Blink My Way Back: Volume 1

by Iggy Costieri

222 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2026

Reviews

[Taneesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This historical fiction novel set in Sicily is a beautifully written tale of love, loss, and resilience. Isabel's journey uncovering her great-grandmother’s journal will captivate you, revealing a powerful intergenerational story. I fell in love with this book! Eleanora's character will resonate with you, and the story will keep you hooked. Blink my Way Back Volume 1 is an experience, transporting you to the beauty of Sicily and its culture.

[Kayla 🍓✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so happy and grateful I was sent an ARC of Iggy Costieri’s book. It is such a beautiful tale, one I didn’t want to put down. Eleonora is truly a strong individual, and reading this made me think a lot of my students. As someone who teaches immigrants, I felt like I could connect their own experiences with this. While reading this, I really wanted to share the book with them (and I think I will once the book comes out!)

[Leah | LookLeahReads]

BLINK MY WAY BACK unfolds through a third-person perspective and follows a wide cast of characters, giving it the feeling of watching a historical fiction film as different lives and moments connect across the narrative. Iggy reached out to me late last year to read her debut novel, and I’m so grateful she did.

The settings are vivid, moving seamlessly between Sicily and early 20th-century New York. I loved how the story explores themes of family, heritage, love, and resilience.

The multi-generational elements, along with the journal woven into the story, added such a compelling layer — honestly, I found myself wishing there were even more journal entries!

Without giving anything away, the ending feels like a perfect set-up for continuing the family’s story, leaving you both curious and inspired.

Because this story feels so personal and grounded in real life, I chose not to give it a star rating. I don’t typically rate biographies or memoirs because I don’t feel it’s my place to judge someone’s life story, and this book carried that same sense of authenticity and heart for me.

Thank you, Iggy Costieri, for gifting me this heartfelt debut. ❤️

[Moriah Zuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5 stars)

Blink My Way Back: Volume 1 by Iggy Costieri is a powerful historical fiction that completely pulled me out of my reading slump. I was so immersed in Eleonora Costieri’s story that I finished the book in just 24 hours.

Set against the downfall of Sicily in the early 1900s, this novel follows Eleonora as she navigates family, deceit, immigration, and the weight of a life shaped by circumstances she never chose. Her childhood especially stayed with me. I felt so deeply for her and found myself emotionally invested in every moment.

Eleonora is a character who lingers with you. Her struggles feel raw and real, and her resilience is both heartbreaking and inspiring. This story doesn’t rush its emotions; it lets them breathe, making the experience incredibly engaging and human.

One quote that really stood out to me:

“Yes, sometimes people sting us because of their own emotions, what we represent to them, or who they think we are. We can only control how we react to it.”

This book reminded me why I love reading. How a story can completely consume you and make the world fade away. A beautiful, emotional start to what I’m already excited to continue.

[Pam Grigsby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows Giovanna, Eleanora, and Leonardo (and many more) as they navigate family life while the idea of immigrating to New York for better opportunities is on the table. This story takes place over the course of 10+ years and follows Eleonora as she grows from a wee little tad to a young woman, and everything she endured on that journey. My heart really felt for Eleonora throughout the whole story. I can't say too much about her story without spoiling it but l'll just say the ending of the book gave me exactly what I needed.
Through this story, you'll learn a lot about love, loss, chosen family, the importance to recognize and honor one's heritage, and how to overcome obstacles and choose your own path when things just aren't serving you as they should. When you know you deserve better, don't settle for less.

[Serennique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this beautiful book and I’m completely in love. Set in Sicily, it follows Eleonora as she grows up, experiencing all the highs and lows of family life. The story touches on love, loss, immigration and all the moments that shape us and teach us to adapt to life’s twists and turns.
Eleonora was my favorite, so endearing and full of emotion, and Grandma Michela truly stole my heart too, reminding me of my own grandmother with her wisdom and protectiveness. The writing brings Sicily to life in a way that makes you want to be there.
This story made me smile, cry, feel a deep connection with the characters and even get frustrated at times. It was truly an emotional journey. As someone who always notices beautiful covers, I found this one simply gorgeous, and reading this book made me feel like I was part of this family’s story.
If you love heartfelt family stories with historical layers, this book will definitely be your next favorite read!

[Kaitlyn Falcon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, finished in less than 24hrs. Such a good book! Beautifully written emotions that keep you reading. What a great story of family. Highly recommend reading this historical fiction.

I want volume II right now.

[Kristy Esterly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good character development. Multiple points of view and timelines. Very interesting and deep story

[Kristin Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a quick and easy read. I can't wait for volume two!