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The Italians At Cleat's Corner Store
Set in England and Italy, a vividly observed novel of small-town life, exploring love, prejudice and identity in the wake of World War II.
It’s 1949, and the arrival of an Italian family sets tongues wagging in Leyton, an East Anglian farming community still recovering from the war. For seventeen-year-old Connie, however, the newcomers provide a tantalising glimpse of the wider world — a world beyond the gossip and petty concerns traded over the counter of Cleat’s Corner Store.
As the Onorati brothers begin to cast an unexpected influence over Leyton, Connie realises that, like them, she must grapple with her ambitions and dreams for the future. But what can any of them hope to find in the ruins of all they’ve lost?
It’s 1949, and the arrival of an Italian family sets tongues wagging in Leyton, an East Anglian farming community still recovering from the war. For seventeen-year-old Connie, however, the newcomers provide a tantalising glimpse of the wider world — a world beyond the gossip and petty concerns traded over the counter of Cleat’s Corner Store.
As the Onorati brothers begin to cast an unexpected influence over Leyton, Connie realises that, like them, she must grapple with her ambitions and dreams for the future. But what can any of them hope to find in the ruins of all they’ve lost?
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 26, 2014
8 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Jo Riccioni
3 books115 followersJo Riccioni graduated from Leeds University with a Masters in Medieval Literature. She has lived and worked around the world but finally settled in Australia where she conjures up fantasy worlds from a shed in her garden on Garigal land in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Jo’s series, The Branded Season, was inspired by a long-standing desire from uni days to see women and women’s issues at the heart of the epic fantasy canon. Jo's award-winning short fiction has been anthologised in Best Australian Stories 2010 and 2011, and her story, Can't Take the Country out of the Boy has been optioned for a short film. The Italians at Cleat's Corner Store, her first novel, was awarded the International Rubery Award for Fiction in 2015. https://www.joriccioni.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 28, 2019
‘The first time she saw them, they were mending the gate on Henry Repton’s land .’
The story opens in the village of Leyton, England in 1949. An Italian family, a father and two sons, has arrived. Mr Onorati and his sons Vittorio and Lucio are working for Mr Repton, hoping to establish new lives for themselves after World War II. Connie is a local girl, seventeen years old, working at Cleat’s Corner Store. Most of the villagers are suspicious of the Italians, and Cleat’s Corner Store is the perfect place to gossip and to air their concerns. Gossip? Surely not. Mrs Cleat, the shop-keeper, does not indulge in gossip, she provides updates.
The story alternates between Montelupini in Italy and Leyton. The sections set in Montelupini start in 1939 and, moving through until 1944, provide a view into the lives of the members of the Onorati family during the war. Lives in Montelupini are at best disrupted by the war and at worst destroyed. The sections set in Leyton progress more slowly, between 1949 and 1950. Connie, abandoned as a small child by her mother and living with her aunt and uncle, is constrained by her aunt’s and the village’s expectations. It isn’t until she meets Vittorio and Lucio Onorati that she realises that a life outside the village might be possible.
It took me a little while to get into this novel. I needed to adjust to a slower reading pace, required to establish the characters and setting. But once I did, I was swept up in the two quite separate stories. Aspects of both are heartbreaking, but it was the Montelupini story which held my attention. Vittorio and Lucio Onorati are very different from each other. Vittorio is outgoing and gregarious and has quite an impact on life in Leyton. Especially once he leaves the Reptons. Lucio is very different: quiet, artistic, an observer.
I found the ending totally satisfying.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The story opens in the village of Leyton, England in 1949. An Italian family, a father and two sons, has arrived. Mr Onorati and his sons Vittorio and Lucio are working for Mr Repton, hoping to establish new lives for themselves after World War II. Connie is a local girl, seventeen years old, working at Cleat’s Corner Store. Most of the villagers are suspicious of the Italians, and Cleat’s Corner Store is the perfect place to gossip and to air their concerns. Gossip? Surely not. Mrs Cleat, the shop-keeper, does not indulge in gossip, she provides updates.
The story alternates between Montelupini in Italy and Leyton. The sections set in Montelupini start in 1939 and, moving through until 1944, provide a view into the lives of the members of the Onorati family during the war. Lives in Montelupini are at best disrupted by the war and at worst destroyed. The sections set in Leyton progress more slowly, between 1949 and 1950. Connie, abandoned as a small child by her mother and living with her aunt and uncle, is constrained by her aunt’s and the village’s expectations. It isn’t until she meets Vittorio and Lucio Onorati that she realises that a life outside the village might be possible.
It took me a little while to get into this novel. I needed to adjust to a slower reading pace, required to establish the characters and setting. But once I did, I was swept up in the two quite separate stories. Aspects of both are heartbreaking, but it was the Montelupini story which held my attention. Vittorio and Lucio Onorati are very different from each other. Vittorio is outgoing and gregarious and has quite an impact on life in Leyton. Especially once he leaves the Reptons. Lucio is very different: quiet, artistic, an observer.
I found the ending totally satisfying.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
August 30, 2025
Villages have community at the core and are subject to kindness, gossip and opinions.
The similarities between villages in two completely different countries is striking as each deal with adversity and adaptation.
Post World War Two in the village of Leyton an Italian family have arrived.
War wounds and hardships are still fresh and their arrival has tongues wagging.
The corner store, a central place for gossip and a place seventeen year old Connie works.
Meeting Lucio and Vittorio opens Connie’s eyes and shows her the world is ready to explore.
The Italian village of Montelupini in 1939 is about to experience the horrors of a war that will test the civilians in many ways.
Lucio is an observer with a big heart.
His adoption of the puppy and the friendship he built with a German soldier show a soft and loving side.
A snapshot in time beautifully captured as people adjust to life under trying and changed circumstances.
Historical fiction adding colour to humanity and bringing the past alive again.
The similarities between villages in two completely different countries is striking as each deal with adversity and adaptation.
Post World War Two in the village of Leyton an Italian family have arrived.
War wounds and hardships are still fresh and their arrival has tongues wagging.
The corner store, a central place for gossip and a place seventeen year old Connie works.
Meeting Lucio and Vittorio opens Connie’s eyes and shows her the world is ready to explore.
The Italian village of Montelupini in 1939 is about to experience the horrors of a war that will test the civilians in many ways.
Lucio is an observer with a big heart.
His adoption of the puppy and the friendship he built with a German soldier show a soft and loving side.
A snapshot in time beautifully captured as people adjust to life under trying and changed circumstances.
Historical fiction adding colour to humanity and bringing the past alive again.
August 12, 2015
A rich exploration of the human condition set in small towns in the wake of World War II. Riccioni demonstrates a true understanding of human feeling and what it leads us to do, in her descriptions of connection, the crispness of hope on a new morning, the fresh spirit of gossip and the different faces of love. Visceral reminders of the war, left in prejudice, in hunger, in memory wind their way through The Italians at Cleat's Corner Store, as do the vivid strains of new love and the dawn of a new time - where the young seek out lives away from the familiar, the old reflecting of the missed opportunities of youth.
There's a lovely focus on fighting for something, for choosing a side, for making a stand; in a time where war and the aftereffects of war - the residual hatred and bitterness and pain- pit neighbour against neighbour, German against Italian. For Connie and Lucio, there are those parallels that reach across the continent, which manifest themselves in very different ways. Connie's passive way of living and all the missed opportunities of something beyond Leyton; Lucio's introversion and his talent for art, forced from his life as his family struggles under Italy's obligations to the war and the fall of Fascism.
Riccioni eases readers in and out of Montelupini, Italy and Leyton, England and across time, from the late 1930s to the later 1950s, bringing Connie and Lucio to life with greater understanding of their character each time - we learn about the ghosts of their past, their yearnings for the future, the fierce feeling of now. I felt like Riccioni really tried to explore the context of choices and why people, limited by society, made the kind fo choices they did - whether it was Vittorio leaving, Aldo's sense of honour, Mrs Repton's marriage. Overall, a really engaging and emotional read, with enough of that light spirit of fun and romance to keep it from being too heavy. If I was to find fault with anything here, it would be the title - it just feels too cute for a novel that explores so much, going far beyond Cleat's Corner Store and the confines of one town. 4.5 stars.
There's a lovely focus on fighting for something, for choosing a side, for making a stand; in a time where war and the aftereffects of war - the residual hatred and bitterness and pain- pit neighbour against neighbour, German against Italian. For Connie and Lucio, there are those parallels that reach across the continent, which manifest themselves in very different ways. Connie's passive way of living and all the missed opportunities of something beyond Leyton; Lucio's introversion and his talent for art, forced from his life as his family struggles under Italy's obligations to the war and the fall of Fascism.
Riccioni eases readers in and out of Montelupini, Italy and Leyton, England and across time, from the late 1930s to the later 1950s, bringing Connie and Lucio to life with greater understanding of their character each time - we learn about the ghosts of their past, their yearnings for the future, the fierce feeling of now. I felt like Riccioni really tried to explore the context of choices and why people, limited by society, made the kind fo choices they did - whether it was Vittorio leaving, Aldo's sense of honour, Mrs Repton's marriage. Overall, a really engaging and emotional read, with enough of that light spirit of fun and romance to keep it from being too heavy. If I was to find fault with anything here, it would be the title - it just feels too cute for a novel that explores so much, going far beyond Cleat's Corner Store and the confines of one town. 4.5 stars.
May 18, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey through this book.
The author's interpretation of the varied characters in this story delivered
a sense of familiarity while their depths and complexities were developed
cleverly throughout, pulling the reader onwards to know them better - share
their emotions, frustrations and human frailty.
Mental images of the locations and times central to this story were made
easy by the descriptive expertise of this author.
Thought provoking - has anything really changed - people displaced by war
trying to make a home in a new country where their talents and skills are
mostly ignored, accepting "unfair" treatment because they have no other
option.
And who can say no to a smidge of romance?
I highly recommend The Italians at Cleats Corner Store, & look forward to reading more from this author.
The author's interpretation of the varied characters in this story delivered
a sense of familiarity while their depths and complexities were developed
cleverly throughout, pulling the reader onwards to know them better - share
their emotions, frustrations and human frailty.
Mental images of the locations and times central to this story were made
easy by the descriptive expertise of this author.
Thought provoking - has anything really changed - people displaced by war
trying to make a home in a new country where their talents and skills are
mostly ignored, accepting "unfair" treatment because they have no other
option.
And who can say no to a smidge of romance?
I highly recommend The Italians at Cleats Corner Store, & look forward to reading more from this author.
April 27, 2014
Loved this book. I am now looking forward to the BBC drama which must follow!
'The Italians' is a beautifully written story set in England and Italy around the second world war. A coming of age story which gives insight to life as it was in both countries, and the changes in attitudes brought about by the effects of war. Enjoy!
'The Italians' is a beautifully written story set in England and Italy around the second world war. A coming of age story which gives insight to life as it was in both countries, and the changes in attitudes brought about by the effects of war. Enjoy!
January 7, 2019
I'm usually a sucker for small-town books, particularly those with a bright protagonist wondering of what life would be like beyond. Accordingly, I have to admit, I expected this book to delve deeper into the politics of such small and isolated communities. In this light, the brief glimpse of Leyton's gossip culture, their caution towards the Onorati family, and Connie's tiredness with it is foreseeable. Yet, I wanted something more; some kind of analysis, or at the very least a stronger commentary on characters' nosiness, conservatism and xenophobia. Ultimately, to me the book seems to passively accepts these cultures as inevitable and unchangeable, and does little to challenge them or the problems they perpetuate.
That's not to say this isn't a rich novel. It's clear from the start that Riccioni has been meticulous in her research, and I enjoyed (and learned a lot from) its strong historical basis. The flashback story line to Lucio's childhood in the time of Mussolini is interesting and informative. Though at first it seems a little out of place, it develops into the most riveting part of the novel.
Despite my own mixed feelings, I'm sure many people (perhaps with different priorities) will enjoy this book. Riccioni's prose is wonderfully vivid. If it's your kind of thing, Connie's personal journey seems very real, and it is satisfying to witness her growth. While I struggled to find a personal connection with any of the characters, I doubt this is a widespread issue. Despite my own issues, it is certainly a solid and well-written read.
That's not to say this isn't a rich novel. It's clear from the start that Riccioni has been meticulous in her research, and I enjoyed (and learned a lot from) its strong historical basis. The flashback story line to Lucio's childhood in the time of Mussolini is interesting and informative. Though at first it seems a little out of place, it develops into the most riveting part of the novel.
Despite my own mixed feelings, I'm sure many people (perhaps with different priorities) will enjoy this book. Riccioni's prose is wonderfully vivid. If it's your kind of thing, Connie's personal journey seems very real, and it is satisfying to witness her growth. While I struggled to find a personal connection with any of the characters, I doubt this is a widespread issue. Despite my own issues, it is certainly a solid and well-written read.
January 26, 2015
I won a copy of this in a Firstreads giveaway. This review may contain spoilers. It took me about 5 hours and 15 minutes to read over a period of a few weeks.
The Italians At Cleat's Corner Store by Jo Riccioni is a historical fiction about a family of Italians who move to a village in England. Connie, the main character, is a young girl who is under the employee of Mrs Cleat, owner of the Corner Store. She takes an interest in these newcomers, becomming the aquaintence of the two sons, Vittorio and Lucio Onorati. Meanwhile, in flashbacks to their home town, we're informed of the Onorati family's history and (eventually) how they came to be in the village of Leyton.
The book is basically what one would call a "coming of age" story. It goes into the details of Vittorio and Lucio Onorati growing up in Italy as well as Connie growing up in England. I felt that Lucio's storyline was more interesting in the sense that it has much more of an emotional impact. There are a lot of fears and worries he has, not to mention the choices he has to make to help his family survive during this time. Overall, it's a pretty interesting book. I liked finding out about the history of both England and Italy during and after the war. The author has clearly put in a lot of effort in research and has laid out the story well. The characters are interesting, though I wish some were explained in more detail, as well as the relationships between them. My favourite characters would have to be Letia Onorati and Mrs Repton. I kind of wanted to know more about them both. I felt that it was kind of hard to read. That's just my opinion, though. The text was kind of dense; the author's explanations very long and dragged on in many areas. I didn't particularly like the ending, but there were some very memorable moments during the story and overall, I did enjoy it.
I was disappointed with the ending for a number of reasons. Firstly, I didn't think Agnes and Vittorio belonged together at all, despite Connie believing so. It just felt weird because Connie was going to break up with him and then she comes to his home, finding him and Agnes together. It felt like the author was just trying to make Vittorio look like the bad person. I was kind of disappointed at that choice and didn't really think it was a particularly interesting end to that plot line.
I just felt that it just didn't really feel completed, either. There was a lot going on in the novel and some just didn't really feel concluded. Like Connie's mother's disappearance, for example. It was mentioned a number of times and that particular plot line felt useless. To me, it didn't really create much interest. It just seemed like it was just another storyline to confuse the overall novel. If that weren't included, I think it would have been a big improvement. During the scenes about the Aunt and uncle, I didn't really feel it necessary that they were her aunt and uncle. The characters could legitimately be her mother and father and the story wouldn't change much in that respect. I think it was sweet how Mrs Cleat took Connie in. Up until that point, I'd been considering that the Cleat’s Corner Store didn't really fit much into it, despite it being part of the title and Connie working there. It just seemed like such a minor portion of the story, the Corner Store. I felt like the store could have been a more important part of the story and would have enjoyed learning more about the history around Mrs Cleat and her shop. It just seemed like an unfinished portion. Another unfinished portion that comes to mind is Letia Onorati's (suggested) affair with Otto, the German Translator. Their relationship wasn't properly introduced and it came as kind of a surprise when she turned out to be pregnant, assumingly with his child. I wish the author had gone into more detail about it. Not in an innappropriate manner, but in a way that would introduce us to the pair courting and becoming lovers without it being a surprise when she turns out to be pregnant.
In the beginning, when it switched over to the portions in Italy, it wasn't completely obvious to me that the young boys were the same as the ones mentioned in prior to that. Going on with that point, I know the characters in these portions are Italians in Italy, but there were a lot of Italian words (references and other such things) thrown in that I don't understand and weren't completely obvious, either. Overall, I think the plot of the boys growing up in their Italian home town was interesting, but kind of miserable in some areas. In fact, the ending of the novel was kind of depressing as well. I know that I was meant to feel happy that Connie had made some huge life choices for herself, but the overall writing just kind of made it seem like she was miserable with her new life. Other choices were sad as well, like her choice to spread her Uncle's ashes. I just felt that was more than rude of her to do without her Aunt's permission. Her Aunt had specific ideas for the ashes and Connie's solution for her grieving shouldn't make others miserable. It wasn't her choice and I'm disappointed in Connie for it. Actually, the character of Connie was kind of bland, especially in comparison to the others within the book. I know that, at this point, she had not travelled or lived life much, but that doesn't mean that she has to be a dull person. The minor feud between Connie and Agnes was kind of useless, being that the only point it concluded in was to have Agnes end up with Vittorio at the end. It just seemed like the author was having a feud just for Connie to have some sort of enemy, and Connie disliking Agnes had no real point for the story.
It was a pretty reasonable book and I'm trying to decide what to rate it. I think it deserves four stars because I did enjoy it and there were a lot of memorable moments.
The Italians At Cleat's Corner Store by Jo Riccioni is a historical fiction about a family of Italians who move to a village in England. Connie, the main character, is a young girl who is under the employee of Mrs Cleat, owner of the Corner Store. She takes an interest in these newcomers, becomming the aquaintence of the two sons, Vittorio and Lucio Onorati. Meanwhile, in flashbacks to their home town, we're informed of the Onorati family's history and (eventually) how they came to be in the village of Leyton.
The book is basically what one would call a "coming of age" story. It goes into the details of Vittorio and Lucio Onorati growing up in Italy as well as Connie growing up in England. I felt that Lucio's storyline was more interesting in the sense that it has much more of an emotional impact. There are a lot of fears and worries he has, not to mention the choices he has to make to help his family survive during this time. Overall, it's a pretty interesting book. I liked finding out about the history of both England and Italy during and after the war. The author has clearly put in a lot of effort in research and has laid out the story well. The characters are interesting, though I wish some were explained in more detail, as well as the relationships between them. My favourite characters would have to be Letia Onorati and Mrs Repton. I kind of wanted to know more about them both. I felt that it was kind of hard to read. That's just my opinion, though. The text was kind of dense; the author's explanations very long and dragged on in many areas. I didn't particularly like the ending, but there were some very memorable moments during the story and overall, I did enjoy it.
I was disappointed with the ending for a number of reasons. Firstly, I didn't think Agnes and Vittorio belonged together at all, despite Connie believing so. It just felt weird because Connie was going to break up with him and then she comes to his home, finding him and Agnes together. It felt like the author was just trying to make Vittorio look like the bad person. I was kind of disappointed at that choice and didn't really think it was a particularly interesting end to that plot line.
I just felt that it just didn't really feel completed, either. There was a lot going on in the novel and some just didn't really feel concluded. Like Connie's mother's disappearance, for example. It was mentioned a number of times and that particular plot line felt useless. To me, it didn't really create much interest. It just seemed like it was just another storyline to confuse the overall novel. If that weren't included, I think it would have been a big improvement. During the scenes about the Aunt and uncle, I didn't really feel it necessary that they were her aunt and uncle. The characters could legitimately be her mother and father and the story wouldn't change much in that respect. I think it was sweet how Mrs Cleat took Connie in. Up until that point, I'd been considering that the Cleat’s Corner Store didn't really fit much into it, despite it being part of the title and Connie working there. It just seemed like such a minor portion of the story, the Corner Store. I felt like the store could have been a more important part of the story and would have enjoyed learning more about the history around Mrs Cleat and her shop. It just seemed like an unfinished portion. Another unfinished portion that comes to mind is Letia Onorati's (suggested) affair with Otto, the German Translator. Their relationship wasn't properly introduced and it came as kind of a surprise when she turned out to be pregnant, assumingly with his child. I wish the author had gone into more detail about it. Not in an innappropriate manner, but in a way that would introduce us to the pair courting and becoming lovers without it being a surprise when she turns out to be pregnant.
In the beginning, when it switched over to the portions in Italy, it wasn't completely obvious to me that the young boys were the same as the ones mentioned in prior to that. Going on with that point, I know the characters in these portions are Italians in Italy, but there were a lot of Italian words (references and other such things) thrown in that I don't understand and weren't completely obvious, either. Overall, I think the plot of the boys growing up in their Italian home town was interesting, but kind of miserable in some areas. In fact, the ending of the novel was kind of depressing as well. I know that I was meant to feel happy that Connie had made some huge life choices for herself, but the overall writing just kind of made it seem like she was miserable with her new life. Other choices were sad as well, like her choice to spread her Uncle's ashes. I just felt that was more than rude of her to do without her Aunt's permission. Her Aunt had specific ideas for the ashes and Connie's solution for her grieving shouldn't make others miserable. It wasn't her choice and I'm disappointed in Connie for it. Actually, the character of Connie was kind of bland, especially in comparison to the others within the book. I know that, at this point, she had not travelled or lived life much, but that doesn't mean that she has to be a dull person. The minor feud between Connie and Agnes was kind of useless, being that the only point it concluded in was to have Agnes end up with Vittorio at the end. It just seemed like the author was having a feud just for Connie to have some sort of enemy, and Connie disliking Agnes had no real point for the story.
It was a pretty reasonable book and I'm trying to decide what to rate it. I think it deserves four stars because I did enjoy it and there were a lot of memorable moments.
April 4, 2023
I loved this sometimes tragic, beautifully written story set in two small villages - one in Italy during WW2, the other in post-war England. Any tears are rewarded with the ending :)
Some of my favourite lines:
'The news of the theft of St Lucia's crown whistled through the village like the winter winds that blasted up Via del Soccorso. It swept all manner of debris with it - ancient superstitions, old vendettas, wild speculation - and collected, as all news did, in fierce eddies of exchange in the osteria, where it was honed into its most potent form.'
and '... the brief time she spent alone, exerting the addictive pleasure of her own will'
Some of my favourite lines:
'The news of the theft of St Lucia's crown whistled through the village like the winter winds that blasted up Via del Soccorso. It swept all manner of debris with it - ancient superstitions, old vendettas, wild speculation - and collected, as all news did, in fierce eddies of exchange in the osteria, where it was honed into its most potent form.'
and '... the brief time she spent alone, exerting the addictive pleasure of her own will'
October 30, 2022
A beautifully written and delightful story. The details of the world from the key character of the story is delightful and so well detailed with such obvious delight in the world. With a few very intense characters, some very funny, and several very warm and caring people in her life, it was to be hoped that all would end up OK.
Please read this book to enjoy the journey, which like life is not always straight forward.
Highly recommended.
Please read this book to enjoy the journey, which like life is not always straight forward.
Highly recommended.
April 16, 2018
It took a while to get into the story but once I passed the first 100 pages it just got better and better. It was really worth persisting and I just loved the unpredictability of the ending. This was such a lovely story....thoroughly enjoyed it
June 4, 2024
Initially I was concerned that this was going to be just an everyday story of country folk; their gossip and their petty rivalries. It does however devlop into a much more intuitive study of the fear of change and acceptance of challenges and the unpleasantness if racial hatred.
May 17, 2019
A great read dedicated to Italian migrant's in the Uk. Slightly romanticised but great fun just the same. Perfect for light summer reading.
October 27, 2019
Much better than the blurb suggests. Started off reminding me of a ‘Cold Comfort Farm’esque read. Really interesting looking at the lives of Italians in small villages during the Second World War
June 23, 2024
Even tho this was about the war and fascist italy it was a surprisingly light and easy read, even the heavy bits - i feel like this is a proper summer book in spirit even if not in content lol
August 2, 2018
See my review at http://annejenner.net/the-italians-at...
August 6, 2014
Firstly, I must thank the author, Jo Riccioni and Scribe Publications for granting me a copy of this novel through Goodreads give-always.
I entered this novel in particular because of my family history. My ancestors were among the first Italian migrants to Australia. Although the subject of this novel relates to part of a family migrating to England in the late 40s, it tells a universal experience for these people.
I had a little difficulty in the beginning of this novel trying to get the family relations in order i.e. the first couple of chapters set in Montelupini. The chapters alternate between England (10yrs later) and Italy (10yrs before) to weld together in the end. I don't think I have ever read a novel that so encompasses the culture as I have envisaged it, of the time in which it is set. The stories of hardship in a time of war and the resilience of the people is remarkable.
This is a heartwarming story about the choices we make, when we are not overshadowed by authority or ungenerous interference. There is a comparison to be made in this novel between Lucio's experience of being trapped (mostly from responsibilities, love and a sense of duty to his family) in Italy, and Connie's experience of being trapped in a village in England with gossipy and opinionated close acquaintances who restrict Connie's desire to "fly" and experience life and the rest of the world.
The descriptions of Italian country life and English country life were beautifully written and brought these landscapes and people alive for me; as if I was there.
I must also comment about the relationships, which were tenderly and convincingly developed.
I entered this novel in particular because of my family history. My ancestors were among the first Italian migrants to Australia. Although the subject of this novel relates to part of a family migrating to England in the late 40s, it tells a universal experience for these people.
I had a little difficulty in the beginning of this novel trying to get the family relations in order i.e. the first couple of chapters set in Montelupini. The chapters alternate between England (10yrs later) and Italy (10yrs before) to weld together in the end. I don't think I have ever read a novel that so encompasses the culture as I have envisaged it, of the time in which it is set. The stories of hardship in a time of war and the resilience of the people is remarkable.
This is a heartwarming story about the choices we make, when we are not overshadowed by authority or ungenerous interference. There is a comparison to be made in this novel between Lucio's experience of being trapped (mostly from responsibilities, love and a sense of duty to his family) in Italy, and Connie's experience of being trapped in a village in England with gossipy and opinionated close acquaintances who restrict Connie's desire to "fly" and experience life and the rest of the world.
The descriptions of Italian country life and English country life were beautifully written and brought these landscapes and people alive for me; as if I was there.
I must also comment about the relationships, which were tenderly and convincingly developed.
February 14, 2016
I completely underestimated this book. I never anticipated such an emotional journey. Connie was the perfect lead character; she was interesting, open minded and she was just so adorably curious about the Onorati brothers it made me heart fill with cuteness, especially because everyone else were so prejudice to begin with. All of those happy, fluffy feels were short lived when I began to venture further into the flashback chapters of Vittorio and Lucio's past. There are gritty descriptions of hunting; animal guts, slaughtered rabbits, etc. which immediately creates an unsettling tone, but helps you better understand the bitterness and brutality experienced by small towns during war and prepares you for intense moments later on. These Italian chapters are so full of fear, worry and sadness, yet we see the contrast of hope through Connie's eyes as the brothers settle into English life and grow into courageous young men. I don't want to say much more except I enjoyed this journey so much. I appreciated everything; despite all the heartbreaking moments.
July 18, 2014
I enjoyed this book. It alternates between England after WWII and Italy during the war, tying the characters together.
At first I really enjoyed the English part of the story the most but towards the end as the two parts melded closer together I enjoyed them equally.
The way Riccioni drew parallels through the two lead characters fear to push past the boundaries placed around them as well as her exploration of the choices we make and how they are often impacted by the perception of those we surround ourselves with, no matter the country, was poignant.
The harsh realities the characters need to confront are moving. This is a real coming of age story that leaves you with a bit of a hollow feeling; hoping you have the bravery to make the best, albeit hard, decisions when the time comes and leaves you wondering how you'll justify it in the times when you just can't muster it.
At first I really enjoyed the English part of the story the most but towards the end as the two parts melded closer together I enjoyed them equally.
The way Riccioni drew parallels through the two lead characters fear to push past the boundaries placed around them as well as her exploration of the choices we make and how they are often impacted by the perception of those we surround ourselves with, no matter the country, was poignant.
The harsh realities the characters need to confront are moving. This is a real coming of age story that leaves you with a bit of a hollow feeling; hoping you have the bravery to make the best, albeit hard, decisions when the time comes and leaves you wondering how you'll justify it in the times when you just can't muster it.
March 24, 2016
Well written, a strong lead character and an insight into life in an Italian village during WWII. Very thoughtfully written and as the characters reveal themselves I liked them more and more.
The story alternates between life in a rural English village in the late 1940s and the Italian village during the war. The focus is on the lives of Onorati family in Italy and later in England where the father and two sons come to start new lives. Connie lives in the village and wants to make something of her life.
The book explores the smugness of racialism, the gradual acceptance of the good in people, the bravery of breaking out and doing different things and the sadness that comes with war.
The story alternates between life in a rural English village in the late 1940s and the Italian village during the war. The focus is on the lives of Onorati family in Italy and later in England where the father and two sons come to start new lives. Connie lives in the village and wants to make something of her life.
The book explores the smugness of racialism, the gradual acceptance of the good in people, the bravery of breaking out and doing different things and the sadness that comes with war.
July 27, 2015
A wholly absorbing novel which shifts deftly between Second World War Italy and the small English town of Leyton in the nineteen fifties. The experience of the Italian brothers, whose village life is disrupted by world events, is juxtaposed with an account of their new beginning in England, and their relationship with Connie, a young woman whose own life is stifled by the conservatism and prejudice of her fellow townsfolk. The interplay between these two worlds is presented with immaculate timing, delivering an utterly persuasive tale that is rich in both emotional substance and period detail.
Rubery Book Award
Rubery Book Award
August 23, 2014
I received a free copy of this as a Goodreads giveaway.
The story alternates between Italy during the war and England in the years after. I enjoyed the Italian sections more - war is a good backdrop for an author and allows them to make their characters suffer more extreme events.
If you want a holiday read with a good story that sucks you in, that's well written and with interesting characters, but isn't too demanding, you could do a lot worse than pick this up.
The story alternates between Italy during the war and England in the years after. I enjoyed the Italian sections more - war is a good backdrop for an author and allows them to make their characters suffer more extreme events.
If you want a holiday read with a good story that sucks you in, that's well written and with interesting characters, but isn't too demanding, you could do a lot worse than pick this up.
December 29, 2016
I struggled with this book a lot. It just wasn’t that interesting to me. However, it was really well written. Although it moved between countries (Italy and England) and characters, it was easy to follow and I didn’t get confused. Although the story line seemed interesting at first, it got boring for me pretty quickly. It took me over 2 months to read this book, and I wouldn’t read it again.
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https://bookgeekmel.wordpress.com/
May 31, 2014
I found this book a little slow and confusing to start with, but by the end, I really wanted to find out what happened to the characters. I loved the time shifts used by the author to reveal the Italians' story that in turn helped us understand these characters and gave us insight into their actions.
April 28, 2014
Really enjoyed this novel - it's one of those books that I couldn't put down though I didn't want it to end. The stories unwind cleverly, the dialogue is great and it gave me a different perspective on the effects of WW2 in England and Italy. Definitely recommend this book for a good read.
August 5, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It is just beautifully written. I did struggle a little at the beginning to get into it but by the time I was half way through I never wanted it to end. I would definitely recommend it and I hope there will be more to come from the very talented Jo Riccioni.
February 6, 2015
I read this book on holiday and its good holiday reading. I learnt a bit about what happened to ordinary Italians in the 2nd world war, and enjoyed the story. Its set in both England and Italy and skips from one to the other. Its a bit cheesy at the end but whats wrong with that!
March 29, 2015
Realistic portrayal of Italian and English village life post WW11. Only quibble - the intermittent use of nicknames for the brothers - took a long time to work out Primo (i.e. first)was the nickname of the younger brother
April 15, 2016
Was i missing something - i really enjoyed the first 40 pages then it slid down hill. ...found it boring and could not get into the characters. Interesting writing if you are into deep complexities but not my cup of tea.
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August 13, 2016Beautifully written, romantic tale that slowly drew me in and had me weeping in the end. Jo Riccioni has a wonderful ear for dialogue and a deep insight into the human condition. Can't wait to see what follows.
May 11, 2014
A beautifully written story crossing two cultures. Look forward to more from Jo Riccioni
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