Thieves Never Steal in the Rain (120)

by Marisa Labozzetta

Grappling with her daughter's fatal accident, Joanna finds solace in the conviction that her daughter lives on in the body of another child. Nancy's decision to lose a kidney in order to save her husband's life jeopardizes her last chance for motherhood. All that Barbara possesses and identifies with, including companionship with a ghost, vanishes overnight. Angie takes a drastic measure to lose weight in order to regain her confidence and self esteem. Rosemary, a renowned "agony aunt," falls apart when her husband leaves her, only to find comfort in the strangest of strangers. Love and the supernatural drive these stories about the intertwining lives of five female cousins, who learn that loss from misplacing keys to confronting death is a constant force.

198 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2011

Reviews

[Meg B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Labozetta's best work yet. She brings to life vivid characters that stay with you after you finish the book, which to me is a sign of great writing. She does an outstanding job portraying the idiosyncrasies of Italian-American families-- the intense (at times suffocating) closeness of extended families, the superstitions, the food, the preoccupation with the supernatural and its acceptance as fact in everyday life, the food, the love for Italy, the boisterous holidays, the way they band together in crisis, did I mention the food? For anyone familiar with Italian-American families, you will recognize and chuckle over all the familiar little details. More broadly, the themes will resonate with anyone. The characters wrestle with grief, betrayal, longing, loss, jealousy, passion, failure, and more. I found myself nodding through many of the stories, recognizing so much of what Labozzetta depicts with beauty, empathy, and nuance. I look forward to her next book.

[Charles Savage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book I enjoyed reading.

[Karen Tintori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved, loved, loved, and still love this wonderful book. Treat yourself and go buy a copy. Expecially if you are of Italian heritage. Brava, Marisa, brava!

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a little gem of a book!

Through a series inter-related "short stories", we are introduced to the ladies of the Ficola family. Joanna gets the most "screen time" but is still completely absorbing as a grieving mother, thein daughter, trying to find her balance.

Rosemary was, to me, the most interesting. I'd love to read a spin off of her adventures with Avery.

Nancy was never really developed past the kidney transplant. And Angie, poor Angie. Only 1 chapter. I would have liked to read more about her.

Despite that, this was a quick read that had a ton of heart. Recommended.

I received a copy of this via a Goodreads Giveaway. Many thanks to the author & publisher for their generosity!