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Bellafortuna #1
A Song for Bellafortuna
SHORT LIST FINALIST IN THE WILLIAM FAULKNER-WILLIAM WISDOM WRITING COMPETITION
WINNER OF THE B.R.A.G. AWARD IN HISTORICAL FICTION
A Song for Bellafortuna is an inspirational Italian Historical Fiction novel concerning a young man’s desire to free his Sicilian village from the domination of one family’s long reign. For years, the beautiful, yet secluded, hilltop village of Bellafortuna, Sicily, was a great producer of wine and olive oil. The entire village prospered. However, after the arrival of the Vasaio family, production dwindles and the villagers soon find themselves in crushing debt to the Vasaios. Only one family in the village remains outside the control of the Vasaios, but the reason haunts Antonio Sanguinetti every day of his life. Antonio is determined to erase this legacy by offering financial and emotional support to his fellow villagers. He introduces them to the choral song from Verdi’s opera, Nabucco, which becomes the rallying cry for the villagers and offers them hope for a better life.
When Antonio’s only son, Giuseppe, discovers his family’s past, he becomes determined to take on the Vasaios and remove them from power. Led by the young Giuseppe, a plan is hatched that could result in either complete freedom for the villagers, or if it fails, forever solidifying the Vasaios’ control.
Find out what happens in A Song for Bellafortuna, a sweeping epic historical fiction tale of love, drama, sacrifice, and redemption, set among the beautiful landscape of Sicily. Already listed by Amazon as a Top New Release in Historical Fiction and Italian Historical Fiction.
WINNER OF THE B.R.A.G. AWARD IN HISTORICAL FICTION
A Song for Bellafortuna is an inspirational Italian Historical Fiction novel concerning a young man’s desire to free his Sicilian village from the domination of one family’s long reign. For years, the beautiful, yet secluded, hilltop village of Bellafortuna, Sicily, was a great producer of wine and olive oil. The entire village prospered. However, after the arrival of the Vasaio family, production dwindles and the villagers soon find themselves in crushing debt to the Vasaios. Only one family in the village remains outside the control of the Vasaios, but the reason haunts Antonio Sanguinetti every day of his life. Antonio is determined to erase this legacy by offering financial and emotional support to his fellow villagers. He introduces them to the choral song from Verdi’s opera, Nabucco, which becomes the rallying cry for the villagers and offers them hope for a better life.
When Antonio’s only son, Giuseppe, discovers his family’s past, he becomes determined to take on the Vasaios and remove them from power. Led by the young Giuseppe, a plan is hatched that could result in either complete freedom for the villagers, or if it fails, forever solidifying the Vasaios’ control.
Find out what happens in A Song for Bellafortuna, a sweeping epic historical fiction tale of love, drama, sacrifice, and redemption, set among the beautiful landscape of Sicily. Already listed by Amazon as a Top New Release in Historical Fiction and Italian Historical Fiction.
284 pages, Paperback
First published September 24, 2013
1098 people are currently reading
2788 people want to read
About the author
Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco
5 books143 followersChip LoCoco's love of music, stories and of his Sicilian-American heritage shines in all of his novels. His novels have been ranked on Amazon as Bestsellers and Top Rated novels.
His first novel was Tempesta's Dream - A Story of Love, Friendship and Opera. Tempesta's Dream was awarded the Pinnacle Award in Historical Fiction.
Chip's next novel, A Song for Bellafortuna, forms Book 1 of his much beloved Bellafortuna Series. That novel won the B.R.A.G Medallion Award in Historical Fiction and was named a short-list finalist in the prestigious William Faulkner Writing Competition.
Book 2 of the Bellafortuna series is Saving the Music. It too has been listed as a Top Rated novel on Amazon and as a Bestseller in Italian Historical Fiction. It was selected as the Winner of the 2022 American Fiction Award in Historical Fiction. It was also named as a Finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards in the Historical Fiction Category and Best Fiction Cover Design.
Sicilian Melody is Book 3 in the series, It is a story that concerns the reemergence of the Mafia after WWII. The novel has been named an Amazon Hot New Release.
His latest release is The Devil's Jazz: The Haunted Chrocnicles of the Axman of New Orleans. A thriller of a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Chip is an estate planning attorney in New Orleans, where he lives with his wife and two children. Chip is a member of the Italian American Writers Association. Chip has given extensive talks to book clubs, organizations, and has appeared on The Catholic Channel on Sirius Radio.
For more information, visit him at www.vincentlococo.com.
His first novel was Tempesta's Dream - A Story of Love, Friendship and Opera. Tempesta's Dream was awarded the Pinnacle Award in Historical Fiction.
Chip's next novel, A Song for Bellafortuna, forms Book 1 of his much beloved Bellafortuna Series. That novel won the B.R.A.G Medallion Award in Historical Fiction and was named a short-list finalist in the prestigious William Faulkner Writing Competition.
Book 2 of the Bellafortuna series is Saving the Music. It too has been listed as a Top Rated novel on Amazon and as a Bestseller in Italian Historical Fiction. It was selected as the Winner of the 2022 American Fiction Award in Historical Fiction. It was also named as a Finalist in the 2022 International Book Awards in the Historical Fiction Category and Best Fiction Cover Design.
Sicilian Melody is Book 3 in the series, It is a story that concerns the reemergence of the Mafia after WWII. The novel has been named an Amazon Hot New Release.
His latest release is The Devil's Jazz: The Haunted Chrocnicles of the Axman of New Orleans. A thriller of a novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Chip is an estate planning attorney in New Orleans, where he lives with his wife and two children. Chip is a member of the Italian American Writers Association. Chip has given extensive talks to book clubs, organizations, and has appeared on The Catholic Channel on Sirius Radio.
For more information, visit him at www.vincentlococo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
February 8, 2020
“Never be afraid to stand up to the powerful. The alternative is fear and degradation.”
― Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco, A Song for Bellafortuna
I can see Italy from my window.
You really can. He writes with a lyrical sweeping aspect that just brings Italy to life in front of you.
It is a haunting, epic tale of love, family, redemption and survival and it is stunning in it's beauty.
I loved seeing the Italian villages brought to life. I could see them so clearly.
My family..most of them..have been to Italy. I have not and it remains one dream that has not yet been completed. This book brings Italy to me and kudos to the writer for having the talent to create such beauty.
― Vincent B. "Chip" LoCoco, A Song for Bellafortuna
I can see Italy from my window.
You really can. He writes with a lyrical sweeping aspect that just brings Italy to life in front of you.
It is a haunting, epic tale of love, family, redemption and survival and it is stunning in it's beauty.
I loved seeing the Italian villages brought to life. I could see them so clearly.
My family..most of them..have been to Italy. I have not and it remains one dream that has not yet been completed. This book brings Italy to me and kudos to the writer for having the talent to create such beauty.
December 9, 2017
What a beautiful novel. I loved it! Please if you love Italy, friendship, opera and a big problem do read this historical novel.
You close into your hearts Guiseppe and Biaggio. You see the beautiful hills, with on one of it sites Bellafoutuna a village with villagers who whant to be free. I can not put into words how mutch this novel moved me. I did cry, laught and cried again.
You close into your hearts Guiseppe and Biaggio. You see the beautiful hills, with on one of it sites Bellafoutuna a village with villagers who whant to be free. I can not put into words how mutch this novel moved me. I did cry, laught and cried again.
August 26, 2015
“Indifference and neglect often do much more damage than outright dislike.”
----J.K. Rowling
Chip LoCoco, an American author, pens his latest book, A Song for Bellafortuna which is about a small village set in the picturesque backdrop of Sicily where the people of that village are under the domination of a very powerful family who makes sure that if any villager is unable to pay the debts during the poor harvest period, then they must leave the village permanently. Amidst of these poor villagers, there is one family who fate couldn't be dictated by this powerful, dominating family, who is trying hard to erase the pain of the fellow villagers by going beyond their league.
Synopsis:
A Song for Bellafortuna is an inspirational Italian Historical Fiction novel concerning a young man’s desire to free his Sicilian village from the domination of one family’s long reign. For years, the beautiful, yet secluded, hilltop village of Bellafortuna, Sicily, was a great producer of wine and olive oil. The entire village prospered. However, after the arrival of the Vasaio family, production dwindles and the villagers soon find themselves in crushing debt to the Vasaios. Only one family in the village remains outside the control of the Vasaios, but the reason haunts Antonio Sanguinetti every day of his life. Antonio is determined to erase this legacy by offering financial and emotional support to his fellow villagers. He introduces them to the choral song from Verdi’s opera, Nabucco, which becomes the rallying cry for the villagers and offers them hope for a better life.
When Antonio’s only son, Giuseppe, discovers his family’s past, he becomes determined to take on the Vasaios and remove them from power. Led by the young Giuseppe, a plan is hatched that could result in either complete freedom for the villagers, or if it fails, forever solidifying the Vasaios’ control.
Antonio Sanguinetti and his son, Giuseppe, is determined to overthrow the rule of the Vasaio family, who when settled in Bellafortuna, provided the villagers with loans for those with poor harvest, and from that time, the villagers who took a loan from this family are trying hard to repay their debts, failure to do which might lead that dominating family to uproot the whole heritage of a particular family by kicking them out of the village, hence the villagers knew that their fate has been sealed in the hands of the Vasaio family, and can never utter a word against them. The Sanguinettis are the lucky ones who never took a loan from the family thus making it their mission to erase the legacy of the Vasaio family. So when Giuseppe grows up, develops a terrific plan to challenge the existence of this family from the village anymore. But little did he knew his family history is not so glistening and shinning like their current fate, and when he learns the truth, it becomes difficult for him to carry on the challenge instead he burdens himself with the guilt. Can he save the villagers from the Vasaios' domination?
Firstly, I must say, this is an addictive read and the author constantly keeps his readers on the edge with happening events and not to mention with a backdrop of Sicily, the provided a little taste of Italy with his story. Unfortunately the timeline did not sound that relevant in the story, since there is nothing that remarkable except the opera singers, to mark the timeline that the author tried to capture in his story.
The writing style is fantastic, very elegant and with exquisite details of the village life and the farming is vividly portrayed, thus leaving the readers with a desire to visit this beautiful land and experience it with their own eyes. Although the author have marvelously captured the charming countryside of Sicily surrounded by the pristine blue sea. The graphic and intricate descriptions of the village as well as it's culture, harvest, the songs, the opera, the religion, the customs, the local dialect to the every tiny details of the streets and the podiums are arrested magnificently into this story thus offering a clear view of this village Bellafortuna through the author's eyes and words.
The characters are strong and have a sense of individuality in their demeanor and they all respected their homeland above all, which is why the readers are bound to develop a soft spot for the villagers who only knew hard work from dawn to dusk to serve their village. The main protagonist, Giuseppe, is a very inspiring character among so many characters who develop in his own shell and understand the gravity of the problem the villagers life with his own mind and perspective. His actions give the readers their own point of view to see it through their own minds' eyes. The narrative is enagging layered heavily with the language of the land, that the author has translated into English right beside the sentence or the word, thus enriching the vocabulary of the readers.
Overall this is a thoroughly interesting as well as motivating story that has it's own colors, beauty and attractive essence which has an ability to pull the readers into the life of Bellafortuna through this story. I must say music and opera play an integral role in this book which once again the author has strikingly captured into the story.
Verdict: A perfect read for the summers and it is highly recommended.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Chip LoCoco, for providing me with a copy of his book, in return for an honest review.
----J.K. Rowling
Chip LoCoco, an American author, pens his latest book, A Song for Bellafortuna which is about a small village set in the picturesque backdrop of Sicily where the people of that village are under the domination of a very powerful family who makes sure that if any villager is unable to pay the debts during the poor harvest period, then they must leave the village permanently. Amidst of these poor villagers, there is one family who fate couldn't be dictated by this powerful, dominating family, who is trying hard to erase the pain of the fellow villagers by going beyond their league.
Synopsis:
A Song for Bellafortuna is an inspirational Italian Historical Fiction novel concerning a young man’s desire to free his Sicilian village from the domination of one family’s long reign. For years, the beautiful, yet secluded, hilltop village of Bellafortuna, Sicily, was a great producer of wine and olive oil. The entire village prospered. However, after the arrival of the Vasaio family, production dwindles and the villagers soon find themselves in crushing debt to the Vasaios. Only one family in the village remains outside the control of the Vasaios, but the reason haunts Antonio Sanguinetti every day of his life. Antonio is determined to erase this legacy by offering financial and emotional support to his fellow villagers. He introduces them to the choral song from Verdi’s opera, Nabucco, which becomes the rallying cry for the villagers and offers them hope for a better life.
When Antonio’s only son, Giuseppe, discovers his family’s past, he becomes determined to take on the Vasaios and remove them from power. Led by the young Giuseppe, a plan is hatched that could result in either complete freedom for the villagers, or if it fails, forever solidifying the Vasaios’ control.
Antonio Sanguinetti and his son, Giuseppe, is determined to overthrow the rule of the Vasaio family, who when settled in Bellafortuna, provided the villagers with loans for those with poor harvest, and from that time, the villagers who took a loan from this family are trying hard to repay their debts, failure to do which might lead that dominating family to uproot the whole heritage of a particular family by kicking them out of the village, hence the villagers knew that their fate has been sealed in the hands of the Vasaio family, and can never utter a word against them. The Sanguinettis are the lucky ones who never took a loan from the family thus making it their mission to erase the legacy of the Vasaio family. So when Giuseppe grows up, develops a terrific plan to challenge the existence of this family from the village anymore. But little did he knew his family history is not so glistening and shinning like their current fate, and when he learns the truth, it becomes difficult for him to carry on the challenge instead he burdens himself with the guilt. Can he save the villagers from the Vasaios' domination?
Firstly, I must say, this is an addictive read and the author constantly keeps his readers on the edge with happening events and not to mention with a backdrop of Sicily, the provided a little taste of Italy with his story. Unfortunately the timeline did not sound that relevant in the story, since there is nothing that remarkable except the opera singers, to mark the timeline that the author tried to capture in his story.
The writing style is fantastic, very elegant and with exquisite details of the village life and the farming is vividly portrayed, thus leaving the readers with a desire to visit this beautiful land and experience it with their own eyes. Although the author have marvelously captured the charming countryside of Sicily surrounded by the pristine blue sea. The graphic and intricate descriptions of the village as well as it's culture, harvest, the songs, the opera, the religion, the customs, the local dialect to the every tiny details of the streets and the podiums are arrested magnificently into this story thus offering a clear view of this village Bellafortuna through the author's eyes and words.
The characters are strong and have a sense of individuality in their demeanor and they all respected their homeland above all, which is why the readers are bound to develop a soft spot for the villagers who only knew hard work from dawn to dusk to serve their village. The main protagonist, Giuseppe, is a very inspiring character among so many characters who develop in his own shell and understand the gravity of the problem the villagers life with his own mind and perspective. His actions give the readers their own point of view to see it through their own minds' eyes. The narrative is enagging layered heavily with the language of the land, that the author has translated into English right beside the sentence or the word, thus enriching the vocabulary of the readers.
Overall this is a thoroughly interesting as well as motivating story that has it's own colors, beauty and attractive essence which has an ability to pull the readers into the life of Bellafortuna through this story. I must say music and opera play an integral role in this book which once again the author has strikingly captured into the story.
Verdict: A perfect read for the summers and it is highly recommended.
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Chip LoCoco, for providing me with a copy of his book, in return for an honest review.
February 7, 2025
Southern Italy without a passport!
Thanks to the magnificent prose of Chip LoCoco, I feel warm, tanned, satiated with award winning wine, olive oil and opera; oh, the heavenly opera!
It’s been over 30 years since my real life trip to Italy. It was a 10 day adventure that began in Rome and ended in Milan. This story is centered in the tiny Sicilian village of Bellafortuna, located in southern Italy, a very different climate from my trip. LoCoco has such a way with descriptions that if I were deft at art, I could easily put oils or acrylics to canvas and create this charming village. I can close my eyes and see it as vividly as watching National Geographic.
This ability continues over into character creation and development. The residents of Bellafortuna have a long and storied history. It didn’t take long for me to care about them and want to champion their cause. It’s a David vs. Goliath tale done extremely well with twists of history to tempt the good guy. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing and shepherds who are more like satan walking the sun drenched hills of our tiny farming hamlet.
Motivated by love of family and for his fellow villagers, the protagonist divines a plan to rescue his neighbors and their village from generational oppression that is more insidious than anyone knew. If you love small town fiction, stories about/in Italy, family fiction, music/opera, and lyrical prose, you will love A SONG FOR BELLAFORTUNA 📚
Thanks to the magnificent prose of Chip LoCoco, I feel warm, tanned, satiated with award winning wine, olive oil and opera; oh, the heavenly opera!
It’s been over 30 years since my real life trip to Italy. It was a 10 day adventure that began in Rome and ended in Milan. This story is centered in the tiny Sicilian village of Bellafortuna, located in southern Italy, a very different climate from my trip. LoCoco has such a way with descriptions that if I were deft at art, I could easily put oils or acrylics to canvas and create this charming village. I can close my eyes and see it as vividly as watching National Geographic.
This ability continues over into character creation and development. The residents of Bellafortuna have a long and storied history. It didn’t take long for me to care about them and want to champion their cause. It’s a David vs. Goliath tale done extremely well with twists of history to tempt the good guy. There are wolves in sheep’s clothing and shepherds who are more like satan walking the sun drenched hills of our tiny farming hamlet.
Motivated by love of family and for his fellow villagers, the protagonist divines a plan to rescue his neighbors and their village from generational oppression that is more insidious than anyone knew. If you love small town fiction, stories about/in Italy, family fiction, music/opera, and lyrical prose, you will love A SONG FOR BELLAFORTUNA 📚
June 4, 2015
The subtitle of this book is An Inspirational Italian Historical Fiction Novel, and it is that, as well as being a clean fiction coming-of-age novel suitable for tweens, teens and adults. It is also a celebration of Italian opera.
The story pauses at times to provide the reader with small histories of operas that appear in the book. Even some of the librettos are reproduced for the reader. And a choral work plays an important part in the story, just as it did in Italy's history.
The story begins in Sicily in 1897 and follows a young man along his life's path that is filled with love for his village, his father, and for opera.
Like all good coming-of-age novels, the protagonist, Giuseppe, discovers love and life and makes a momentous decision that changes his life forever, but in this novel Giuseppe does it all to a subtle accompaniment of operatic music.
The author brings to life a time when opera was part of every Italian's daily life. As the author says: "Musica, and especially opera, can touch a person's soul in a way that nothing else can. ... It can bind the listening audience together."
The author paints a picture of the era before motorcars, when agriculture provided the most employment. One gets the feeling of the slower pace of life. Journeys take longer. Distances feel greater.
Giuseppe's father, Antonio, treats his son to many trips, having the boy join him on business trips all over Italy, to places like Milan, Florence, Rome, Palermo.
Through his journeys Giuseppe gets an education that is greater than the other villagers. He sees a bigger world where things change or are better than where he lives. This inspires him to try to help his fellow villagers.
The author has a stylized voice, giving the book a fairytale feeling. He uses very formal dialog, perhaps trying to better convey the era to the reader. There are Italian words in the text to remind the reader that everything they are reading is actually happening in Italy and in Italian.
There is a strong moral message in the book. "Never be afraid to stand up to the powerful. The alternative is fear and degradation."
The only thing I missed was an Afterword to explain what in the novel was history and what was invention. Some of this was explained in the book itself, but a little more at the end would have been lovely.
This is a gentle coming-of-age story with a happy ending. A young boy grows up to be an inspiration to his friends and family, and even his enemies. He discovers love and a purpose for his life. This is a clean novel suitable for tweens, teens and adults. If you enjoy Italian opera, or are curious about it, this book will have a special appeal for you.
Please visit my full and illustrated review at Italophile Book Reviews.
http://italophilebookreviews.blogspot...
The story pauses at times to provide the reader with small histories of operas that appear in the book. Even some of the librettos are reproduced for the reader. And a choral work plays an important part in the story, just as it did in Italy's history.
The story begins in Sicily in 1897 and follows a young man along his life's path that is filled with love for his village, his father, and for opera.
Like all good coming-of-age novels, the protagonist, Giuseppe, discovers love and life and makes a momentous decision that changes his life forever, but in this novel Giuseppe does it all to a subtle accompaniment of operatic music.
The author brings to life a time when opera was part of every Italian's daily life. As the author says: "Musica, and especially opera, can touch a person's soul in a way that nothing else can. ... It can bind the listening audience together."
The author paints a picture of the era before motorcars, when agriculture provided the most employment. One gets the feeling of the slower pace of life. Journeys take longer. Distances feel greater.
Giuseppe's father, Antonio, treats his son to many trips, having the boy join him on business trips all over Italy, to places like Milan, Florence, Rome, Palermo.
Through his journeys Giuseppe gets an education that is greater than the other villagers. He sees a bigger world where things change or are better than where he lives. This inspires him to try to help his fellow villagers.
The author has a stylized voice, giving the book a fairytale feeling. He uses very formal dialog, perhaps trying to better convey the era to the reader. There are Italian words in the text to remind the reader that everything they are reading is actually happening in Italy and in Italian.
There is a strong moral message in the book. "Never be afraid to stand up to the powerful. The alternative is fear and degradation."
The only thing I missed was an Afterword to explain what in the novel was history and what was invention. Some of this was explained in the book itself, but a little more at the end would have been lovely.
This is a gentle coming-of-age story with a happy ending. A young boy grows up to be an inspiration to his friends and family, and even his enemies. He discovers love and a purpose for his life. This is a clean novel suitable for tweens, teens and adults. If you enjoy Italian opera, or are curious about it, this book will have a special appeal for you.
Please visit my full and illustrated review at Italophile Book Reviews.
http://italophilebookreviews.blogspot...
September 17, 2015
Oh, how I loved this book! A small Sicilian village in the early 1900s oppressed by the Vasaio family, and a young man and his father who strive to bring freedom to the villagers through their goodness and their love of opera sums up this beautiful story.
From the very first page, I was transported to Italy, to that small village named Bellafortuna, to a set of colorful characters that reminded me so much of my own uncles and "paesans". LoCoco made me fall in love with Bellafortuna, a small village like many others in Italy but still unique because of its location (up on a hill) and the villagers' love for music and opera.
I grew up hearing stories of my father's village among the mountains of Abbruzzo and I can still remember my first trip there as a tween. Which is why this story resonated so much with me. It made me smile and it made me cry. It made me remember my love for opera. I used to listen to Pavarotti all the time before, and although I had heard of the great Enrico Caruso, I didn't know much about him. It made me research his life story. So as I read this book, I dusted off my opera CDs and played the songs that the villagers in the story were listening to or that were sung in the book, and again I was moved to tears.
LoCoco built wonderful characters in Giuseppe and his father Antonio. We get to know Giuseppe and his sense of justice right from when he is a boy. I also liked Biaggio and the feisty Turiddu. As a matter of fact, I loved getting to know the villagers so much that I felt I knew them. When a plan is hatched by the villagers to free themselves from the crushing debt they owe to the ruthless Vasaio family, the story which is very much character-driven, explores the emotions and feelings of oppression, hope, forgiveness and love.
If you like Italian stories full of drama and culture, this book is the perfect novel to escape with. It's a feel-good story with good values, family honor and duty. I am LoCoco's latest fan and look forward to reading more of his work, including his first novel, Tempesta's Dream - A Story of Love, Friendship and Opera.
From the very first page, I was transported to Italy, to that small village named Bellafortuna, to a set of colorful characters that reminded me so much of my own uncles and "paesans". LoCoco made me fall in love with Bellafortuna, a small village like many others in Italy but still unique because of its location (up on a hill) and the villagers' love for music and opera.
I grew up hearing stories of my father's village among the mountains of Abbruzzo and I can still remember my first trip there as a tween. Which is why this story resonated so much with me. It made me smile and it made me cry. It made me remember my love for opera. I used to listen to Pavarotti all the time before, and although I had heard of the great Enrico Caruso, I didn't know much about him. It made me research his life story. So as I read this book, I dusted off my opera CDs and played the songs that the villagers in the story were listening to or that were sung in the book, and again I was moved to tears.
LoCoco built wonderful characters in Giuseppe and his father Antonio. We get to know Giuseppe and his sense of justice right from when he is a boy. I also liked Biaggio and the feisty Turiddu. As a matter of fact, I loved getting to know the villagers so much that I felt I knew them. When a plan is hatched by the villagers to free themselves from the crushing debt they owe to the ruthless Vasaio family, the story which is very much character-driven, explores the emotions and feelings of oppression, hope, forgiveness and love.
If you like Italian stories full of drama and culture, this book is the perfect novel to escape with. It's a feel-good story with good values, family honor and duty. I am LoCoco's latest fan and look forward to reading more of his work, including his first novel, Tempesta's Dream - A Story of Love, Friendship and Opera.
Read
January 19, 2022Advance Reviews:
Vincent B. LoCoco writes a heartwarming piece of historical fiction . . . He captured the essence of the Sicilian culture, especially regarding the value of ancestry and music . . . A Song For Bellafortuna is a beautiful tale of antiquity." - Readers Favorite 5 Star Review
"The book was a joy to read. It is a wonderful story, told in a magical way." -Cavaliere Ufficiale Aldo Mancusi, President of the Enrico Caruso Museum of America in New York
"An inspiring story of an Italian village threatened by commerce and saved by opera." -John Biguenet, author of The Torturer's Apprentice and Oyster
Vincent B. LoCoco writes a heartwarming piece of historical fiction . . . He captured the essence of the Sicilian culture, especially regarding the value of ancestry and music . . . A Song For Bellafortuna is a beautiful tale of antiquity." - Readers Favorite 5 Star Review
"The book was a joy to read. It is a wonderful story, told in a magical way." -Cavaliere Ufficiale Aldo Mancusi, President of the Enrico Caruso Museum of America in New York
"An inspiring story of an Italian village threatened by commerce and saved by opera." -John Biguenet, author of The Torturer's Apprentice and Oyster
April 5, 2020
Courage and beauty
This book is a little different from my usual go tos. It is a beautifully written story of community and courage. In addition, the picturesque scenery descriptions really come to life.
This book is a little different from my usual go tos. It is a beautifully written story of community and courage. In addition, the picturesque scenery descriptions really come to life.
March 9, 2018
What a great novel! If you love opera, friendship, and solving a big problem with the power of music, friendship, read this beautiful historical fiction...
May 31, 2020
A charming plot idea clumsily executed. I bought this book for a gift on the strength of the reviews here on Goodreads. After reading a few chapters, I found myself looking at the cover to see if it was a translation from Italian (and a poor one at that) because the language is so very simplistic. The sentence structures are childish. Unhappily, I found that it was not. Then, I went back to the reviews to find that those that gave it high marks had repetitive phrasing among them, and when I followed the writers' profiles, I found that some readers had over 28,000(!) reviews. (Mathematically, that just doesn't even make sense--you'd have to read a book a day for over 76 years to have so many!) I was disappointed to learn the hard lesson that Goodreads reviews are about as useful as Amazon ones. Because the person I gifted it to felt impelled to read it (because it was a gift), I felt impelled to finish it as my penance.
Ok--so here's my insights re: the writing. The narrator works too hard and does what I urge my high school freshmen not to do: he tells instead of shows. The character development is trite and clumsy. When the writer ventures into dialogue, there is some promise and rhythm...occasionally. I will say that there is some structure to the plot line, but the writer sometimes tries to include a dream sequence or a second VERY short plot line that ends up causing confusion rather than depth. The storyline resembles a children's story, and perhaps that is the better venue here. This was sold as historical fiction for adults, but it would have resonated much better as a children's book. Then, the arch evil character with no backstory or development would be acceptable...the "bet" that is set up half way through the book would have been believable...and the super sweet, predictable conclusion would have made every parent reading it to a child content that there would be no nightmares this evening.
I rarely give reviews that pan a book this much, but I feel I've been had by those who set up multiple reviews to rank this equitable with great works of literature by giving it 5 starts, which it clearly doesn't deserve. I'm embarrassed that I gave this book to a bibliophile. My only excuse is that due to quarantine, I couldn't pick it up and read a bit before I handed it over--I ordered it delivered sight unseen. I won't do that again. Sheesh.
Ok--so here's my insights re: the writing. The narrator works too hard and does what I urge my high school freshmen not to do: he tells instead of shows. The character development is trite and clumsy. When the writer ventures into dialogue, there is some promise and rhythm...occasionally. I will say that there is some structure to the plot line, but the writer sometimes tries to include a dream sequence or a second VERY short plot line that ends up causing confusion rather than depth. The storyline resembles a children's story, and perhaps that is the better venue here. This was sold as historical fiction for adults, but it would have resonated much better as a children's book. Then, the arch evil character with no backstory or development would be acceptable...the "bet" that is set up half way through the book would have been believable...and the super sweet, predictable conclusion would have made every parent reading it to a child content that there would be no nightmares this evening.
I rarely give reviews that pan a book this much, but I feel I've been had by those who set up multiple reviews to rank this equitable with great works of literature by giving it 5 starts, which it clearly doesn't deserve. I'm embarrassed that I gave this book to a bibliophile. My only excuse is that due to quarantine, I couldn't pick it up and read a bit before I handed it over--I ordered it delivered sight unseen. I won't do that again. Sheesh.
August 15, 2018
Clean historical fiction in Italy. With a great cast of characters and interaction. The author draws the reading into the storyline where you will be immersed in the lives of the characters.
I won an autographed copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.
I won an autographed copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.
Read
March 19, 2018When I first picked this book up, I thought it was a simple child's tale....boy was I wrong! This is an absolutely amazing tale. I found the storytelling style to be very simple, but the story itself was mind blowing. Magnifico!
July 28, 2020
A charming story of music, faith and love
While a novel, it reads like a true tale and I highly recommend it. Anyone who loves opera will enjoy reading about a small Italian village that takes on a family who has taken advantage of wealth and power to suppress the citizens.
While a novel, it reads like a true tale and I highly recommend it. Anyone who loves opera will enjoy reading about a small Italian village that takes on a family who has taken advantage of wealth and power to suppress the citizens.
January 30, 2019
A Song for Bellafortuna is a decent story. Though I am not sure exactly what the plot of it really is? I got the feeling that it was more about the village of Bellafortuna and it people. Though it was a told though a person or persons of Sanguinetti's family.
Is seem to be more about the Giuseppe's life and his family did and trying to make it right for a fight for freedom for his village and it villagers. I did not get this until about Carlo Vasino's death and a really good friend of Giuseppe's dies who name is Baggio.
I really could not get why the book was called what it was it was about. It more about the village of Bellafortuna. The author writing is what makes me want to rate it low. Though we do get lots of history about Italy and it surrounding city with history about Bellafortuna, Sicily.
The chapters leading up to finally getting where we get to the action and why they seem to get this one favorite and greatest tenor in the world named Caruso is the most interesting part and where I could not put the book down. Before that I really could put the book down and really did not want to complete it. Though the story of love, and friendship is though out the book.
The history and scene of views is talked about and created is really can be captured this this book. This is the only thing that keeps me reading the then the action of if they villagers get that freedom?
Is seem to be more about the Giuseppe's life and his family did and trying to make it right for a fight for freedom for his village and it villagers. I did not get this until about Carlo Vasino's death and a really good friend of Giuseppe's dies who name is Baggio.
I really could not get why the book was called what it was it was about. It more about the village of Bellafortuna. The author writing is what makes me want to rate it low. Though we do get lots of history about Italy and it surrounding city with history about Bellafortuna, Sicily.
The chapters leading up to finally getting where we get to the action and why they seem to get this one favorite and greatest tenor in the world named Caruso is the most interesting part and where I could not put the book down. Before that I really could put the book down and really did not want to complete it. Though the story of love, and friendship is though out the book.
The history and scene of views is talked about and created is really can be captured this this book. This is the only thing that keeps me reading the then the action of if they villagers get that freedom?
June 27, 2019
From Goodreads, "A Song for Bellafortuna is an inspirational Italian Historical Fiction novel concerning a young man’s desire to free his Sicilian village from the domination of one family’s long reign. "
This book was a book club pick and I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. I had never heard of it and when I knew it was free on Amazon I thought that it probably wasn't going to be very good, but I was pleasantly surprised. I think that having very low expectations going into the book made me like it probably more than I would have. I liked the plot of the story and couldn't wait to find out how it was going to end (I really enjoyed the ending). There is a lot of Italian dialect in the book and I would have loved to listen to this book in audio format because it would have been nice to hear what the words should sound like. I loved the relationship between Giuseppe and his dad Antonio. This book and From Scratch make me want to go visit Sicily!
This book was a book club pick and I wouldn't have picked it up otherwise. I had never heard of it and when I knew it was free on Amazon I thought that it probably wasn't going to be very good, but I was pleasantly surprised. I think that having very low expectations going into the book made me like it probably more than I would have. I liked the plot of the story and couldn't wait to find out how it was going to end (I really enjoyed the ending). There is a lot of Italian dialect in the book and I would have loved to listen to this book in audio format because it would have been nice to hear what the words should sound like. I loved the relationship between Giuseppe and his dad Antonio. This book and From Scratch make me want to go visit Sicily!
January 22, 2019
A Song for Bellafortuna
I loved reading this book with its rich characters and colorful depiction of Italy in the early 1900’s. It helped put so many of my Nani’s stories into perspective like the time her Mother hid her older brothers from Mussolini’s “black shirts”. She would end that story by saying that he had done many good things like the roads (so he could move his army more easily) and mandatory education for children but then he became evil and ultimately made the fatal decision to forge an alliance with Hitler. Meanwhile, all of the references to the opera helped put a song in my heart as I followed the tale of one special young man and his quest.
I loved reading this book with its rich characters and colorful depiction of Italy in the early 1900’s. It helped put so many of my Nani’s stories into perspective like the time her Mother hid her older brothers from Mussolini’s “black shirts”. She would end that story by saying that he had done many good things like the roads (so he could move his army more easily) and mandatory education for children but then he became evil and ultimately made the fatal decision to forge an alliance with Hitler. Meanwhile, all of the references to the opera helped put a song in my heart as I followed the tale of one special young man and his quest.
August 8, 2019
Wonderfully uplifting and inspiring!
I would actually give this book a 10 if I could! Current novels seem to be trying to outdo each other in how tragic, sad and hopeless life can be. This story starts a little slow but do not give up. The plot certainly has an intriguing, sad and frustrating element but every character is given an opportunity to exhibit grace under pressure but when they do fail it is with a little humor. Loved it!!
I would actually give this book a 10 if I could! Current novels seem to be trying to outdo each other in how tragic, sad and hopeless life can be. This story starts a little slow but do not give up. The plot certainly has an intriguing, sad and frustrating element but every character is given an opportunity to exhibit grace under pressure but when they do fail it is with a little humor. Loved it!!
March 1, 2020
Una bella storia!
As a lover of most everything Italian, I was captivated by the title and cover of the book. After reading the first few pages it became a page-turner. Beautifully written, the landscape of the village came alive, the villagers were my friends and neighbors and the story touched my heart. Such a profound message about bravery and being true to yourself, keeping your word (promise) and of course the very essence of ‘la familia’.
To the author I say, grazie signor.
As a lover of most everything Italian, I was captivated by the title and cover of the book. After reading the first few pages it became a page-turner. Beautifully written, the landscape of the village came alive, the villagers were my friends and neighbors and the story touched my heart. Such a profound message about bravery and being true to yourself, keeping your word (promise) and of course the very essence of ‘la familia’.
To the author I say, grazie signor.
January 18, 2020
A Most Enjoyable Read
The thing I loved most about this book was the deep feeling of kindness and goodness the author portrayed beautifully without being sappy. He brings the ‘community’ of Bellafortuna into your heart. If you want to read a great story and feel good about it, this is a must.
The thing I loved most about this book was the deep feeling of kindness and goodness the author portrayed beautifully without being sappy. He brings the ‘community’ of Bellafortuna into your heart. If you want to read a great story and feel good about it, this is a must.
January 31, 2020
A beautiful, heartwarming story
I couldn’t put this book down. I became so engrossed in the plight of the villagers and I found myself rooting for them. The author gave such a clear description of the village, that I could see it in my mind’s eye. I’ve been it Italy, but not Sicily. This story makes me feel compelled to visit.
I couldn’t put this book down. I became so engrossed in the plight of the villagers and I found myself rooting for them. The author gave such a clear description of the village, that I could see it in my mind’s eye. I’ve been it Italy, but not Sicily. This story makes me feel compelled to visit.
March 3, 2020
I loved this book so much! I would find myself thinking about it and it's characters throughout the day and couldn't wait to get back to it. I was even a little sad to have it end. You will find yourself falling in love with this village and it's wonderful residents. With wine, opera, the Sicilian countryside all in one book is a treat.
March 20, 2020
Masterfull
This novel was created with passion which was sustained throughout! I could feel the lure that opera has for so many
The plot was woven with a careful intimacy
If there really a place called Bellafortuna I would travel there
If not, the vision remains that I once experienced it
This novel was created with passion which was sustained throughout! I could feel the lure that opera has for so many
The plot was woven with a careful intimacy
If there really a place called Bellafortuna I would travel there
If not, the vision remains that I once experienced it
May 2, 2020
Very enjoyable read. The book is set in a small Sicilian village in the heart of wine and olive oil country. It’s a story about great friendships, an end to oppression and love of opera. And except for a very sad chapter midway through it’s a story about doing the right thing not just for yourself but for your community as well.
August 15, 2020
A Song for Bellafortuna captures your heart from the first chapter. It is a heartwarming story of a young man trying to help his fellow villagers in a small mountain town in Sicily. The music of opera at the time of Enrico Caruso is presented as a theme of hope throughout the story. This is the best book I have read in the last few months.
September 16, 2017
This is now one of my favorite novels
I LOVED THIS STORY!!! It's the hard work and triumph of good people coming together and getting good results .
. And adding the Italian phrases reminded me of hearing my Italian grandparents and family enjoying each other.
I LOVED THIS STORY!!! It's the hard work and triumph of good people coming together and getting good results .
. And adding the Italian phrases reminded me of hearing my Italian grandparents and family enjoying each other.
February 9, 2018
A Song for Bellafortuna was an okay read for me. The story was good but I found it to be difficult to read at times. I think many readers would enjoy it but I just do not think it was for me. Three stars.
March 6, 2018
Bravo
The village of Bellafortuna does sound like a magical place loved by the villagers who have met many hardships and heartache over the years. To have the great Carouso come to their rescue to help save them is a story in itself.
The village of Bellafortuna does sound like a magical place loved by the villagers who have met many hardships and heartache over the years. To have the great Carouso come to their rescue to help save them is a story in itself.
December 31, 2018
Food, wine, and music
Love of historical fiction kept me reading one very long winter day. Taking place in late 1800 and early 1900 in a small Italian village. Wine making village fighting to gain freedom from the debt of hard times.
Love of historical fiction kept me reading one very long winter day. Taking place in late 1800 and early 1900 in a small Italian village. Wine making village fighting to gain freedom from the debt of hard times.
January 16, 2019
Interesting
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways. I was not required to give a favorable review. This was a beautiful story of how one young man tried to make things right in his village when people of money & power tried to control everything.
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways. I was not required to give a favorable review. This was a beautiful story of how one young man tried to make things right in his village when people of money & power tried to control everything.
February 4, 2019
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading A Song For Bellafortuna. The author really painted a gorgeous picture of the Italian landscape. The characters were engaging and interesting.
I enjoyed reading A Song For Bellafortuna. The author really painted a gorgeous picture of the Italian landscape. The characters were engaging and interesting.
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