wealth and prosperity, he decides to journey to La Merica. Upon arrival, he quickly learns that the streets aren’t paved in gold. Following in Carlo’s footsteps, he settles in the small Sicilian fishing community of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and later sends for his wife, Angela. As the family takes root, a war feasting on strong young men and the promise of citizenship, find the two cousins at another crossroad.

Tim weaves a deeply moving story of this multi-generational family through the decades that follow, with a literary empathy that makes you feel as if you truly know these characters. Perhaps one will remind you of an uncle, someone from church, or a person from your own life.

[Swapna Peri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timothy Crellin's "The Land of the Living" book is like slipping into a deeply intimate letter from the past—a story rooted in Sicilian soil yet stretching across oceans to the harsh, hopeful shores of early 20th-century America. Through the eyes of Tommaso Amorelli, we are swept from the sun-soaked hills of Cefalù to the smoky harbours of Gloucester, Massachusetts. What begins as a tale of struggle against local oppression and poverty transforms into a journey of resilience, sacrifice, and quiet revolution. Timothy Crellin writes with such authenticity that the salt of the sea, the ache of homesickness, and the friction between survival and pride feel achingly real.

Tommaso is a dreamer with dirt under his nails, driven by a burning desire to escape the grip of feudal injustice and provide a better life for his family. His clashes with his more pragmatic brother, his devotion to his wife Angela, and his painful self-doubt shape a portrait of a man torn between past and future. The transition from Sicily’s wild beauty to the bitter winters and strange customs of America is not just physical—it’s spiritual. Crellin doesn’t sugarcoat the immigrant experience. Instead, he honours it with grit and grace, showing the daily grind of laundry carts, fish hauls, language barriers, and constant fear that the American Dream might be nothing more than a mirage.

The novel’s emotional core lies in Tommaso and Angela’s relationship—a love that endures ocean crossings, family pressure, financial hardship, miscarriage, and the looming horrors of war. Angela, in particular, is portrayed with rare strength and vulnerability. Her quiet faith, determination, and humor ground the story and offer a moving counterpoint to Tommaso’s restless spirit. Their tender moments shine amid the bleakness, reminding us that love—though fragile—can be the strongest anchor in turbulent times.

As World War I creeps closer and the couple is once again separated, the novel underscores a powerful truth: exile is not only a matter of geography but of the heart. "The Land of the Living" is both a sweeping historical novel and an intimate human story about what it means to leave home in search of something better—and the cost of that choice. Crellin’s lyrical prose and deep empathy for his characters make this book a beautiful tribute to those who crossed oceans in pursuit of dignity, and a reminder that even in foreign lands, the pulse of home can still be heard.

[Kim LaFleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I signed up for a Meet the Author type thing in Gardner, MA and Timothy Crellin brought this book. We sat in a packed room and he got up said a few words and read a passage. I bought the book as I felt an obligation because I did hear him speak and I was slightly curious.

The book sat for a few weeks, until I didn’t have anything to read. Read the first chapter and thought Tomasso would be in the book until the end and then I meant Vittorio and imagined he would be there till the end. It ended with Thomases story. Their intertwined relationship with the supporting characters was well written. This author really put the reader in the environment. Having local landmarks helped me associate with the book and plan on making a trip to Walden Pond.

It was a great historical fiction that brought the reader through three wars. It had proper language for the time and both comedy and sadness to spread the 400+ pages full of entertainment value. While I met the author and didn’t buy this book in a “big” store I feel that it could grace the nation and compete along with other best selling authors…it really was that good!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It follows a Sicilian family from a fishing village on the north coast of Sicily to the a fishing village on the North Shore of Boston (Gloucester) and beyond. At the center is Angela, who moves to Gloucester after her husband and remains there through the loss of that husband and their son, each to a World War. About half of the book follows her grandson Thomas, born to a white Protestant mother on the outskirts of Boston just before his father's death, in his journey to understand what has been missing from his life--the other half of his heritage.

Beyond the twists and turns of family life, the book offers insights into the way women maintain families--and what important work that is--and into the devastating shape of the twentieth century, with a major war in each of three generations. The story is both heartbreaking and hopeful, showing the resilience of human connections in the face of mind-numbing loss.

it takes a little time at the beginning for the prose to hit stride, but it is definitely worth persisting.

[Diane Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Land of the Living by Timothy Crellin is a great read. As a historical novel author, I recognize the heart and soul that went into the plotting, research, and pacing, making this a well-written, easy-to-read novel. Being of Italian heritage, I was especially drawn to the settings and plot. I could see my grandparents’ pride in the characters and feel their struggles in the storyline. So many times I’ve wished I could ask my grandfather questions. This book gave me answers and gave me a better understanding of where I came from.
Crellin brings his own family’s history and combines it with the stories of so many immigrants who came on ships and landed on Ellis Island in the early 20th century. He writes with the pen of faith and hope, and his words disappear from the pages until you hear them in your heart. It is a combination of history, romance, and mystery at its finest. The characters and their story melted my heart.

[Diana Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Land of the Living follows the journey started by Tommas and Angela Amorellis who immigrated to the United States from Sicily. This is multi-generational story of bravery, resilience and the power of love to overcome even the toughest of challenges. The book skillfully and intimately weaves the tales of personal growth through all subsequent generations as the family dynamics and unexpected twists keep the story engaging. The emotional depth of the characters and the vivid descriptions allow the reader to deeply feel each character's triumphs and tragedies. The profound themes of family, love, duty and bravery keep the story relatable and heartfelt.
I highly recommend this book to fans of stories about true personal courage. Whether seeking an uplifting read or a chance to reflect on the transformative power of love and family, this book will not disappoint.

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Land of the Living” begins in the early 20th century and follows Tommaso Amorelli, a young Sicilian who makes the challenging decision of immigrating to America in hopes of a better life for himself and his wife, Angela.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. A historical fiction occurring over most of the 20th century between Sicily and the East Coast of the USA. It’s a tumultuous time (to say the least) and many of the events occur during or around wartime. There’s definite consequences of war and the effect it has on the characters within the story are far reaching. Find the full blog post at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to sit down with this book each evening and get lost in the story. It was utterly captivating and engrossing. And I loved the surprising turns of events in a couple chapters. This is the kind of book that you mull on all day long and can't wait to get back to. I love books that entertain and also make me contemplate!

[Beverly Merz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful exploration of the effects of emigration to the Boston area on three generations of Sicilian Americans, especially the inescapable pull of their ancestral homeland. Very relevant today! Characters are well drawn and the plot is fast moving. Would be a great book group selection.

[Henry S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring heartwarming story that spans the Atlantic and multiple generations of a Sicilian American family. Thoughtfully researched. Cinematic in scope. Lovely nuggets especially for those of us who grew up in the Boston area.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely, moving story with well developed sense of place.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweeping family saga stretching across the 20th century and from Sicily to Massachusetts that features characters who are so real, warm and human. Loved it!!

[Nancy Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written novel about European immigrants coming to America for a better life. Believable characters, well-developed plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. The last novel I read that I had a hard time putting down was "Hawaii" by James Michener.

[SVHubbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A much more interesting second half than first.

[Chris]

A love song to the author’s ancestors and to Sicily. Carefully plotted, and set in Boston, Gloucester, and surrounding towns—an area familiar to me—the story moves along and the characters are engaging.