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Kiss Carlo
From Adriana Trigiani, the beloved New York Times-bestselling author of The Shoemaker’s Wife, comes an exhilarating epic novel of love, loyalty, and creativity—the story of an Italian-American family on the cusp of change.
It’s 1949 and South Philadelphia bursts with opportunity during the post-war boom. The Palazzini Cab Company & Western Union Telegraph Office, owned and operated by Dominic Palazzini and his three sons, is flourishing: business is good, they’re surrounded by sympathetic wives and daughters-in-law, with grandchildren on the way. But a decades-long feud that split Dominic and his brother Mike and their once-close families sets the stage for a re-match.
Amidst the hoopla, the arrival of an urgent telegram from Italy upends the life of Nicky Castone (Dominic and his wife’s orphaned nephew) who lives and works with his Uncle Dom and his family. Nicky decides, at 30, that he wants more—more than just a job driving Car #4 and more than his longtime fiancée Peachy DePino, a bookkeeper, can offer. When he admits to his fiancée that he’s been secretly moonlighting at the local Shakespeare theater company, Nicky finds himself drawn to the stage, its colorful players and to the determined Calla Borelli, who inherited the enterprise from her father, Nicky must choose between the conventional life his family expects of him or chart a new course and risk losing everything he cherishes.
From the dreamy mountaintop village of Roseto Valfortore in Italy, to the vibrant streets of South Philly, to the close-knit enclave of Roseto, Pennsylvania, to New York City during the birth of the golden age of television, Kiss Carlo is a powerful, inter-generational story that celebrates the ties that bind, while staying true to oneself when all hope seems lost.
Told against the backdrop of some of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, this novel brims with romance as long buried secrets are revealed, mistaken identities are unmasked, scores are settled, broken hearts are mended and true love reigns. Trigiani’s consummate storytelling skill and her trademark wit, along with a dazzling cast of characters will enthrall readers. Once again, the author has returned to her own family garden to create an unforgettable feast. Kiss Carlo is a jubilee, resplendent with hope, love, and the abiding power of la famiglia.
It’s 1949 and South Philadelphia bursts with opportunity during the post-war boom. The Palazzini Cab Company & Western Union Telegraph Office, owned and operated by Dominic Palazzini and his three sons, is flourishing: business is good, they’re surrounded by sympathetic wives and daughters-in-law, with grandchildren on the way. But a decades-long feud that split Dominic and his brother Mike and their once-close families sets the stage for a re-match.
Amidst the hoopla, the arrival of an urgent telegram from Italy upends the life of Nicky Castone (Dominic and his wife’s orphaned nephew) who lives and works with his Uncle Dom and his family. Nicky decides, at 30, that he wants more—more than just a job driving Car #4 and more than his longtime fiancée Peachy DePino, a bookkeeper, can offer. When he admits to his fiancée that he’s been secretly moonlighting at the local Shakespeare theater company, Nicky finds himself drawn to the stage, its colorful players and to the determined Calla Borelli, who inherited the enterprise from her father, Nicky must choose between the conventional life his family expects of him or chart a new course and risk losing everything he cherishes.
From the dreamy mountaintop village of Roseto Valfortore in Italy, to the vibrant streets of South Philly, to the close-knit enclave of Roseto, Pennsylvania, to New York City during the birth of the golden age of television, Kiss Carlo is a powerful, inter-generational story that celebrates the ties that bind, while staying true to oneself when all hope seems lost.
Told against the backdrop of some of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, this novel brims with romance as long buried secrets are revealed, mistaken identities are unmasked, scores are settled, broken hearts are mended and true love reigns. Trigiani’s consummate storytelling skill and her trademark wit, along with a dazzling cast of characters will enthrall readers. Once again, the author has returned to her own family garden to create an unforgettable feast. Kiss Carlo is a jubilee, resplendent with hope, love, and the abiding power of la famiglia.
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First published June 20, 2017
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About the author
Adriana Trigiani
66 books6,825 followersJoin Adriana Trigiani and the great authors and luminaries of our time on the YOU ARE WHAT YOU READ PODCAST! Available wherever you listen to podcasts: https://linktr.ee/adrianatrigiani
Beloved by millions of readers around the world for her "dazzling" novels (USA Today), Adriana Trigiani is "a master of palpable and visual detail" (Washington Post) and "a comedy writer with a heart of gold" (New York Times). She is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction, including her latest, The Good Left Undone- an instant New York Times best seller, Book of the Month pick and People's Book of the Week. Her work is published in 38 languages around the world. An award-winning playwright, television writer/producer and filmmaker, Adriana's screen credits include writer/director of the major motion picture of her debut novel, Big Stone Gap, the adaptation of her novel Very Valentine and director of Then Came You. Adriana grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she co-founded The Origin Project, an in-school writing program serving over 2,700 students in Appalachia. She is at work on her next novel for Dutton at Penguin Random House.
Follow Adriana on Facebook and Instagram @AdrianaTrigiani and on TikTok @AdrianaTrigianiAuthor or visit her website: AdrianaTrigiani.com.
Beloved by millions of readers around the world for her "dazzling" novels (USA Today), Adriana Trigiani is "a master of palpable and visual detail" (Washington Post) and "a comedy writer with a heart of gold" (New York Times). She is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty books of fiction and nonfiction, including her latest, The Good Left Undone- an instant New York Times best seller, Book of the Month pick and People's Book of the Week. Her work is published in 38 languages around the world. An award-winning playwright, television writer/producer and filmmaker, Adriana's screen credits include writer/director of the major motion picture of her debut novel, Big Stone Gap, the adaptation of her novel Very Valentine and director of Then Came You. Adriana grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she co-founded The Origin Project, an in-school writing program serving over 2,700 students in Appalachia. She is at work on her next novel for Dutton at Penguin Random House.
Follow Adriana on Facebook and Instagram @AdrianaTrigiani and on TikTok @AdrianaTrigianiAuthor or visit her website: AdrianaTrigiani.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,126 reviews
July 14, 2017
I've read every novel Adriana Trigiani has written and while Kiss Carlo is not awful, it's certainly my least favorite of her works. It seemed to try to tell the story of too many people without making me care all that much for many of them. That said, a highlight of the book was the friendship that developed between Hortense and Minna. I'd like to have known more about Hortense, her background, her marriage, her children and more about Minna, too. I'd also liked to have known more about Nicky's time in Italy, especially his emotional growth.
Oh well. Maybe I'm just never going to love another AT work as much as I did the Big Stone Gap trilogy.
Oh well. Maybe I'm just never going to love another AT work as much as I did the Big Stone Gap trilogy.
August 31, 2018
Sitting down with a new Trigiani novel, is like opening a box of chocolates. Not quite sure what’s under the coating, but knowing it will be sweet and tasty. It’s like visiting an old friend. I know I’m in for some delights, some words of wisdom, a tear or two, some chuckles, and some salivating in these Italian kitchens. This novel will take you from South Philly to Roseto, Italy, its sister city, Roseto, PA and to New York, in 1949, post WWII, a remarkable era.
On her website she states that she hopes her novels honor working people. Indeed they do. This one is based around the stage and local actors portraying Shakespeare-themed plays in a small Italian neighborhood in South Philly. Borelli’s is the name of the theater, now run by Calla Borelli, daughter of an icon of a man who has kept the theater going through good times and tough times, and this opens during a rough time. Not enough money to keep the theatre maintenance and salaries going, and fewer people buying tickets to see the plays.
Calla (I love that name) is named after the favorite flower of her mother, deceased when this opens. Calla is a strong, hard-working young woman wanting to continue the theater in her beloved father’s footsteps. The other main protagonist is Nicky, a stage hand who drives a cab as a real job, but who’s love for the theater, pulls him to make major changes in his life. Much of the novel revolves around the aunts and uncles that he lives with, as he was orphaned at a young age. The dialogue between the cast of characters is in itself a delight.
I won’t spoil it for you, dear reader, there are many little gems of wisdom. The main theme is the bonds we build with family, those that are blood, and those that seem like they are. I loved Hortense, the dispatcher/western-union-lady at the cab company, and surrogate mother for Nicky. How she handled her "color" and how she handled her husband in the latter half of the novel was a delight for me. And the marinara sauce recipe she got from Minna, which they call "gravy"... Can't wait to try the recipe that's included in the book.
Be patient during the first half, it’s building up the character profiles, and as this novel involves two sides of an Italian family, there are plenty of them. The 2nd half will have you turning the pages faster.
I received a complimentary pre-release copy for the purpose of posting an unbiased review, and am happy to recommend it. Available at your favorite book seller June 20, 2017
On her website she states that she hopes her novels honor working people. Indeed they do. This one is based around the stage and local actors portraying Shakespeare-themed plays in a small Italian neighborhood in South Philly. Borelli’s is the name of the theater, now run by Calla Borelli, daughter of an icon of a man who has kept the theater going through good times and tough times, and this opens during a rough time. Not enough money to keep the theatre maintenance and salaries going, and fewer people buying tickets to see the plays.
Calla (I love that name) is named after the favorite flower of her mother, deceased when this opens. Calla is a strong, hard-working young woman wanting to continue the theater in her beloved father’s footsteps. The other main protagonist is Nicky, a stage hand who drives a cab as a real job, but who’s love for the theater, pulls him to make major changes in his life. Much of the novel revolves around the aunts and uncles that he lives with, as he was orphaned at a young age. The dialogue between the cast of characters is in itself a delight.
I won’t spoil it for you, dear reader, there are many little gems of wisdom. The main theme is the bonds we build with family, those that are blood, and those that seem like they are. I loved Hortense, the dispatcher/western-union-lady at the cab company, and surrogate mother for Nicky. How she handled her "color" and how she handled her husband in the latter half of the novel was a delight for me. And the marinara sauce recipe she got from Minna, which they call "gravy"... Can't wait to try the recipe that's included in the book.
Be patient during the first half, it’s building up the character profiles, and as this novel involves two sides of an Italian family, there are plenty of them. The 2nd half will have you turning the pages faster.
I received a complimentary pre-release copy for the purpose of posting an unbiased review, and am happy to recommend it. Available at your favorite book seller June 20, 2017
June 10, 2017
I'd find it hard to say "no" when offered a taste of Trigiani. I truly adored The Shoemaker's Wife. Still, I've also glanced at other novels she penned and felt immediately turned off. But, the adoration won out and I happily signed up to receive an advance edition of this novel (which came with lipstick!).
Although it takes a few trips...including to Italy and to a small town in PA...this book's heart is in Philadelphia. Nicky is growing up in a bustling family, adopted by an Aunt and Uncle when his mother passed and raised alongside their three sons. He eventually becomes part of the family taxi business, a thriving affair in 1949 as the economy bustles after the war, with their main competition coming from the uncle's estranged brother. Still, Nicky finds himself drawn to a small struggling theater company and works there part-time for years before revealing the secret to his longtime girlfriend just as he's thrust onto the stage when the company is shorthanded. This story develops alongside the story of a small PA town getting ready to welcome an important visitor from the town's struggling sister city in Italy.
And, well, to avoid saying too much (which some summaries do), I'll just say it all gets thrown in a jar and shaken.
I really wanted to love this book. I did FEEL the place, possibly more vividly since I'm half-Italian and grew up just outside of Philadelphia, and that's a credit to Trigiani. She paints several places beautifully. While her characters are interesting, they don't feel nearly as real as the places do. I certainly cheered for Nicky, but I got a bit weary as the story mixed him up into plots that seemed thrown together at random. It would have been a much better book if it was, well, several books. I could have handled some loose connections tying together a trilogy, though even then I feel like the overlaps would have needed to be minimized. There's just too much going on and Nicky is in the middle of all of it, when he just shouldn't be.
There are some great aspects of this book. As I've mentioned, she's a master of place. And I just loved Hortense, the taxi company's dispatcher, although her storyline follows Nicky's to the small town and loses me a bit (hers is a good tale, just felt too forced). And Calla, the daughter of the aging owner of the theater, is a pretty cool lady too. But, the fact that there was too MUCH, too MANY plots tied too loosely together, dominated and knocks what could have been a four-star novel down to three.
Although it takes a few trips...including to Italy and to a small town in PA...this book's heart is in Philadelphia. Nicky is growing up in a bustling family, adopted by an Aunt and Uncle when his mother passed and raised alongside their three sons. He eventually becomes part of the family taxi business, a thriving affair in 1949 as the economy bustles after the war, with their main competition coming from the uncle's estranged brother. Still, Nicky finds himself drawn to a small struggling theater company and works there part-time for years before revealing the secret to his longtime girlfriend just as he's thrust onto the stage when the company is shorthanded. This story develops alongside the story of a small PA town getting ready to welcome an important visitor from the town's struggling sister city in Italy.
And, well, to avoid saying too much (which some summaries do), I'll just say it all gets thrown in a jar and shaken.
I really wanted to love this book. I did FEEL the place, possibly more vividly since I'm half-Italian and grew up just outside of Philadelphia, and that's a credit to Trigiani. She paints several places beautifully. While her characters are interesting, they don't feel nearly as real as the places do. I certainly cheered for Nicky, but I got a bit weary as the story mixed him up into plots that seemed thrown together at random. It would have been a much better book if it was, well, several books. I could have handled some loose connections tying together a trilogy, though even then I feel like the overlaps would have needed to be minimized. There's just too much going on and Nicky is in the middle of all of it, when he just shouldn't be.
There are some great aspects of this book. As I've mentioned, she's a master of place. And I just loved Hortense, the taxi company's dispatcher, although her storyline follows Nicky's to the small town and loses me a bit (hers is a good tale, just felt too forced). And Calla, the daughter of the aging owner of the theater, is a pretty cool lady too. But, the fact that there was too MUCH, too MANY plots tied too loosely together, dominated and knocks what could have been a four-star novel down to three.
July 28, 2017
I'm disappointed for the first time ever. I've read all of Adriana's books, and I was so excited for this one to come out. But it dragged and felt disjointed and kind of all over the place. I kept feeling like certain things were supposed to carry more significance than they were. I still adore Adriana, but I was happy to finish this.
April 7, 2020
I really needed to read something light and joyful. Kiss Carlo was just the ticket.
It is the story of a humorous funny Italian family and all their drama.
It is set in post WWII Philadelphia and also Roseto Valfortore, Italy.
They are many characters to be woven into this family saga and all are very entertaining. We even meet up with Shakespeare.
It is a warm hearted novel that I needed to read right now, If you are looking for a light hearted read, I highly recommend this book.
It is the story of a humorous funny Italian family and all their drama.
It is set in post WWII Philadelphia and also Roseto Valfortore, Italy.
They are many characters to be woven into this family saga and all are very entertaining. We even meet up with Shakespeare.
It is a warm hearted novel that I needed to read right now, If you are looking for a light hearted read, I highly recommend this book.
July 5, 2017
I would rate this book a 2 1/2. It was enjoyable, and Adriana Trigiani is one of my favorite authors, and I have enjoyed many of her other books, but Kiss Carlo was not one of my favorites. It dragged on, and although I liked the way the book came together at the end, it was too abrupt. One minute Nicky is in New York, the next he is marrying Calla. The last few books by Adriana Trigiani have been disappointing, I am hoping that the next one is better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2017
I simply inhaled this book while on vacation! I have read most of Trigiani's books and I would consider this her best. The characters are real and easy to warm up to! A beautiful slice of Italian life in Philadelphia circa 1940's.
April 13, 2017
I would like to thank Edelweiss and Harper Collins for an ARC(advanced reading copy) of "Kiss Carlo" by Adriana Trigiani for my honest review.
The genres of this novel are Women's Fiction and Historical Fiction.
The timeline of this story is 1949, after the war. The story takes place in a little Italian town, South Philly and New York in the United States.
In Southern Philly, there are two brothers feuding over land that had belonged to their father when he was alive. This feud splits the large family in two. Both brothers have a cab company, and one brother adds a service to deliver telegrams. The wives and cousins are now separated by this family feud.
Nick, an orphan is brought up in one of the families by his aunt and uncle. He drives a taxi, and delivers telegrams. He finds work also in a small theater company, and finds that he loves acting. Nick has been engaged for seven years and feels something is missing. Nick decides to pursue an acting career in New York City.
I love the way that Adriana Trigiani writes about the love, encouragement and support of family. I enjoyed the author's descriptions of family traditions, and the food and festivities.
The characters are described as complex and complicated. In "Kiss Carlo", the author describes Italian, Jewish, Polish and Black families in this time period, and how well they get along. The characters are accepting of one another.
The author writes about family, friends,loyalty, love and hope. You can see growth in the characters. This is a wonderful book, and I would highly recommend it.
The genres of this novel are Women's Fiction and Historical Fiction.
The timeline of this story is 1949, after the war. The story takes place in a little Italian town, South Philly and New York in the United States.
In Southern Philly, there are two brothers feuding over land that had belonged to their father when he was alive. This feud splits the large family in two. Both brothers have a cab company, and one brother adds a service to deliver telegrams. The wives and cousins are now separated by this family feud.
Nick, an orphan is brought up in one of the families by his aunt and uncle. He drives a taxi, and delivers telegrams. He finds work also in a small theater company, and finds that he loves acting. Nick has been engaged for seven years and feels something is missing. Nick decides to pursue an acting career in New York City.
I love the way that Adriana Trigiani writes about the love, encouragement and support of family. I enjoyed the author's descriptions of family traditions, and the food and festivities.
The characters are described as complex and complicated. In "Kiss Carlo", the author describes Italian, Jewish, Polish and Black families in this time period, and how well they get along. The characters are accepting of one another.
The author writes about family, friends,loyalty, love and hope. You can see growth in the characters. This is a wonderful book, and I would highly recommend it.
March 16, 2019
This book was selected as the 2019 "Everyone's Reading" title for several libraries in the area, and I was selected as the librarian to lead some book discussions on it at work. I've never read anything by Trigiani before, but she's pretty popular, so I was excited to start reading. I found the story boring, poorly edited, rambling, and 300 pages too long. We were expected to care about too many one-sided characters that weren't particularly interesting. After a month, I am proud of myself for finishing this monstrosity, and I'll be interested to hear what the book discussion attendees think. Most of all, I am thrilled to go back to reading books I actually want to read.
April 15, 2017
Not quite the family saga that she's written before - focuses mainly on late 1940s and early 1950s. I felt it was overlong. I liked the story and the observations about family.
June 13, 2017
Adriana Trigiani has gone back to her roots with her latest book, KISS CARLO. It’s the story of a large Italian American family that’s set in Philadelphia in the 1950s. When brothers Dom and Mike have a falling out, they form rival cab companies and go their separate ways but they’re always aware of what the other is doing. I admit to being somewhat biased when it comes to Trigiani’s books but I think this one may be her best one yet. I was charmed and captivated by this well-crafted family saga of love, drama, and loyalty all tied together with a Shakespearean theme. (It’s not necessary to know anything about Shakespeare to love this book.) As I’ve come to expect from Trigiani’s work, the characters are fabulous, the setting is well researched, and the dialogue is top notch. You don’t want to miss KISS CARLO!
August 14, 2018
LOVELY 🌺 This delicious book was just as good as I hoped it would be and was well worth the wait! Trigiani is hands-down one of my very favorite authors and this book gave me all the epic Italian family feels that I expected it would! I loved the post-WWII Philadelphia setting and brief glimpses of Italy throughout the book, along with the theater storyline. There is a lot more that I loved, but I don’t want to give anything away. Highly recommend to anyone who likes historical and family fiction.
September 5, 2018
This is my favorite Trigiani book! With humor, insight, and craziness the author brings to life an Italian-American family whose roots will always be in Italy! I would love to have dinner with the Palazzini family. Never a dull moment at that meal! A solid 4 stars for this delightful 500+ read.
June 21, 2017
It's 1949 and Nicky Castone works as a cab driver for the family company. He's an orphan and his uncle Dominic Palazzini has taken him in. Nicky is engaged to Peachy, but after seven years he still hasn't agreed to set a date for the wedding. Nicky secretly spends his evenings in Calla's Shakespeare theater, where he does all kinds of different jobs behind the scenes. When he gets the chance to act, because there is nobody else, he finally finds his passion. He continues following it, but after a disastrous job Nicky has to make some tough choices. Will he stay and work for his family or will he go away and follow his heart?
Dominic and Mike are brothers. They've been fighting over an inheritance for many years. They split up the family company and their feud has kept their once so close families apart. Will they ever been able to mend fences and realize that family is more important than property or money?
Calla wants to continue her father's legacy. He started the Shakespeare theater she's working so hard for. The plays are her pride and joy and she loves directing them. However, just like her father Calla isn't good with money. The theater's proceeds are meager and she doesn't know how to make her business profitable. She pays her actors and tries to cut back on everything else, but will it be enough to keep her beloved business going? Is there room for love in her life when so much is at stake?
Kiss Carlo is a beautiful story about family, friendships, love and dreams. It has a lot of fabulous main characters. Adriana Trigiani has made them all multidimensional and equally interesting, which is something I really enjoyed about her book. Nicky has to find his passion, Calla has found hers, but needs to find love and Dominic and Mike need to find peace. Kiss Carlo has a large number of characters, so there are many more beautifully described personalities, which I found a real treat, and they all have a special place in my heart.
Adriana Trigiani writes about people from different generations and each of them has their own story and background. I love reading about families and Kiss Carlo is a fantastic story. It's dynamic, entertaining, unpredictable and original. I fell in love with this book from the first page. I love it when a book is so good that the characters will stay with me for a very long time. Nicky and his family and friends definitely fall into this category and I highly recommend their brilliant stories. Kiss Carlo is a complex novel filled with wisdom, life experience, aspirations and reality. I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful book, it's a real treasure.
Dominic and Mike are brothers. They've been fighting over an inheritance for many years. They split up the family company and their feud has kept their once so close families apart. Will they ever been able to mend fences and realize that family is more important than property or money?
Calla wants to continue her father's legacy. He started the Shakespeare theater she's working so hard for. The plays are her pride and joy and she loves directing them. However, just like her father Calla isn't good with money. The theater's proceeds are meager and she doesn't know how to make her business profitable. She pays her actors and tries to cut back on everything else, but will it be enough to keep her beloved business going? Is there room for love in her life when so much is at stake?
Kiss Carlo is a beautiful story about family, friendships, love and dreams. It has a lot of fabulous main characters. Adriana Trigiani has made them all multidimensional and equally interesting, which is something I really enjoyed about her book. Nicky has to find his passion, Calla has found hers, but needs to find love and Dominic and Mike need to find peace. Kiss Carlo has a large number of characters, so there are many more beautifully described personalities, which I found a real treat, and they all have a special place in my heart.
Adriana Trigiani writes about people from different generations and each of them has their own story and background. I love reading about families and Kiss Carlo is a fantastic story. It's dynamic, entertaining, unpredictable and original. I fell in love with this book from the first page. I love it when a book is so good that the characters will stay with me for a very long time. Nicky and his family and friends definitely fall into this category and I highly recommend their brilliant stories. Kiss Carlo is a complex novel filled with wisdom, life experience, aspirations and reality. I truly enjoyed reading this wonderful book, it's a real treasure.
June 28, 2017
Full review to be posted on blog.
*Love Adriana Trigiani's books and this one was no exception!
*Totally swept up in this family saga.
*Great, well-developed characters
*And that cover - it's gorgeous - you could totally judge this book by the cover, not that I ever would ;)
*I listened to the audio because of the narrator - Edoardo Ballerini's voice is amazing - like a tall drink of cool water. Had to listen when I saw he was narrating - & it was amazing!!! Great pairing - AT's story and EB's narration - perfection!
*Love Adriana Trigiani's books and this one was no exception!
*Totally swept up in this family saga.
*Great, well-developed characters
*And that cover - it's gorgeous - you could totally judge this book by the cover, not that I ever would ;)
*I listened to the audio because of the narrator - Edoardo Ballerini's voice is amazing - like a tall drink of cool water. Had to listen when I saw he was narrating - & it was amazing!!! Great pairing - AT's story and EB's narration - perfection!
October 19, 2017
I loved this book. It reminded me of Moonstruck, a quirky, funny Italian family with lots of crazy characters but the characters were sincere and real. The story also reminded me of A Spool of Blue Thread by Ann Tyler. Not much of plot but a great journey over time with some great characters as they evolve, grow and share with us what they learned along the way.
January 29, 2018
This has some excellent moments and captures the neighborhood mores, but it is just too long with too much. Not my favorite and not the poorest choice I've read by this author. Too much Peachy dramatics and I'll get the style review and larger reaction when I have a keyboard of size available. Needed a massive edit and it would have been a 4.
June 21, 2018
Either Trigiani is the Italian-American Maeve Binchy, or Maeve Binchy is the Irish Adriana Trigiani. It doesn't matter, but both create light-hearted stories about families and friends, and I enjoy both.
December 24, 2021
OK THIS BOOK WOULD BE A GREAT MOVIE
July 3, 2018
Another book that I loved, by author Adriana Trigiani!
November 18, 2020
Kiss Carlo is a historical fiction novel about a large, multi-generational Italian-American family living in a big city in the post-WWII era.
Kiss Carlo was an interesting novel. I will admit that it wasn’t my cup of tea when I read it. Not for any fault of the author, as it was a very well-written book, but because I prefer a story with adventure that focuses on one or two people, not on a large extended family with multiple perspectives. This was more of a literary fiction novel, and I am certain that fans of the genre will appreciate it much more than I did.
As for the story, the POV switches among many people in the family. Nicky is featured most often. He finds he wants more than his current life is offering him and attempts to find himself and follow his acting dreams against everyone else’s expectations for him. I admired the way the author wrote his character arc; it was well-done. Nicky made some pretty major mistakes in the story, but he owned up to them, made restitution, and grew as a person.
The author did a very good job describing the culture of the Italian-American family as well. I’m not sure what else to say about it but that it was well-done.
My comment on the content is that there was some (not much) romantic adult content, which I didn’t think was necessary for the novel to be well-written. I can’t remember if there was swearing, but I think hat that was all that needs a warning.
I hope you enjoy this book more than I did; the author certain is a good writer, even if it isn’t my preference.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I am not obligated to provide a positive review.
Kiss Carlo was an interesting novel. I will admit that it wasn’t my cup of tea when I read it. Not for any fault of the author, as it was a very well-written book, but because I prefer a story with adventure that focuses on one or two people, not on a large extended family with multiple perspectives. This was more of a literary fiction novel, and I am certain that fans of the genre will appreciate it much more than I did.
As for the story, the POV switches among many people in the family. Nicky is featured most often. He finds he wants more than his current life is offering him and attempts to find himself and follow his acting dreams against everyone else’s expectations for him. I admired the way the author wrote his character arc; it was well-done. Nicky made some pretty major mistakes in the story, but he owned up to them, made restitution, and grew as a person.
The author did a very good job describing the culture of the Italian-American family as well. I’m not sure what else to say about it but that it was well-done.
My comment on the content is that there was some (not much) romantic adult content, which I didn’t think was necessary for the novel to be well-written. I can’t remember if there was swearing, but I think hat that was all that needs a warning.
I hope you enjoy this book more than I did; the author certain is a good writer, even if it isn’t my preference.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I am not obligated to provide a positive review.
June 29, 2017
It's 1949 and Calla Borelli's father owns a run down theater in South Philly that only shows Shakespearean plays, so obviously, it is struggling a bit. Calla works there, because along with her father, it's her passion, but she is not sure how it will stay open much longer. Nicky Castone works at the theater and also his family's cab company. He is an orphan and his aunt has taken him in, so he lives with his extended family in South Philly. His Uncle Dom's cab company competes with his estranged Uncle Mike's cab company in true South Philly fashion as they haven't talked to his other family in years due to a feud. Things seems to be going well for Nicky. He is engaged to be married to Peachy, he works at the theater which brings him joy, and he has a steady job at the cab company. One night during the Twelfth Night play at the theater he replaces an ailing actor and he is in a scene with Calla. Sparks fly, but what should he do about it? Should he go against his family's expectations and follow his heart and his dream of acting or should be marry Peachy, live in South Philly and the rest is history? Kiss Carlo by Adriana Trigiani has it all. It has family drama, hilarious moments, quiet moments, and reflections of family life from days gone by. It even has similar characteristics to Shakespeare's plays, which I especially appreciated it.
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here: http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
December 29, 2017
I simply could not put this book down and read it in two sittings! Kiss Carlo is a fast-paced historical romance novel that takes you back in time to the 1940's and 1950's. The book cover does not do this love story justice. The characters are truly captivating making them feel like a member of your family or a close friend. I really enjoyed the way the author describes the setting making it a beautiful backdrop for a steamy romantic read.
August 6, 2017
I loooved this book. I was a little hesitant to read this because this is my very favorite writer snd her last book was not my favorite, but I loved it. The characters just jump off the pages and into your heart. I don't know how she keeps so many stories going at one time. Sure hope there is going to be a sequel. Looooove.
June 23, 2017
NOTE: I received a complimentary ARC of this enthralling novel from TLC Book Tours for an honest (and honestly enthusiastic!) review.
This wonderful novel was my introduction to Adriana Trigiani, who is now one of my favorite authors! With Kiss Carlo, she has delivered a totally riveting, compelling story that actually plays like a movie from the year in which these events take place -- 1949.
I was so captivated by the book's cover, when I first saw it, that I decided to take the risk of going outside my comfort zone; I don't normally read historical family sagas. I'm so very glad that I did in this case, though!
I was immediately swept up into this richly-told story of a large Italian-American family living in South Philadelphia. The evocative writing, the combination of drama and humor, along with the idiosyncratic characters, all came together to make this a totally exhilarating reading experience for me! I quickly fell in love with the world so skillfully evoked by Trigiani, to the point that I am now feeling nostalgic for it.
One of the fascinating things about this novel is that the author interweaves some profound reflections on one's destiny with the other plot elements.
Nicky Castone, the novel's central character, drives a cab for the Palazzini Cab Company, owned by his family. But one day, he is suddenly forced to face the fact that mortality is an inescapable part of the human experience. This epiphany makes him aware, for the first time, that he's simply always gone blithely along with whatever his family expected of him. He suddenly realizes that he wants much more out of life.
Nicky's questioning is one that many readers, including myself, can easily relate to. However, Trigiani does not focus on this to the exclusion of all else. Instead, she skillfully develops the plot into a series of tragi-comical events that upset the status quo in the Palazzini family, as well as the DePino family. The results are paradoxically hilarious as well as heartbreaking.
Nicky is such a relatable, funny, irrepressible, and totally honest character! It took a lot of courage for him to call off his seven-year engagement to Peachy DePino and go off on a self-searching quest. (Although this quest was, comically enough, propelled by the prospect of facing Peachy's furious father.)
Nicky had already discovered that he loved acting at Borelli's Theater, where he works alongside Calla Borelli, the original owner's daughter, who directs all the plays performed there. Although Nicky does feel attracted to Calla, he considers her a friend, as she has her own boyfriend.
Calla is a very compelling character in her own right. She is passionately dedicated to the Borelli Theater, which is in danger of going under. She is also very devoted to her father, whom she cares for at the house they've shared for years. Furthermore, Calla is a very strong, determined young woman.
The relationship between Calla and Nicky plays out gradually, and I loved that they were friends first. Sometimes "love at first sight" can work, but other times not. In this case, both of these characters came to realize that they had unconsciously loved each other all along, although they did the honorable thing, since they were committed to other people. Their mutual passion for the theater, and especially Shakespeare's plays, plus their similar outlook on life, ultimately brought them together, after they had each taken separate paths.
The "supporting cast" Trigiani has assembled is just perfect, from Nicky's Aunt Jo and Uncle Dom, who took him in as an orphan, to his brothers and sisters-in-law, to the people of Roseto, a small town located about 60 miles to the north of Philadelphia. Some of the memorable characters living there are Mamie Confalone, who plays a small part in Nicky's life, and the very funny mother and daughter duo of 'wanna-be femme fatales', Cha Cha and Rosalba Tutolola.
The most interesting of all these secondary characters, however, is Hortense Mooney, an African-American woman who has been working as a dispatcher and telegraph operator at the Palazzini Cab Company for the last twenty years.
Hortense is a guardian angel of sorts to Nicky, to whom she gives her unconditional love, as well as emotional support. She's actually like a second mother to him, and he really values her advice and help.
I loved Hortense's wit, her frequent references to Eleanor Roosevelt -- a woman I have long admired -- and her shrewd observations on the Palazzini family interactions, as well as life in general. I also greatly enjoyed her budding friendship with Minna, a lonely woman who lives in Roseto. I would love it if Trigiani wrote a spinoff novel about Hortense!
Minna is a very poignant character. She has actually lived in a self-made prison since the death of her husband. When Hortense arrives in Roseto, and the two women get to know each other, Minna begins to change. This is a very touching part of the novel.
Sam Borelli, Calla's father, was another great secondary character. I loved his quiet strength, as well as his close relationship to his daughter, Calla. Although the reader doesn't get to know him as well as Hortense, his influence is felt by the actors at the theater. He has shaped their lives in very important ways, thus leaving a legacy of love for the theater that will survive the impact of the new television technology of the time.
This love of the theater is a very important aspect of this novel that makes me even more enthusiastic about the story! I especially like the fact that the actors at the Borelli Theater exclusively perform Shakespeare's plays. Nicky ends up acting in "Twelfth Night", which is very much pertinent to the plot of Kiss Carlo, as it, too, involves a case of mistaken identity. Trigiani includes several quotes from the play, thus making her love of Shakespeare a part of her novel. She skillfully interweaves the action in the play with that of her plot, thus creating an interesting contrast between the events on the stage and those in the novel.
I have to add that I couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for Peachy. The fact that she's a rather shallow, conventional person didn't stop me from feeling this way, either. I liked that Trigiani evaded the very easy route of making her a totally one-dimensional character. She loved Nicky, if in her own limited way. Trigiani handled the conflict between these two characters beautifully, avoiding too much drama and pathos.
Although Nicky's escapade does create some very funny reading, this is a well-balanced book, as there are some losses, as well. Even though this saddened me, it did make the novel more realistic, and the characters even more appealing. It was heartwarming to see how they supported each other through these situations.
The most important quality of a great novel is how deeply the reader is touched, to what degree the reader feels that they have actually lived another life in the reading of that novel. In Kiss Carlo, Trigiani certainly achieves this quality. Readers will feel as if they, too, had lived in South Philly in 1949, sharing in all the crazy, humorous, and sad interactions of the Palazzini family, as well as getting the feel of what it means to be an Italian-American.
I did not want this novel to end, and am already looking forward to reading it again in the future! These characters are just too unforgettable and likeable for me to simply put this book on a shelf and never dip into it again! Bravissimo, Ms. Trigiani!!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
This wonderful novel was my introduction to Adriana Trigiani, who is now one of my favorite authors! With Kiss Carlo, she has delivered a totally riveting, compelling story that actually plays like a movie from the year in which these events take place -- 1949.
I was so captivated by the book's cover, when I first saw it, that I decided to take the risk of going outside my comfort zone; I don't normally read historical family sagas. I'm so very glad that I did in this case, though!
I was immediately swept up into this richly-told story of a large Italian-American family living in South Philadelphia. The evocative writing, the combination of drama and humor, along with the idiosyncratic characters, all came together to make this a totally exhilarating reading experience for me! I quickly fell in love with the world so skillfully evoked by Trigiani, to the point that I am now feeling nostalgic for it.
One of the fascinating things about this novel is that the author interweaves some profound reflections on one's destiny with the other plot elements.
Nicky Castone, the novel's central character, drives a cab for the Palazzini Cab Company, owned by his family. But one day, he is suddenly forced to face the fact that mortality is an inescapable part of the human experience. This epiphany makes him aware, for the first time, that he's simply always gone blithely along with whatever his family expected of him. He suddenly realizes that he wants much more out of life.
Nicky's questioning is one that many readers, including myself, can easily relate to. However, Trigiani does not focus on this to the exclusion of all else. Instead, she skillfully develops the plot into a series of tragi-comical events that upset the status quo in the Palazzini family, as well as the DePino family. The results are paradoxically hilarious as well as heartbreaking.
Nicky is such a relatable, funny, irrepressible, and totally honest character! It took a lot of courage for him to call off his seven-year engagement to Peachy DePino and go off on a self-searching quest. (Although this quest was, comically enough, propelled by the prospect of facing Peachy's furious father.)
Nicky had already discovered that he loved acting at Borelli's Theater, where he works alongside Calla Borelli, the original owner's daughter, who directs all the plays performed there. Although Nicky does feel attracted to Calla, he considers her a friend, as she has her own boyfriend.
Calla is a very compelling character in her own right. She is passionately dedicated to the Borelli Theater, which is in danger of going under. She is also very devoted to her father, whom she cares for at the house they've shared for years. Furthermore, Calla is a very strong, determined young woman.
The relationship between Calla and Nicky plays out gradually, and I loved that they were friends first. Sometimes "love at first sight" can work, but other times not. In this case, both of these characters came to realize that they had unconsciously loved each other all along, although they did the honorable thing, since they were committed to other people. Their mutual passion for the theater, and especially Shakespeare's plays, plus their similar outlook on life, ultimately brought them together, after they had each taken separate paths.
The "supporting cast" Trigiani has assembled is just perfect, from Nicky's Aunt Jo and Uncle Dom, who took him in as an orphan, to his brothers and sisters-in-law, to the people of Roseto, a small town located about 60 miles to the north of Philadelphia. Some of the memorable characters living there are Mamie Confalone, who plays a small part in Nicky's life, and the very funny mother and daughter duo of 'wanna-be femme fatales', Cha Cha and Rosalba Tutolola.
The most interesting of all these secondary characters, however, is Hortense Mooney, an African-American woman who has been working as a dispatcher and telegraph operator at the Palazzini Cab Company for the last twenty years.
Hortense is a guardian angel of sorts to Nicky, to whom she gives her unconditional love, as well as emotional support. She's actually like a second mother to him, and he really values her advice and help.
I loved Hortense's wit, her frequent references to Eleanor Roosevelt -- a woman I have long admired -- and her shrewd observations on the Palazzini family interactions, as well as life in general. I also greatly enjoyed her budding friendship with Minna, a lonely woman who lives in Roseto. I would love it if Trigiani wrote a spinoff novel about Hortense!
Minna is a very poignant character. She has actually lived in a self-made prison since the death of her husband. When Hortense arrives in Roseto, and the two women get to know each other, Minna begins to change. This is a very touching part of the novel.
Sam Borelli, Calla's father, was another great secondary character. I loved his quiet strength, as well as his close relationship to his daughter, Calla. Although the reader doesn't get to know him as well as Hortense, his influence is felt by the actors at the theater. He has shaped their lives in very important ways, thus leaving a legacy of love for the theater that will survive the impact of the new television technology of the time.
This love of the theater is a very important aspect of this novel that makes me even more enthusiastic about the story! I especially like the fact that the actors at the Borelli Theater exclusively perform Shakespeare's plays. Nicky ends up acting in "Twelfth Night", which is very much pertinent to the plot of Kiss Carlo, as it, too, involves a case of mistaken identity. Trigiani includes several quotes from the play, thus making her love of Shakespeare a part of her novel. She skillfully interweaves the action in the play with that of her plot, thus creating an interesting contrast between the events on the stage and those in the novel.
I have to add that I couldn't help feeling a bit sorry for Peachy. The fact that she's a rather shallow, conventional person didn't stop me from feeling this way, either. I liked that Trigiani evaded the very easy route of making her a totally one-dimensional character. She loved Nicky, if in her own limited way. Trigiani handled the conflict between these two characters beautifully, avoiding too much drama and pathos.
Although Nicky's escapade does create some very funny reading, this is a well-balanced book, as there are some losses, as well. Even though this saddened me, it did make the novel more realistic, and the characters even more appealing. It was heartwarming to see how they supported each other through these situations.
The most important quality of a great novel is how deeply the reader is touched, to what degree the reader feels that they have actually lived another life in the reading of that novel. In Kiss Carlo, Trigiani certainly achieves this quality. Readers will feel as if they, too, had lived in South Philly in 1949, sharing in all the crazy, humorous, and sad interactions of the Palazzini family, as well as getting the feel of what it means to be an Italian-American.
I did not want this novel to end, and am already looking forward to reading it again in the future! These characters are just too unforgettable and likeable for me to simply put this book on a shelf and never dip into it again! Bravissimo, Ms. Trigiani!!
For more of my reviews, please visit my blog, A NIGHT’S DREAM OF BOOKS.
http://anightsdreamofbooks.blogspot.com
February 5, 2019
Отзыв в моём блоге: https://momentarythingsbymarochka.tum...
Книга «Поцелуй Карло» – это исторический роман (повествующий о конце 40-ых и начале 50-ых гг XXв.), относящийся к направлению реализм.
Несмотря на то, что в книге есть главный герой – Никки Кастоне, сюжет подробно раскрывает нам судьбы многих персонажей, так или иначе связанных с ним.
Героев не меньше 30 (огромная семья Никки, знакомые, друзья, коллеги и т.д.), и судьба каждого из них описана достаточно подробно. Конечно, не так уж просто ориентироваться в именах и героях, когда их так много (особенно, учитывая, что половина из них братья Никки и их жены), но все равно мне понравилось «разнообразие» судеб, благодаря этим разным историям такая огромная книга не показалась скучной или затянутой.
Герои очень реалистичны, в какой-то степени кажется, что автор просто пересказывает чьи-то реальные судьбы: простые и сложные, но никак не «книжно-идеальные». Мне очень понравилась именно правдоподобность, которую автор внесла в свою историю.
«Поцелуй Карло» - это книга о вере в себя, о следовании за своими мечтами, о семье и традициях, о доверии, об отношении к «цветным людям», о правильном выборе и о любви.
Повествование от третьего лица о разных героях.
Я боялась, что мне будет трудно читать. Книга об итальянцах и 50-ых годах XX века. Но итальянского языка практически не было, и автор пишет довольно просто для современного читателя. Имена у многих персонажей очень необычные для XXI века, интересно было гадать, что же еще придумает автор.
В целом, несмотря на огромные размеры книги, читается просто и быстро.
Я даже не ожидала, что мне может так понравиться книга об итальянских эмигрантах, живущих в 50-ые гг XXв. Но, хотя их жизнь, конечно, отличается от нашей, все равно они такие же обычные люди, как и мы. У них, в большинстве своем, такие же проблемы, как у нас, и точно такие же радости.
Мне очень понравилось, что в книге описано столько разных судеб, порой весьма второстепенных, но при этом не менее интересных, героев.
Я прочитала с удовольствием за два вечера, несмотря на большие размеры книги.
И хотя сама я вряд ли выбрала бы эту книгу для прочтения, она меня очень порадовала.
Книга «Поцелуй Карло» – это исторический роман (повествующий о конце 40-ых и начале 50-ых гг XXв.), относящийся к направлению реализм.
Несмотря на то, что в книге есть главный герой – Никки Кастоне, сюжет подробно раскрывает нам судьбы многих персонажей, так или иначе связанных с ним.
Героев не меньше 30 (огромная семья Никки, знакомые, друзья, коллеги и т.д.), и судьба каждого из них описана достаточно подробно. Конечно, не так уж просто ориентироваться в именах и героях, когда их так много (особенно, учитывая, что половина из них братья Никки и их жены), но все равно мне понравилось «разнообразие» судеб, благодаря этим разным историям такая огромная книга не показалась скучной или затянутой.
Герои очень реалистичны, в какой-то степени кажется, что автор просто пересказывает чьи-то реальные судьбы: простые и сложные, но никак не «книжно-идеальные». Мне очень понравилась именно правдоподобность, которую автор внесла в свою историю.
«Поцелуй Карло» - это книга о вере в себя, о следовании за своими мечтами, о семье и традициях, о доверии, об отношении к «цветным людям», о правильном выборе и о любви.
Повествование от третьего лица о разных героях.
Я боялась, что мне будет трудно читать. Книга об итальянцах и 50-ых годах XX века. Но итальянского языка практически не было, и автор пишет довольно просто для современного читателя. Имена у многих персонажей очень необычные для XXI века, интересно было гадать, что же еще придумает автор.
В целом, несмотря на огромные размеры книги, читается просто и быстро.
Я даже не ожидала, что мне может так понравиться книга об итальянских эмигрантах, живущих в 50-ые гг XXв. Но, хотя их жизнь, конечно, отличается от нашей, все равно они такие же обычные люди, как и мы. У них, в большинстве своем, такие же проблемы, как у нас, и точно такие же радости.
Мне очень понравилось, что в книге описано столько разных судеб, порой весьма второстепенных, но при этом не менее интересных, героев.
Я прочитала с удовольствием за два вечера, несмотря на большие размеры книги.
И хотя сама я вряд ли выбрала бы эту книгу для прочтения, она меня очень порадовала.
June 23, 2017
I always look forward to a new Adriana Trigiani book. I feel like I am an honorary Italian when I read her books, filled with family, food, romance and people with a good work ethic.
Trigiani's latest novel, Kiss Carlo, is a big, beautiful novel, stuffed with all of the above and more. The story begins in Roseto Valfatore, Italy in 1949, with Carlo, the ambassador, heading to Roseto, Pennsylvania to seek help from some Italian-Americans in rebuilding their road.
From there, we meet the Palazzini brothers of Philadelphia, Dom and Mike, who once owned a taxi company together, but after a falling out, they now have competing taxi companies and no longer speak to each other.
Dom is the frugal one, and his wife Jo has spent her life caring for their home and (now grown) children, and her nephew Nicky who lost his parents at an early age. Jo is the kind of woman who makes homemade pasta in the basement, and irons everyone's underwear.
Mike is the flashier guy, and he has a more successful taxi business. His wife Nancy has the fancy clothes, and visits the hair salon weekly. The sisters-in-law used to be close, but because of the feud no longer speak. It's almost Shakespearean, you could say.
Speaking of Shakespeare, Nicky drives Uncle Dom's taxi by day and by night volunteers at a local Shakespearean theater, run by Calla Borelli, who is trying to keep the doors to her father's theater open. This new television craze has hurt live theater.
What's interesting in Kiss Carlo is that the main character is Nicky, a man. Nicky feels a little lost, even though his aunt and uncle love him very much. He is engaged to Peachy, a woman who feels her time is running out before she is officially a spinster.
When Nicky gets the opportunity to perform onstage at the theater, he comes alive. Now he knows what he wants to do- be an actor. Peachy, however, will not hear of it.
There is a lot going on in Kiss Carlo, and watching how Trigiani weaves the story and characters together is just amazing. It's like seeing someone take a skein of yarn and a few minutes later a beautiful blanket materializes.
There are so many great characters in this story- Jo Palazzini, Calla, Nicky, Mamie Confalone- but my favorite is Hortense. Hortense is a black woman who works as a dispatcher for Dom's taxi service. She has been with them for years, and she brooks no nonsense. Don't ask Hortense what she thinks unless you really want to know.
Hortense finds herself involved in a crazy caper with Nicky, and through that experience she meets a woman who will change her life. I love that Hortense wants a better life for herself and when she sees an opportunity, she works hard and uses her brains to make it happen. (It's that work ethic that shows up in every one of Trigiani's books.)
I had the chance to speak briefly with Adriana and I told her that I think Hortense is my all-time favorite character of hers. She told me that Hortense was a real person, and she actually shows up in the Acknowledgements page.
Soap opera fans will get a kick out of the fact that uber-producer Gloria Monty has a cameo appearance in this book. I told you, there is a lot packed into this book.
I gave a copy of Kiss Carlo to one of my Italian-American friends, and she read the 500+ page book in two days, telling me she couldn't put it down. I totally agree with her, this is one of Adriana Trigiani's best books.
Whether you're from a big family or just yearn to be, Kiss Carlo is for you. And if you take this book to the beach, bring along plenty of sunscreen because you will not be able to stop reading it until you finish. I give it my highest recommendation.
Trigiani's latest novel, Kiss Carlo, is a big, beautiful novel, stuffed with all of the above and more. The story begins in Roseto Valfatore, Italy in 1949, with Carlo, the ambassador, heading to Roseto, Pennsylvania to seek help from some Italian-Americans in rebuilding their road.
From there, we meet the Palazzini brothers of Philadelphia, Dom and Mike, who once owned a taxi company together, but after a falling out, they now have competing taxi companies and no longer speak to each other.
Dom is the frugal one, and his wife Jo has spent her life caring for their home and (now grown) children, and her nephew Nicky who lost his parents at an early age. Jo is the kind of woman who makes homemade pasta in the basement, and irons everyone's underwear.
Mike is the flashier guy, and he has a more successful taxi business. His wife Nancy has the fancy clothes, and visits the hair salon weekly. The sisters-in-law used to be close, but because of the feud no longer speak. It's almost Shakespearean, you could say.
Speaking of Shakespeare, Nicky drives Uncle Dom's taxi by day and by night volunteers at a local Shakespearean theater, run by Calla Borelli, who is trying to keep the doors to her father's theater open. This new television craze has hurt live theater.
What's interesting in Kiss Carlo is that the main character is Nicky, a man. Nicky feels a little lost, even though his aunt and uncle love him very much. He is engaged to Peachy, a woman who feels her time is running out before she is officially a spinster.
When Nicky gets the opportunity to perform onstage at the theater, he comes alive. Now he knows what he wants to do- be an actor. Peachy, however, will not hear of it.
There is a lot going on in Kiss Carlo, and watching how Trigiani weaves the story and characters together is just amazing. It's like seeing someone take a skein of yarn and a few minutes later a beautiful blanket materializes.
There are so many great characters in this story- Jo Palazzini, Calla, Nicky, Mamie Confalone- but my favorite is Hortense. Hortense is a black woman who works as a dispatcher for Dom's taxi service. She has been with them for years, and she brooks no nonsense. Don't ask Hortense what she thinks unless you really want to know.
Hortense finds herself involved in a crazy caper with Nicky, and through that experience she meets a woman who will change her life. I love that Hortense wants a better life for herself and when she sees an opportunity, she works hard and uses her brains to make it happen. (It's that work ethic that shows up in every one of Trigiani's books.)
I had the chance to speak briefly with Adriana and I told her that I think Hortense is my all-time favorite character of hers. She told me that Hortense was a real person, and she actually shows up in the Acknowledgements page.
Soap opera fans will get a kick out of the fact that uber-producer Gloria Monty has a cameo appearance in this book. I told you, there is a lot packed into this book.
I gave a copy of Kiss Carlo to one of my Italian-American friends, and she read the 500+ page book in two days, telling me she couldn't put it down. I totally agree with her, this is one of Adriana Trigiani's best books.
Whether you're from a big family or just yearn to be, Kiss Carlo is for you. And if you take this book to the beach, bring along plenty of sunscreen because you will not be able to stop reading it until you finish. I give it my highest recommendation.
June 13, 2018
The cover is to die for and you can judge a book by its cover. I'm a Adriana Trigiani fan and have read all of them. She never disappoints. I'm so happy that I received an ARC thanks to a book blogger page on Facebook.
Even though this book was 500+ pages, it was fast reading and these two families meshed well together -- except for the brothers Mike & Dom who had a falling out almost 20 years ago until almost the end of the book. So much going on in this book and not just with the families either. The theater, the cab business, the Western Union business, the workers, the cast of The Borelli Theater, the owner and the Director of it too. It all blends together cohesively.
Brava (pun intended -- one of her book titles is Brava, Valentine) Adri. Can't wait for her next one.
Forgot to mention that it mentions Scranton, PA, a few times and that is my hometown.
Even though this book was 500+ pages, it was fast reading and these two families meshed well together -- except for the brothers Mike & Dom who had a falling out almost 20 years ago until almost the end of the book. So much going on in this book and not just with the families either. The theater, the cab business, the Western Union business, the workers, the cast of The Borelli Theater, the owner and the Director of it too. It all blends together cohesively.
Brava (pun intended -- one of her book titles is Brava, Valentine) Adri. Can't wait for her next one.
Forgot to mention that it mentions Scranton, PA, a few times and that is my hometown.
April 17, 2020
I liked the ending, but boy did it take a long time to get there...
July 5, 2017
I saw the author talking about her book on the Today Show and went to check it out of the library. The book was good with a plot I haven't had much of before. The only reason I gave this three stars was because I felt like the story ended and resolved everything and then would start again. It went through about three waves of that and I wasn't sure of the direction of the book. But it was good and I would recommend it.
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