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CHIARA: A girl who made the ultimate sacrifice
Born amidst the devastation of Milan's Santa Maria delle Grazie church during the 1943 bombings, Chiara Cordovan is a symbol of hope in a war-torn world. Her life is a blend of contrasting a devout Catholic mother and a mafia boss father, navigating the complex intersections of faith, crime, and power. As Milan rebuilds, her father seeks to expand his criminal empire, facing off against the encroaching Ndrangheta clan from Sicily.
In Paraku village, Benin, toxic youth battles have left the community in chaos. Their leader, seeking divine guidance, sends them to Milan to train as mafia soldiers, hoping to restore peace and safety at home.
Chiara, named to bring brightness and joy, grows up exploring the diverse influences of Christian and Mafia ideologies. Through the lens of the Yoruba community, she fights for female empowerment and a more just world. This post-pubescent girl confronts the challenges of three conflicting cultures, pushing back against discrimination, abuse, and unfair practices as she seeks a faith journey that makes sense of her tumultuous world.
Inspired by the author's experiences as a headteacher in Catholic and multicultural schools, Chiara's character embodies the resilience and spirit of countless students. Her story continues in the forthcoming sequel, "A Faithless Journey."
This psychological thriller delves into trauma, mafia intrigue, faith exploration, and the fight for female emancipation, offering a gripping narrative of one girl's ultimate sacrifice.
In Paraku village, Benin, toxic youth battles have left the community in chaos. Their leader, seeking divine guidance, sends them to Milan to train as mafia soldiers, hoping to restore peace and safety at home.
Chiara, named to bring brightness and joy, grows up exploring the diverse influences of Christian and Mafia ideologies. Through the lens of the Yoruba community, she fights for female empowerment and a more just world. This post-pubescent girl confronts the challenges of three conflicting cultures, pushing back against discrimination, abuse, and unfair practices as she seeks a faith journey that makes sense of her tumultuous world.
Inspired by the author's experiences as a headteacher in Catholic and multicultural schools, Chiara's character embodies the resilience and spirit of countless students. Her story continues in the forthcoming sequel, "A Faithless Journey."
This psychological thriller delves into trauma, mafia intrigue, faith exploration, and the fight for female emancipation, offering a gripping narrative of one girl's ultimate sacrifice.
475 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 3, 2025
This was quite a novel, but for me not in a good way. The infighting of the different mafia groups,in particular the Ndrangheta and Cosa Nostra, for control of different territories. The novel starts off well, and looked promising but slowly my engagement dropped off, as it became drawn out. Little is said about Chiara, the focal point of the story, during the first part which takes the reader into the intricacies of corruption, religion and loyalties. An abridged version would have made an easier read. Perhaps it might be an accurate fictional account of the tussle for control but I learnt little from this book.
Regrettably I did not complete the novel , so perhaps my review is biased and unfair. Regardless my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Regrettably I did not complete the novel , so perhaps my review is biased and unfair. Regardless my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC.
July 30, 2025
Chiara: A Girl Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice
Heart-wrenching and deeply human, Chiara is a story of a girl born into chaos, yet determined to be a light in the darkness. Torn between faith, family, and violence, Chiara’s journey is one of courage, sacrifice, and hope. With raw emotion and cultural depth, this novel reminds us of the strength it takes to choose love in a world ruled by power. A moving tribute to resilience and the quiet bravery of young women everywhere.
Heart-wrenching and deeply human, Chiara is a story of a girl born into chaos, yet determined to be a light in the darkness. Torn between faith, family, and violence, Chiara’s journey is one of courage, sacrifice, and hope. With raw emotion and cultural depth, this novel reminds us of the strength it takes to choose love in a world ruled by power. A moving tribute to resilience and the quiet bravery of young women everywhere.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews