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Orphan of the Olive Tree
A deeply evocative story of lies, secrets, and betrayal, Orphan of the Olive Tree is a family saga of two unforgettable women, an oath sworn in blood, a curse uttered in envy, and the dark secret that destroys their lives.
From two neighboring villas in the heart of the Tuscan countryside to the elegance of Siena; from a world steeped in ancient superstitions to a culture where family honor is paramount comes this multi-layered novel of the lives, loves, secrets and strivings of two women and their families in the 13th century.
Felicia Ventura is an unpretentious woman, alone in the world, who is happily married to Enrico. She dreams of a simple future raising a family, but her hopes are shattered because of a curse and the casting of the evil eye by her envious neighbor, a Sicilian beauty named Prudenza.
Prudenza is worldly and materialistic and her envy of Felicia knows no bounds. She casts the evil eye on her adversary. When Felicia gives birth to twin sons, Prudenza revives an ancient superstition and spreads a rumor that Felicia’s twins were fathered by different men. Soon, Prudenza gives birth to her own twins - daughters. Desperate to save face, Prudenza rids herself of one infant, keeping the child’s existence secret. But as the years go by, the truth has a way of making itself known. Soon Prudenza’s deception will lead to the unraveling of everything she values in life.
Orphan of the Olive Tree is an unforgettable novel about wicked intentions, superstition, undisclosed secrets, unstoppable destinies; and two generations of women and the extraordinary event that will vindicate or destroy them.
From two neighboring villas in the heart of the Tuscan countryside to the elegance of Siena; from a world steeped in ancient superstitions to a culture where family honor is paramount comes this multi-layered novel of the lives, loves, secrets and strivings of two women and their families in the 13th century.
Felicia Ventura is an unpretentious woman, alone in the world, who is happily married to Enrico. She dreams of a simple future raising a family, but her hopes are shattered because of a curse and the casting of the evil eye by her envious neighbor, a Sicilian beauty named Prudenza.
Prudenza is worldly and materialistic and her envy of Felicia knows no bounds. She casts the evil eye on her adversary. When Felicia gives birth to twin sons, Prudenza revives an ancient superstition and spreads a rumor that Felicia’s twins were fathered by different men. Soon, Prudenza gives birth to her own twins - daughters. Desperate to save face, Prudenza rids herself of one infant, keeping the child’s existence secret. But as the years go by, the truth has a way of making itself known. Soon Prudenza’s deception will lead to the unraveling of everything she values in life.
Orphan of the Olive Tree is an unforgettable novel about wicked intentions, superstition, undisclosed secrets, unstoppable destinies; and two generations of women and the extraordinary event that will vindicate or destroy them.
656 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
109 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
Mirella Sichirollo Patzer
80 books78 followersFirst generation Italian-Canadian, Mirella Patzer is passionate about writing and reading novels set in historical eras, especially with Italian settings. Her passions, apart from writing, are blogging about women in history, travelling, discovering and testing historical recipes researching, and spending time with her family. She currently lives in Calgary, Alberta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
January 17, 2013
Walking through the Christmas market in Piazza Navona a couple of years ago, I was surprised to see several small children clustered around one of the stalls, captivated by small puppets of witches on broomsticks.
‘They’re befana,’ my friend explained to me. ‘She’s like Father Christmas. Only instead of a sleigh, she rides a broomstick.’
Rome may host the headquarters of the Catholic Church, but belief in the efficacy of spells, witches and the evil eye are undiminished even in the shadow of the Vatican. Scratch an Italian and you find a superstition.
It is this connection to the pagan past that Mirella Patzer captures so wonderfully in her historical romance, The Orphan of the Olive Tree.
Even today most Italian friends I know have an equivocal relationship with the dark side. They still believe in the power of the strega; it’s a fear that predates Christianity.
Emperors like Augustus and Tiberius had seers and necromancers banished or executed while retaining astrologers and fortune tellers in their retinue, consulting them whenever they had to make an important decision.
As Mirella Patzer’s novel opens, Felicia Ventura believes she is barren. In desperation she seeks out a local wise woman and asks her help to conceive. The old lady recommends a mammetta, a fertility doll made from a mandrake root.
But not just any mandrake:
"Cosma halted at the foot of a large oak on the outskirts of the village. Felicia recognized the tree where executioners hung local criminals.
“The mandrake root grows best beneath such trees.” Cosma bent, set
down the cage, opened the door, and leashed the dog before releasing it.
The creature sniffed the ground.
“Why?” Felicia detested being in such a forbidding place, particularly
at night. A wind whirled around them, stirring up leaves and debris and the scent of moss. An owl hooted in the distance. Felicia clutched her cloak tight in an attempt to retain what remained of her fading valor.
“When a man dies at the end of a rope, in the seconds before he perishes, it is said he lets loose a final, uncontrolled ejaculation. This last semen is the richest. It fertilizes the ground beneath his swinging limbs and causes the mandrake root to spring up.”
The mammetta works its magic and Felicia gives birth to twins. But her success only antagonizes a jealous neighbor, and Felicia falls victim to the ‘evil eye’.
You will still hear Italians speak of the mal'occhio (mal means bad, and occhio - the eye). It is bad luck or even a curse caused by the bad thoughts of other people - especially envy. My friend was especially wary and wears an amulet. You will see others make signs against the evil eye or wear cornetti to protect themselves from its effects.
So the scenario Ms Patzer describes is not only historically compelling, but anyone who has mixed in southern Italian communities will know that even today narratives such as this persist.
When Felicia gives birth to her twins, her rival, Prudenza, revives another ancient superstition - that twins are only born when a woman has bedded another man at the same time as her husband. The power of this mordant belief in the medieval Tuscan village where they live is strong enough to ruin Felicia’s marriage.
The novel is about two generations of women and the secrets they keep, played against the backdrop of the medieval Tuscan countryside around Sienna - famous for its horse races through the Piazza del Campo, which even today attracts massive crowds.
She exactly captures the mind-set of people living in a country and an age when a man’s blood oath was binding and a paradoxical belief in the power of the strega and fear of the Church ruled everyone’s lives.
The intricately woven plot rips along at breath taking speed, and the short chapters give the book great read-on appeal.
Mirella is passionate about her subject and her characters and this oozes through every page. Highly recommended.
‘They’re befana,’ my friend explained to me. ‘She’s like Father Christmas. Only instead of a sleigh, she rides a broomstick.’
Rome may host the headquarters of the Catholic Church, but belief in the efficacy of spells, witches and the evil eye are undiminished even in the shadow of the Vatican. Scratch an Italian and you find a superstition.
It is this connection to the pagan past that Mirella Patzer captures so wonderfully in her historical romance, The Orphan of the Olive Tree.
Even today most Italian friends I know have an equivocal relationship with the dark side. They still believe in the power of the strega; it’s a fear that predates Christianity.
Emperors like Augustus and Tiberius had seers and necromancers banished or executed while retaining astrologers and fortune tellers in their retinue, consulting them whenever they had to make an important decision.
As Mirella Patzer’s novel opens, Felicia Ventura believes she is barren. In desperation she seeks out a local wise woman and asks her help to conceive. The old lady recommends a mammetta, a fertility doll made from a mandrake root.
But not just any mandrake:
"Cosma halted at the foot of a large oak on the outskirts of the village. Felicia recognized the tree where executioners hung local criminals.
“The mandrake root grows best beneath such trees.” Cosma bent, set
down the cage, opened the door, and leashed the dog before releasing it.
The creature sniffed the ground.
“Why?” Felicia detested being in such a forbidding place, particularly
at night. A wind whirled around them, stirring up leaves and debris and the scent of moss. An owl hooted in the distance. Felicia clutched her cloak tight in an attempt to retain what remained of her fading valor.
“When a man dies at the end of a rope, in the seconds before he perishes, it is said he lets loose a final, uncontrolled ejaculation. This last semen is the richest. It fertilizes the ground beneath his swinging limbs and causes the mandrake root to spring up.”
The mammetta works its magic and Felicia gives birth to twins. But her success only antagonizes a jealous neighbor, and Felicia falls victim to the ‘evil eye’.
You will still hear Italians speak of the mal'occhio (mal means bad, and occhio - the eye). It is bad luck or even a curse caused by the bad thoughts of other people - especially envy. My friend was especially wary and wears an amulet. You will see others make signs against the evil eye or wear cornetti to protect themselves from its effects.
So the scenario Ms Patzer describes is not only historically compelling, but anyone who has mixed in southern Italian communities will know that even today narratives such as this persist.
When Felicia gives birth to her twins, her rival, Prudenza, revives another ancient superstition - that twins are only born when a woman has bedded another man at the same time as her husband. The power of this mordant belief in the medieval Tuscan village where they live is strong enough to ruin Felicia’s marriage.
The novel is about two generations of women and the secrets they keep, played against the backdrop of the medieval Tuscan countryside around Sienna - famous for its horse races through the Piazza del Campo, which even today attracts massive crowds.
She exactly captures the mind-set of people living in a country and an age when a man’s blood oath was binding and a paradoxical belief in the power of the strega and fear of the Church ruled everyone’s lives.
The intricately woven plot rips along at breath taking speed, and the short chapters give the book great read-on appeal.
Mirella is passionate about her subject and her characters and this oozes through every page. Highly recommended.
February 24, 2013
This book is the story of two generations of families, bound by life-long friendships, oaths and also bitterness and curses. The story was intriguing from the opening pages which began with a battle scene, a life-changing blood oath, all the way through misbegotten superstitions, abandoned children,near-fatal lightening strikes, forbidden love, attempted murder and for some, redemption. And for others? Much deserved retribution.
All of the characters in the story are fully and carefully developed and I truly wanted to know what would happen to them. I
read this book very quickly as the writing style is easy and free flowing. I always appreciate an author who can paint an exotic landscape with words, and this author did.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance, or a good family saga. Great all around story.
All of the characters in the story are fully and carefully developed and I truly wanted to know what would happen to them. I
read this book very quickly as the writing style is easy and free flowing. I always appreciate an author who can paint an exotic landscape with words, and this author did.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good romance, or a good family saga. Great all around story.
April 28, 2013
An Intricate Web of Bonds, Rivalries, Superstitions, and Consequences
This saga of two 13th century Italian families is authentic and dramatic from the opening. Adept at weaving a more and more intricate web of bonds, rivalries, superstitions, and inevitable consequences, Ms. Patzer is a wonderful storyteller. She incorporates the historical background and physical particulars with descriptive ease to transport the reader into beautiful Tuscan exteriors and interiors, the dangerous urban world of Sienna, and the naïve seclusion of a cloister. The novel is well balanced between interesting and believable dialogue that reveals much about its characters while moving the story along, and its lyrical depictions of the countryside, weather, clothes, food, festivals, even the utensils and tools used in cooking and farming. Ms. Patzer’s attention to detail as well as her innate understanding of the novel’s pious and paganistic context, are what, for me, give her writing its distinction.
Although at times predictable, it never lacks in anticipation, and proved an enjoyable and affecting read.
This saga of two 13th century Italian families is authentic and dramatic from the opening. Adept at weaving a more and more intricate web of bonds, rivalries, superstitions, and inevitable consequences, Ms. Patzer is a wonderful storyteller. She incorporates the historical background and physical particulars with descriptive ease to transport the reader into beautiful Tuscan exteriors and interiors, the dangerous urban world of Sienna, and the naïve seclusion of a cloister. The novel is well balanced between interesting and believable dialogue that reveals much about its characters while moving the story along, and its lyrical depictions of the countryside, weather, clothes, food, festivals, even the utensils and tools used in cooking and farming. Ms. Patzer’s attention to detail as well as her innate understanding of the novel’s pious and paganistic context, are what, for me, give her writing its distinction.
Although at times predictable, it never lacks in anticipation, and proved an enjoyable and affecting read.
September 7, 2013
"Orphan on the Olive Tree" gripped me from the very beginning, taking me to the 15th century Italian countryside in the most natural fashion, as though I had always been there, washing clothes with the women of the small town down, gossiping and seeking for means to make pregnancy happen.
This story unfolded slowly and beautifully, at the exactly right pace, taking me along the complicated ride of rivalry and friendship, of unbecoming jealousy of some and the beautiful loyalty of the others, of young men and women full of passion and desires that had nothing to do with the intentions of their parents or the ancient vows.
It was the most enjoyable read, full of the sense of time and place, giving me what I love most about historical fiction - a great story to enjoy while learning something fascinatingly new along the way. The background showed a deep research and a cultural understanding, while the story-line flowed perfectly, never slacking or leaving the reader in the dark, with the characters, good or evil, being delightfully alive, bringing the story forward, living it!
I recommend this book highly!
This story unfolded slowly and beautifully, at the exactly right pace, taking me along the complicated ride of rivalry and friendship, of unbecoming jealousy of some and the beautiful loyalty of the others, of young men and women full of passion and desires that had nothing to do with the intentions of their parents or the ancient vows.
It was the most enjoyable read, full of the sense of time and place, giving me what I love most about historical fiction - a great story to enjoy while learning something fascinatingly new along the way. The background showed a deep research and a cultural understanding, while the story-line flowed perfectly, never slacking or leaving the reader in the dark, with the characters, good or evil, being delightfully alive, bringing the story forward, living it!
I recommend this book highly!
November 17, 2013
There are elements of a fairy tale in The Orphan of the Olive Tree with its tale of star crossed love between two sets of twins. There is nothing sugar coated about the story, though. Patzer's meticulous research shines through as she reveals the reality of life in 13th Century Italy, a period that is not often described in historical fiction. Superstition stood side by side with religious devotion, and family honour and canon law overrode the freedom to marry for love. This book is rich with detail as to the beliefs, rituals, medicines and strictures of medieval times. Patzer skillfully entwines the stories of two generations of neighbours whose fates are determined by a blood oath between two men on a battlefield. Whether describing the gentle rhythm of rural life, the humble routine of a convent, or the pageantry of the Palio in Sienna, the reader is introduced to an authentic world and to vivid and compelling characters. Highly recommended.
August 5, 2013
Ug, I don't know how these historical novels keep getting 4 and 5 stars on Amazon. This was just another boring, predictable story written in a stilted manner. I'm not sure why so many writers of historical novels write this way, but a lot of the books in the Kindle Lending Library are like this. I'm going to chalk it up to inexperience, lack of reading quality historical novels, or something else. I don't find the characters compelling in any sense. There's a lack of depth and a tendency to tell rather than show. I guess you get what you pay for.
June 10, 2013
Good grief that took forever. Simple writing, simple story (though tried very hard to be complex), very straightforward. If only everyone could be as understanding and aware of their surroundings as romance novels would have you believe. Silver lining: one of the best one-liners I've ever read.
September 30, 2020
Uma história linda movida a amor, crenças e destino.
A história gira em torno de dois núcleos familiares: Família Ventura e Família Benevento.
Carlo Benevento e Enrico Ventura são amigos desde sempre. Lutaram juntos em guerras e são vizinhos. Fizeram um pacto de sangue depois da guerra, que seus filhos primogênitos se casariam.
Felicia Ventura, esposa de Enrico, é adorada por todos. Humilde, atenciosa, sua alegria contagia.
Prudenza Benevento, esposa de Carlo, é o oposto de Felicia. Ambiciosa, gosta de mostrar que é melhor que os outros. Sente inveja de ver a felicidade de sua vizinha e sempre deseja o mal aos outros.
Felicia é a primeira a engravidar, depois de procurar uma curandeira e seguir seus ensinamentos. Quando chega a hora fica surpresa por ver que teve dois filhos, gêmeos. Um fisicamente parecido com seu marido e o outro parecido com ela. Prudenza, com inveja, espalha um boato dizendo que quando isso acontece é porque a mulher teve dois homens. As pessoas acreditam nela, Enrico também.
Prudenza também engravida e tem duas meninas, diferentes também. Com medo do boato que ela mesma espalhou, diz para parteira sumir com uma das meninas. Fingi que só teve uma.
A mão do destino é indescritível. Tudo o que é para acontecer, de um jeito ou outro acaba acontecendo mesmo. A autora consegue nos guiar por enredos incríveis sem perder detalhes. São muitos personagens, e cada um com seu papel importante na história. Uma narrativa emocionante de aquecer o coração. Super recomendo a leitura!!!
A história gira em torno de dois núcleos familiares: Família Ventura e Família Benevento.
Carlo Benevento e Enrico Ventura são amigos desde sempre. Lutaram juntos em guerras e são vizinhos. Fizeram um pacto de sangue depois da guerra, que seus filhos primogênitos se casariam.
Felicia Ventura, esposa de Enrico, é adorada por todos. Humilde, atenciosa, sua alegria contagia.
Prudenza Benevento, esposa de Carlo, é o oposto de Felicia. Ambiciosa, gosta de mostrar que é melhor que os outros. Sente inveja de ver a felicidade de sua vizinha e sempre deseja o mal aos outros.
Felicia é a primeira a engravidar, depois de procurar uma curandeira e seguir seus ensinamentos. Quando chega a hora fica surpresa por ver que teve dois filhos, gêmeos. Um fisicamente parecido com seu marido e o outro parecido com ela. Prudenza, com inveja, espalha um boato dizendo que quando isso acontece é porque a mulher teve dois homens. As pessoas acreditam nela, Enrico também.
Prudenza também engravida e tem duas meninas, diferentes também. Com medo do boato que ela mesma espalhou, diz para parteira sumir com uma das meninas. Fingi que só teve uma.
A mão do destino é indescritível. Tudo o que é para acontecer, de um jeito ou outro acaba acontecendo mesmo. A autora consegue nos guiar por enredos incríveis sem perder detalhes. São muitos personagens, e cada um com seu papel importante na história. Uma narrativa emocionante de aquecer o coração. Super recomendo a leitura!!!
July 7, 2017
This is really badly written. I made it to the middle but couldn't keep reading, the writing was just really bad. Full of superficial, short childish sentences. Nope.
May 16, 2014
Mirella Sichirollo Patzer knows how to craft a perfect tale, and it once again shows in this Italian historical saga.
If you enjoy fairy tale worlds where the wicked receive their just deserts, where a mendicant is ever more than she seems, and where fated encounters and games of identity play a strong part in the narrative, you will savor this enchanting tale of medieval Tuscany.
From the charming village of Costalpino, to the lively Sienna markets, and even within the cool cloistered walls of a nunnery, Mirella Patzer vividly depicts the world of 13th century Italy, together with its superstitions, ways of life, and its delicious culinary offerings. While the author has a solid knowledge of her subject, the reader never feels weighted down with tedious details.
Orphan of the Olive Tree is a smooth and entertaining read. Curses are cast, magical potions are brewed, village gossip is set alight, and young maidens are seduced and eagerly deflowered. All the while, much plotting abounds in secret, keeping the narrative on a suspenseful path to a satisfying conclusion.
Mirella also injects a good dose of humor in her story. I particularly enjoyed the cat fight between the two female leads earlier in the story – the banquet setting and cultural backdrop made it an evocative scene. ( I am Lebanese so the whole rustic Italian thing was very close to home!) The birthing scene was also a standout - it was a well-illustrated situation and one of the most entertaining scenes of its kind.
My fondness for this story extends from a fondness for how the author handles her female characters and their fate. I like how the author is in touch with the varied medieval world of women, both within and beyond the notably patriarchal systems of the period. I love how the story delves into the female forces that exist in the Mediterranean, and brings them to the fore.
I feel that the author has a natural skill for creating suspense - something I also enjoyed while reading The Contessa’s Vendetta.
The engaging characterization also contributed to my enjoyment.
My favorite character was Luca - he suffered admonitions from his parents due to his high-risk career and love interest, but he did not waver. I felt he was the strongest character in his ability to abide to his convictions and sway to none, despite the prospect of social disapproval – a force to be reckoned with, and to which many submit, whether in medieval Italy or modern times.
Highly recommended!
If you enjoy fairy tale worlds where the wicked receive their just deserts, where a mendicant is ever more than she seems, and where fated encounters and games of identity play a strong part in the narrative, you will savor this enchanting tale of medieval Tuscany.
From the charming village of Costalpino, to the lively Sienna markets, and even within the cool cloistered walls of a nunnery, Mirella Patzer vividly depicts the world of 13th century Italy, together with its superstitions, ways of life, and its delicious culinary offerings. While the author has a solid knowledge of her subject, the reader never feels weighted down with tedious details.
Orphan of the Olive Tree is a smooth and entertaining read. Curses are cast, magical potions are brewed, village gossip is set alight, and young maidens are seduced and eagerly deflowered. All the while, much plotting abounds in secret, keeping the narrative on a suspenseful path to a satisfying conclusion.
Mirella also injects a good dose of humor in her story. I particularly enjoyed the cat fight between the two female leads earlier in the story – the banquet setting and cultural backdrop made it an evocative scene. ( I am Lebanese so the whole rustic Italian thing was very close to home!) The birthing scene was also a standout - it was a well-illustrated situation and one of the most entertaining scenes of its kind.
My fondness for this story extends from a fondness for how the author handles her female characters and their fate. I like how the author is in touch with the varied medieval world of women, both within and beyond the notably patriarchal systems of the period. I love how the story delves into the female forces that exist in the Mediterranean, and brings them to the fore.
I feel that the author has a natural skill for creating suspense - something I also enjoyed while reading The Contessa’s Vendetta.
The engaging characterization also contributed to my enjoyment.
My favorite character was Luca - he suffered admonitions from his parents due to his high-risk career and love interest, but he did not waver. I felt he was the strongest character in his ability to abide to his convictions and sway to none, despite the prospect of social disapproval – a force to be reckoned with, and to which many submit, whether in medieval Italy or modern times.
Highly recommended!
December 3, 2012
I enjoyed this 122 chapter book. Even though the chapters were very short, I would have never imagined reading a novel that was more than 70 chapters. Instead of using scene breaks, the author chose to rotate chapters between every character (around 10 characters).
My favorite lines: 1) “Looks can deceive,” said Cosma. “Often what gleams on the outside is rotten within. Peace is a state that must be guarded for it can easily be lost.” 2) This woman whom he barely knew had through no deliberate act of her won, infiltrated his mind, his heart and soul. 3) The past is best left to rest. It is the future that carries hope.
Enrico and Carlo were best friends. Enrico was married to Felicia while Carlo married Prudenza. Felicia had twin boys: Luca and Lorenzo. Prudenza had twin girls: Giustina with the mom giving up Olivia.
Prudenza was a jealous hater, who could cast the evil eye. A horrible lie she spread came back to bite her in the butt after her children were born. To avoid scorn, she gave the oldest baby up.
Even though Luca and Giustina were allegedly destined to marry, they didn’t love each other. It boggled my mind that the parents were adamant that love wasn’t part of the equation for marriage. I loved all the drama, tension, and conflict that ensued because of this. I wanted to give the kids a hug because of the pain they endured, trying to convince their parents to change their minds.
My favorite scenes: 1) Cosma (a healer) and Vincenza were on a journey to start a new life when a horse causes something tragic for the both of them. My heart broke during that scene. 2) the scenes with the star-crossed lovers Lorenzo and Giustina/ Olivia and Luca. 3) the ending when karma finally catches up to Prudenza.
Mirella Sichirollo Patzer had a great talent with dialogue. The conversations were realistic, yet full of passion from all sides. Especially when the fathers spoke; they were so stubborn. My favorite characters were the kids and Felicia. They could do no harm in my book, but I truly despised Prudenza. I loved that the author made all the characters three-dimensional, so I got a chance to get to know all of them. I cared or loathed them–it was never a situation where I thought ‘why is she spending so much time on this person that I don’t care about?’
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
My favorite lines: 1) “Looks can deceive,” said Cosma. “Often what gleams on the outside is rotten within. Peace is a state that must be guarded for it can easily be lost.” 2) This woman whom he barely knew had through no deliberate act of her won, infiltrated his mind, his heart and soul. 3) The past is best left to rest. It is the future that carries hope.
Enrico and Carlo were best friends. Enrico was married to Felicia while Carlo married Prudenza. Felicia had twin boys: Luca and Lorenzo. Prudenza had twin girls: Giustina with the mom giving up Olivia.
Prudenza was a jealous hater, who could cast the evil eye. A horrible lie she spread came back to bite her in the butt after her children were born. To avoid scorn, she gave the oldest baby up.
Even though Luca and Giustina were allegedly destined to marry, they didn’t love each other. It boggled my mind that the parents were adamant that love wasn’t part of the equation for marriage. I loved all the drama, tension, and conflict that ensued because of this. I wanted to give the kids a hug because of the pain they endured, trying to convince their parents to change their minds.
My favorite scenes: 1) Cosma (a healer) and Vincenza were on a journey to start a new life when a horse causes something tragic for the both of them. My heart broke during that scene. 2) the scenes with the star-crossed lovers Lorenzo and Giustina/ Olivia and Luca. 3) the ending when karma finally catches up to Prudenza.
Mirella Sichirollo Patzer had a great talent with dialogue. The conversations were realistic, yet full of passion from all sides. Especially when the fathers spoke; they were so stubborn. My favorite characters were the kids and Felicia. They could do no harm in my book, but I truly despised Prudenza. I loved that the author made all the characters three-dimensional, so I got a chance to get to know all of them. I cared or loathed them–it was never a situation where I thought ‘why is she spending so much time on this person that I don’t care about?’
I RECOMMEND this book to read.
October 19, 2020
Oi, gente!
Hoje trouxe para vocês resenha de A Órfã da Oliveira, Mirella Sighirollo Patzer, leitura feita em parceira com a editora leabharbooksbr
Há cenas +18.
Tudo começa com a amizade de gerações entre a família de Enrico e Carlo, numa promessa de sangue, eles selam os destinos de seus filhos primogênitos para um casamento no futuro.
Enquanto isso, vemos que as esposas deles não se dão bem. Prudência, cônjuge de Carlo, sente imensa inveja de Felicia, pois esta, apesar de ser uma mulher simples de origem humilde e sem grande beleza, é feliz com tudo que tem, é querida por outras mulheres e pelos amigos, é amada e ama seu Enrico, a única coisa que faltava para se tornar completa eram filhos e estava trabalhando com afinco para conseguir.
Prudência é uma mulher bela, rica e seu esposo a ama, porém, mesmo com tudo isso, ela lança um mau-olhado contra a felicidade de sua rival e revive uma antiga supertisção depois que Felicia tem seus bebês gêmeos não idênticos ao dizer que eles são filhos de pais diferentes e com isso traz um grande rasgo na relação e na reputação da gentil mulher.
Porém, como se a vida tentasse fazer alguma justiça, Prudência também tem filhas gêmeas não idênticas, mas para não se envolver num escândalo ou admitir que mentira para todos sobre Felicia, ela descarta sua primogênita.
A menina é levada e deixada sob uma oliveira, recebe o nome de Olivia e cresce entre as irmãs da abadia que a acolheram.
Com o passar dos anos, a promessa de sangue deve ser cumprida, mas pode o primogênito de Enrico se casar com alguém que não ama sendo que a suposta primogênita de Carlo também não?
Um encontro do destino põe Olivia e Luca para se apaixonarem um pelo outro e talvez isso seja para consertar os erros do passado.
*
*
Gostei muito desse livro, senti raiva da Prudencia, mas eu não gostei mesmo foi de Enrico, aceito, porém, que na época e por traumas adquiridas fizeram com que ele ficasse daquele jeito.
Sofri um pouco, foi uma apreensão atrás da outra haha.
As personagens secundárias não passam em branco, Cosma e Nanino foram algumas delas.
Recomendo, e tem no Kindleunlimited.
Resenha também outras redes: Instagram e Skoob.
Hoje trouxe para vocês resenha de A Órfã da Oliveira, Mirella Sighirollo Patzer, leitura feita em parceira com a editora leabharbooksbr
Há cenas +18.
Tudo começa com a amizade de gerações entre a família de Enrico e Carlo, numa promessa de sangue, eles selam os destinos de seus filhos primogênitos para um casamento no futuro.
Enquanto isso, vemos que as esposas deles não se dão bem. Prudência, cônjuge de Carlo, sente imensa inveja de Felicia, pois esta, apesar de ser uma mulher simples de origem humilde e sem grande beleza, é feliz com tudo que tem, é querida por outras mulheres e pelos amigos, é amada e ama seu Enrico, a única coisa que faltava para se tornar completa eram filhos e estava trabalhando com afinco para conseguir.
Prudência é uma mulher bela, rica e seu esposo a ama, porém, mesmo com tudo isso, ela lança um mau-olhado contra a felicidade de sua rival e revive uma antiga supertisção depois que Felicia tem seus bebês gêmeos não idênticos ao dizer que eles são filhos de pais diferentes e com isso traz um grande rasgo na relação e na reputação da gentil mulher.
Porém, como se a vida tentasse fazer alguma justiça, Prudência também tem filhas gêmeas não idênticas, mas para não se envolver num escândalo ou admitir que mentira para todos sobre Felicia, ela descarta sua primogênita.
A menina é levada e deixada sob uma oliveira, recebe o nome de Olivia e cresce entre as irmãs da abadia que a acolheram.
Com o passar dos anos, a promessa de sangue deve ser cumprida, mas pode o primogênito de Enrico se casar com alguém que não ama sendo que a suposta primogênita de Carlo também não?
Um encontro do destino põe Olivia e Luca para se apaixonarem um pelo outro e talvez isso seja para consertar os erros do passado.
*
*
Gostei muito desse livro, senti raiva da Prudencia, mas eu não gostei mesmo foi de Enrico, aceito, porém, que na época e por traumas adquiridas fizeram com que ele ficasse daquele jeito.
Sofri um pouco, foi uma apreensão atrás da outra haha.
As personagens secundárias não passam em branco, Cosma e Nanino foram algumas delas.
Recomendo, e tem no Kindleunlimited.
Resenha também outras redes: Instagram e Skoob.
November 11, 2012
Secrets of two close families in 13th century Tuscany.
Carlo and Enrico are best friends who become blood brothers and betroth their first born to wed. Neither suspect there would be problems conceiving a child to fulfill their blood oath. But Enrico’s wife, Felicia, seeks help from a healer in her desperation to conceive. Carlo’s wife, Prudenza, becomes jealous of Felicia when she finally gives birth to twin sons, and spreads a vicious rumor that twins mean two fathers. This ruins Felicia’s reputation and marriage, and she harbors hatred for Prudenza.
Ironically, Prudenza becomes pregnant and has twin daughters. In order to avoid the truth of her lie, and not alienate her husband, she gives away one of her daughters - Olivia - the orphan of the olive tree.
Olivia is raised by nuns in a convent, until she falls in love with Luca, one of the twin sons of Enrico and Felicia. Luca’s twin, Lorenzo, falls in love with Giustina, the daughter Prudenza kept. Unfortunately, this is not the order of the blood oath, or is it?
So much happens in Orphan of the Olive Tree; there is the big secret of Prudenza’s daughter she keeps for many years; there are evil eye curses of medieval times, there’s love, hate, jealousy, friendship, good times, and bad times. All these struggles kept me captivated throughout the story, always being unpredictable.
The ending is left open-ended. I’m not sure if Mirella Sichirollo Patzer plans to write a sequel. Prudenza, the only villain in Orphan of the Olive Tree, is left paying her dues for her secret betrayal to both families. Olivia must serve a three month penance back at the convent she was brought up in for having a child before she was wed. I’m left wondering if the two shall meet, after all, she just found out this is her biological mother who gave her away. No one currently has compassion or forgiveness for Prudenza, but there are hints that only time will tell.
I absolutely loved reading Orphan of the Olive Tree. As always, I enjoy learning history by reading a well written novel. Mirella Sichirollo Patzer writes her story with such utmost passion that it permeates on every page of Orphan of the Olive Tree.
Carlo and Enrico are best friends who become blood brothers and betroth their first born to wed. Neither suspect there would be problems conceiving a child to fulfill their blood oath. But Enrico’s wife, Felicia, seeks help from a healer in her desperation to conceive. Carlo’s wife, Prudenza, becomes jealous of Felicia when she finally gives birth to twin sons, and spreads a vicious rumor that twins mean two fathers. This ruins Felicia’s reputation and marriage, and she harbors hatred for Prudenza.
Ironically, Prudenza becomes pregnant and has twin daughters. In order to avoid the truth of her lie, and not alienate her husband, she gives away one of her daughters - Olivia - the orphan of the olive tree.
Olivia is raised by nuns in a convent, until she falls in love with Luca, one of the twin sons of Enrico and Felicia. Luca’s twin, Lorenzo, falls in love with Giustina, the daughter Prudenza kept. Unfortunately, this is not the order of the blood oath, or is it?
So much happens in Orphan of the Olive Tree; there is the big secret of Prudenza’s daughter she keeps for many years; there are evil eye curses of medieval times, there’s love, hate, jealousy, friendship, good times, and bad times. All these struggles kept me captivated throughout the story, always being unpredictable.
The ending is left open-ended. I’m not sure if Mirella Sichirollo Patzer plans to write a sequel. Prudenza, the only villain in Orphan of the Olive Tree, is left paying her dues for her secret betrayal to both families. Olivia must serve a three month penance back at the convent she was brought up in for having a child before she was wed. I’m left wondering if the two shall meet, after all, she just found out this is her biological mother who gave her away. No one currently has compassion or forgiveness for Prudenza, but there are hints that only time will tell.
I absolutely loved reading Orphan of the Olive Tree. As always, I enjoy learning history by reading a well written novel. Mirella Sichirollo Patzer writes her story with such utmost passion that it permeates on every page of Orphan of the Olive Tree.
January 26, 2013
This is the second title I have read from this author, and I have finally been able to determine why her books work so well for me: craft. Patzer has taken countless hours in research to develop a solid grounding in the time and the people who inhabited it so many years ago. This research then does three flips and a twist, and she is able to put pen to page and craft characters that breathe their essence of time, place and emotion into the story. It is a richly abundant characterization that allows the common elements in each human, despite their time or circumstance to speak to the reader at a subconscious level to create an enjoyable reading experience.
This story is set in Tuscany in the 13th century – a time rife with superstition and fear, communal intrigue, family secrets and rough living. In an agrarian society, lives are far too busy with the tasks required for survival, family, crops, harvest and a certain version of fitting in is paramount. Women were little more than pawns in the grand scheme, marriages were based on strategic alliances, and to be different is to come against the society and the church: one must conform or become an outcast.
Following the stories of several different characters, Patzer has successfully created a way to show viewpoints and superstitions, the underlying feuds and interplay between the characters as their choices show how they have progressed, or not, throughout the book. There are betrayals and loves, vengeance and secrets: an entire saga is contained within the pages. Not all of the stories are wrapped up neatly, leaving an opening for a follow-up, but the reader can imbue their own sense of ‘who needs more justice meted out’ after turning that final page.
If you want a book that will transport you back nearly 1000 years in time, that is redolent with the intrigue and characters who are very modern feeling despite their antiquated beliefs, this most certainly is the book for you.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for my Indie Authors Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This story is set in Tuscany in the 13th century – a time rife with superstition and fear, communal intrigue, family secrets and rough living. In an agrarian society, lives are far too busy with the tasks required for survival, family, crops, harvest and a certain version of fitting in is paramount. Women were little more than pawns in the grand scheme, marriages were based on strategic alliances, and to be different is to come against the society and the church: one must conform or become an outcast.
Following the stories of several different characters, Patzer has successfully created a way to show viewpoints and superstitions, the underlying feuds and interplay between the characters as their choices show how they have progressed, or not, throughout the book. There are betrayals and loves, vengeance and secrets: an entire saga is contained within the pages. Not all of the stories are wrapped up neatly, leaving an opening for a follow-up, but the reader can imbue their own sense of ‘who needs more justice meted out’ after turning that final page.
If you want a book that will transport you back nearly 1000 years in time, that is redolent with the intrigue and characters who are very modern feeling despite their antiquated beliefs, this most certainly is the book for you.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for my Indie Authors Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
March 4, 2014
What a delightful read this was, a well researched novel set in 13C Italy. I love Italy and found that the author really managed to evoke life during the medieval period when life was full of superstition. The storyline takes many twists and turns in this entertaining novel of secrets, lies and treachery.
Best friends Enrico and Carlo are so close that they betroth their first born children to wed each other, long before they have families. Living in the Tuscan countryside near Siena, the two families are neighbours, Enrico and his wife Felicia, Carlo with his wife Prudenza. Despite their husbands friendship the two women do not get on with each other, they are vastly different in character. Felicia has no family apart from Enrico and asks for nothing more than to raise a family, whilst Prudenza is very materialistic and envious of the wife of her husband's friend. An envy that is all consuming and damaging to all around her. It does not prove easy for either woman to conceive to fulfil their husbands wish, but eventually both women give birth to twins. Felicia gives birth first and it is Prudenza's jealousy that makes her spread an old superstition, that ruins her neighbours reputation and marriage. It is somewhat ironic when Prudenza herself also gives birth to twins and has to make a dramatic decision, one that will catch up with them all eventually. The truth has a way of outing itself eventually!
I can recommend this to any reader that enjoys historical fiction and the fact it is set in Italy means that this passionately written novel will probably also appeal to many Italophiles.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
Best friends Enrico and Carlo are so close that they betroth their first born children to wed each other, long before they have families. Living in the Tuscan countryside near Siena, the two families are neighbours, Enrico and his wife Felicia, Carlo with his wife Prudenza. Despite their husbands friendship the two women do not get on with each other, they are vastly different in character. Felicia has no family apart from Enrico and asks for nothing more than to raise a family, whilst Prudenza is very materialistic and envious of the wife of her husband's friend. An envy that is all consuming and damaging to all around her. It does not prove easy for either woman to conceive to fulfil their husbands wish, but eventually both women give birth to twins. Felicia gives birth first and it is Prudenza's jealousy that makes her spread an old superstition, that ruins her neighbours reputation and marriage. It is somewhat ironic when Prudenza herself also gives birth to twins and has to make a dramatic decision, one that will catch up with them all eventually. The truth has a way of outing itself eventually!
I can recommend this to any reader that enjoys historical fiction and the fact it is set in Italy means that this passionately written novel will probably also appeal to many Italophiles.
http://lindyloumacbookreviews.blogspo...
April 27, 2013
What a great book! It totally took me by surprise! I wasn't familiar with the author, and don't know anyone else who has read this.
Overall, the scenery, the characters, the plot was all wonderful. But it was really the writing style that won me over. It is vibrant and smooth, and painted a clear picture for me. I was drawn in within mere pages, and could barely put it down. I needed to know how everything would unravel, and then finally be pulled together once again.
The conclusion of the book was its weakest point. A little too drawn out. Only minor editing issues.
Overall, the scenery, the characters, the plot was all wonderful. But it was really the writing style that won me over. It is vibrant and smooth, and painted a clear picture for me. I was drawn in within mere pages, and could barely put it down. I needed to know how everything would unravel, and then finally be pulled together once again.
The conclusion of the book was its weakest point. A little too drawn out. Only minor editing issues.
November 28, 2012
Set in the thirteenth century, this story takes us back to a time of castes, rituals, and superstitions. Women had no rights, and love was an idealism that held little merit. Patzer captures the feel of this period perfectly. We're introduced to two families whose bonds tie them together, even while events tear them apart.
I was captivated by this story. I could tell Patzer had done a lot of research and had a firm grasp of the time period. At the same time, the story isn't weighed down with endless facts proving her knowledge. She provides only the details we need, planting the reader firmly in the moment with the characters.
While the ending ties things up nicely, it also leaves an opening for a sequel. I don't know whether the author has more planned, but I would happily follow these characters through a second book.
I was captivated by this story. I could tell Patzer had done a lot of research and had a firm grasp of the time period. At the same time, the story isn't weighed down with endless facts proving her knowledge. She provides only the details we need, planting the reader firmly in the moment with the characters.
While the ending ties things up nicely, it also leaves an opening for a sequel. I don't know whether the author has more planned, but I would happily follow these characters through a second book.
April 27, 2013
The Orphan of the Olive Tree Read: April 2013
By: Mirella Sichirollo Patzer - lives in Cochrane, Alberta
2012 430 pages
This was an engaging adventure in 13th century Tuscany, Italy at a time when certain Sicilian women were known to have powers and give the “evil-eye.” As in a Shakespeare play, the plot twists and turns until the reader is mired in the middle of “this can’t be happening.” If a reader is looking for an escape and romantic touch, this novel will fit the bill. The descriptions of the countryside and the villas, “Casa di Fiore and Bianca” make the reader feel like they are stepping back in time. The story covers nearly three decades and the joining of two well-to-do families.
By: Mirella Sichirollo Patzer - lives in Cochrane, Alberta
2012 430 pages
This was an engaging adventure in 13th century Tuscany, Italy at a time when certain Sicilian women were known to have powers and give the “evil-eye.” As in a Shakespeare play, the plot twists and turns until the reader is mired in the middle of “this can’t be happening.” If a reader is looking for an escape and romantic touch, this novel will fit the bill. The descriptions of the countryside and the villas, “Casa di Fiore and Bianca” make the reader feel like they are stepping back in time. The story covers nearly three decades and the joining of two well-to-do families.
July 4, 2013
Almost from the beginning this book made me uncomfortable. I didn't like the initial - bad things happen to nice people. There were too many implausible scenarios. Too many coincidences. Too many accidental crossings of paths without knowing.
I didn't feel like I could tell where or when the story took place. It could have been any time period or any place. Very little historical reference or description. I thought it was well written, hence the 2 stars instead of 1. I would probably not recommend this book.
I didn't feel like I could tell where or when the story took place. It could have been any time period or any place. Very little historical reference or description. I thought it was well written, hence the 2 stars instead of 1. I would probably not recommend this book.
December 2, 2012
The Orphan of the Olive Tree is a page turner. The plot, set in medieval Tuscany, would inspire the great Shakespeare himself. There is friendship and blood oath, and honor that must be maintained. There is pride, envy, an unspeakable secret, family unity, filial duty and forbidden love, all spiced up with local customs. A good book to curl up with on a rainy day.
January 6, 2014
I did like this story, but I never felt I was transported back to the 13th century. I also felt the ending was quite predictable and anticlimactic. I enjoy reading historical fiction, but there was not much historical fact or speech in this book. It's an easy and fast read and you never seem to worry that all won't work out.
May 5, 2013
This is a very interesting novel of village life in Italy
September 14, 2020
𝙰 𝙾́𝚁𝙵𝙰̃ 𝙳𝙰 𝙾𝙻𝙸𝚅𝙴𝙸𝚁𝙰 🌿
✍️▪️𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘚𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘻𝘦𝘳
📚▪️ 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘣𝘩𝘢𝘳 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴
❤️▪️𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰́𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘰
📃▪️452 𝘱𝘢́𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘴 / 5⭐
"– 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐚́-𝐥𝐚 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚, 𝐩𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐚 𝐝𝐚 𝐚́𝐫𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐦 𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐢 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚. — 𝐔𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐦, 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐞." 🌿
Um juramento de sangue. Foi isso que Enrico e Carlo fizeram ao voltarem da batalha nas colinas de Monteaperti.
Ambos prometeram casar os seus filhos primogênitos. 🍂
🤰Depois de muitas tentativas, Felicia , esposa de Enrico, consegue engravidar. Porém, a sua vida começa a virar um inferno a partir do momento que dá a luz aos gêmeos não idênticos.
Prudenza, esposa de Carlo, inventa uma grande mentira contra Felicia . Mentira esta que Enrico acaba acreditando. ( babaca)
Meses depois, Prudenza da a luz. Duas menininhas. Estaria ela provando do próprio veneno?
💫Prudenza pede a Cosma, uma curandeira local, para abandonar a criança primogênita próximo de uma abadia. Lá as freiras iriam cuidar da menina.
A criança abandonada recebe o nome de Olivia. E o enredo explora muito essa personagem, que cresceu aos cuidados das freiras sem nem imaginar o porquê foi abandonada.
Anos depois, Giustina, filha de Carlo, se torna noiva de Luca (filho de Enrico) Mas...
Como um casamento entre eles poderia dar certo, sendo que Giustina é apaixonada por Lorenzo, o irmão de Luca.
De alguma forma, o destino se encarrega de cruzar o caminho de Olivia com o de Luca.
Mais intrigas surgem... Será que Prudenza descobrirá que Olivia é a filha que ela tinha abandonado? E se descubrir, o que ela fará? Quais serão os planos de Luca e Olivia para de fato ficarem juntos?
___________
💬Gente, eu amei a escrita da Mirella. Foi o primeiro livro dela que eu li e achei fantástico. Uma das coisas que mais gostei foi o fato de ela ter conseguido envolver vários personagens na história, dando a atenção devida para cada um.
Me contem nos comentários se esse tipo de livro te interessa🥰
✍️▪️𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 𝘚𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘻𝘦𝘳
📚▪️ 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘣𝘩𝘢𝘳 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴
❤️▪️𝘙𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰́𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘰
📃▪️452 𝘱𝘢́𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘴 / 5⭐
"– 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐚́-𝐥𝐚 𝐝𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐚, 𝐩𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐚 𝐝𝐚 𝐚́𝐫𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐦 𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐢 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐚. — 𝐔𝐦 𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐦𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐦, 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐫𝐞." 🌿
Um juramento de sangue. Foi isso que Enrico e Carlo fizeram ao voltarem da batalha nas colinas de Monteaperti.
Ambos prometeram casar os seus filhos primogênitos. 🍂
🤰Depois de muitas tentativas, Felicia , esposa de Enrico, consegue engravidar. Porém, a sua vida começa a virar um inferno a partir do momento que dá a luz aos gêmeos não idênticos.
Prudenza, esposa de Carlo, inventa uma grande mentira contra Felicia . Mentira esta que Enrico acaba acreditando. ( babaca)
Meses depois, Prudenza da a luz. Duas menininhas. Estaria ela provando do próprio veneno?
💫Prudenza pede a Cosma, uma curandeira local, para abandonar a criança primogênita próximo de uma abadia. Lá as freiras iriam cuidar da menina.
A criança abandonada recebe o nome de Olivia. E o enredo explora muito essa personagem, que cresceu aos cuidados das freiras sem nem imaginar o porquê foi abandonada.
Anos depois, Giustina, filha de Carlo, se torna noiva de Luca (filho de Enrico) Mas...
Como um casamento entre eles poderia dar certo, sendo que Giustina é apaixonada por Lorenzo, o irmão de Luca.
De alguma forma, o destino se encarrega de cruzar o caminho de Olivia com o de Luca.
Mais intrigas surgem... Será que Prudenza descobrirá que Olivia é a filha que ela tinha abandonado? E se descubrir, o que ela fará? Quais serão os planos de Luca e Olivia para de fato ficarem juntos?
___________
💬Gente, eu amei a escrita da Mirella. Foi o primeiro livro dela que eu li e achei fantástico. Uma das coisas que mais gostei foi o fato de ela ter conseguido envolver vários personagens na história, dando a atenção devida para cada um.
Me contem nos comentários se esse tipo de livro te interessa🥰
September 30, 2020
Após Carlo salvar Enrico da morte na guerra entre Florença e Siena,ambos decidem fazer um juramento de sangue no qual quando tivessem filhos,seus primogênitos estariam prometidos um ao outro.
Felícia,esposa de Enrico deseja muito formar uma família porém ela não está conseguindo engravidar.Depois de tentar vários conselhos e nada dar certo,ela procura a ajuda de Cosma - uma parteira e curandeira. Com a ajuda dela,Felícia finalmente consegue realizar seu sonho.
Prudenza é esposa de Carlo,uma mulher invejosa,fria e que só pensa em vida boa,não consegue digerir a felicidade de Felícia e lança um mau-olhado.Quando Felícia dá à luz aos gêmeos Luca e Lorenzo, a rancorosa mulher reaviva uma antiga superstição de que gêmeos não-idênticos são filhos de homens diferentes.Tempos depois Prudenza prova de seu próprio veneno:dá a luz à gêmeas não-idênticas e para não passar pelo mesmo que sua vizinha,decide entregar sua primogênita à Cosma. Com apenas um cobertor e um anel pendurado por uma fita no pescoço,a criança é deixada em uma Oliveira próxima à Abadia.
Anos se passam, Luca e Giustina estão prometidos e devem se casar porém nenhum dos dois concorda com a situação. Giustina ama Lorenzo que também corresponde ao sentimento da moça. O destino se encarrega de colocar no mesmo caminho Olívia e Luca e ambos lutam para ficarem juntos e desfazer o juramento de sangue.
Leia e avalie nas plataformas :)
Tem foto lá no meu ig: @alevadadanerd
Felícia,esposa de Enrico deseja muito formar uma família porém ela não está conseguindo engravidar.Depois de tentar vários conselhos e nada dar certo,ela procura a ajuda de Cosma - uma parteira e curandeira. Com a ajuda dela,Felícia finalmente consegue realizar seu sonho.
Prudenza é esposa de Carlo,uma mulher invejosa,fria e que só pensa em vida boa,não consegue digerir a felicidade de Felícia e lança um mau-olhado.Quando Felícia dá à luz aos gêmeos Luca e Lorenzo, a rancorosa mulher reaviva uma antiga superstição de que gêmeos não-idênticos são filhos de homens diferentes.Tempos depois Prudenza prova de seu próprio veneno:dá a luz à gêmeas não-idênticas e para não passar pelo mesmo que sua vizinha,decide entregar sua primogênita à Cosma. Com apenas um cobertor e um anel pendurado por uma fita no pescoço,a criança é deixada em uma Oliveira próxima à Abadia.
Anos se passam, Luca e Giustina estão prometidos e devem se casar porém nenhum dos dois concorda com a situação. Giustina ama Lorenzo que também corresponde ao sentimento da moça. O destino se encarrega de colocar no mesmo caminho Olívia e Luca e ambos lutam para ficarem juntos e desfazer o juramento de sangue.
Leia e avalie nas plataformas :)
Tem foto lá no meu ig: @alevadadanerd
December 18, 2021
Orphan of the Olive Tree
This story took place in 1256 in Italy. It was a time when blood oaths had a lot of significance. Folks believed in talismans, curses and folklore. It was a time when families would promise their firstborns to marry, two friends the Benevento family and the Ventura family.
Prudenza Benevento is jealous of Felicia Ventura as she becomes pregnant with twins, Gimelli and she casts a curse on her.
Eventually through a lot of strife with the two families face horrendous pain, as serious repercussions happen with their beliefs. The two families suffer tremendously, and the problems that occur for generations to come are painful. What happens to Prudenza and what she does about it, and what she believes is shattering. This story takes place in a time where curses and wicked stories were believed, and ensuing consequences followed for generations. The story takes a few twists and turns, and the outcome of the curses for the two families is remarkable. Definitely a 5 star read for me.
This story took place in 1256 in Italy. It was a time when blood oaths had a lot of significance. Folks believed in talismans, curses and folklore. It was a time when families would promise their firstborns to marry, two friends the Benevento family and the Ventura family.
Prudenza Benevento is jealous of Felicia Ventura as she becomes pregnant with twins, Gimelli and she casts a curse on her.
Eventually through a lot of strife with the two families face horrendous pain, as serious repercussions happen with their beliefs. The two families suffer tremendously, and the problems that occur for generations to come are painful. What happens to Prudenza and what she does about it, and what she believes is shattering. This story takes place in a time where curses and wicked stories were believed, and ensuing consequences followed for generations. The story takes a few twists and turns, and the outcome of the curses for the two families is remarkable. Definitely a 5 star read for me.
April 23, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I thought that the writer described things well so that I could visualize everything. The plot was one that has been used before in different ways but that didn't matter to me.
I could not leave this book alone until I finished it. A long read but so enjoyable. . So glad that I read this book. Thanks to the author for the pleasure I dervived. Beverly Cownover
I could not leave this book alone until I finished it. A long read but so enjoyable. . So glad that I read this book. Thanks to the author for the pleasure I dervived. Beverly Cownover
October 29, 2017
Engaging—Strong albeit stereotypical character studies set in 13th century Tuscany. Intense family dynamics. Somewhat drawn out but still enjoyable.
October 13, 2021
Great book
abandoned
December 3, 2021Abandoned
June 10, 2013
Mirella Sichirollo Patzer’s novel, Orphan of the Olive Tree – Historical Romance Saga, is skillfully plotted and provides a tasty dish of jealousy, revenge, unrequited love, rebellion, loyalty, superstition, and sheer, wicked spitefulness. (Never fear – the book also serves up plenty of love and desire). Despite covering a large span of years within two families, it never lags as it counts down the events leading to the lovers’ ultimate destiny.
The title character, Felicia, was abandoned in a basket hung in an olive tree outside a convent and grew up in the care of nuns. The story of how she ended up there begins with a blood oath between best friends, an envious wife, and a malicious accusation that comes complete with karmic backfire.
The villainess of the piece, Prudenza, is particularly well written. She is one nasty piece of work, but she is definitely a product of the culture she lives in – one in which women are the chattel of their husbands and their only power is through the manipulation of others. She felt very real to me due to the author’s considerable strength in characterization. I easily got to know and recognize each of the characters of the book, including the more minor characters. I was pulled in to caring about the smaller characters of the healer, the dwarf, and the young woman who takes in the healer when she finds her desperately ill on her doorstep.
Although the novel focuses on the tale of Felicia’s star-crossed love affair with horse-racing Luca, the intertwined subplots that play out as the lovers are repeatedly pushed farther apart by circumstances are often as interesting and as heart-breaking as the main story. In the hands of a less skilled writer, subplots can sometimes distract from a story. Not so with Orphan of the Olive Tree. It all fits, and it adds to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the novel. It kept me reading and wanting to know what was coming next even though I knew that our lovers had to get together in the end despite all of the strikes against them.
On a more critical note, I had a hard time believing that a young woman in 13th century Italy who has spent her entire life in a convent would give it up quite so easily. Yes, it’s love, star-crossed love, blah blah blah. But…it wouldn’t have been a romance if she hadn’t, so I’m over it.
The second minor criticism is that I expected a book that included some history. Orphan of the Olive Tree is really more “Romance” then “Historical”. There was no particular historical series of events that bound the story in any special way to 13th century Italy except for a war just ended — it could just as easily have been set a couple of hundred years on either side of that date. I like to learn a bit of history with my romance so that I can pretend it is educational instead of just a guilty pleasure. My (self-deceiving) expectations were not met here. The subtitle should have been “Romance in a Historical Setting” to be strictly accurate. However, the setting was used to great effect and gave the love story a rich, authentic feel.
Ms. Patzer is a truly fine writer. She has it all down – dialogue, plotting, descriptive power, and characterization. I recommend the book highly for Romance lovers. I think Ms. Patzer’s writing competes right up there at the top of the Romance genre heap. Although I grabbed my copy of the book on a free promotion day, I wouldn’t hesitate at the $3.99 price. You will get your money’s worth out of this one.
This review was originally written for IndieHeart.com. We support Indie authors through book reviews and a daily newsletter of five free hand-picked Kindle ebooks to help readers find Indie authors who write entertaining, professional fiction.
The title character, Felicia, was abandoned in a basket hung in an olive tree outside a convent and grew up in the care of nuns. The story of how she ended up there begins with a blood oath between best friends, an envious wife, and a malicious accusation that comes complete with karmic backfire.
The villainess of the piece, Prudenza, is particularly well written. She is one nasty piece of work, but she is definitely a product of the culture she lives in – one in which women are the chattel of their husbands and their only power is through the manipulation of others. She felt very real to me due to the author’s considerable strength in characterization. I easily got to know and recognize each of the characters of the book, including the more minor characters. I was pulled in to caring about the smaller characters of the healer, the dwarf, and the young woman who takes in the healer when she finds her desperately ill on her doorstep.
Although the novel focuses on the tale of Felicia’s star-crossed love affair with horse-racing Luca, the intertwined subplots that play out as the lovers are repeatedly pushed farther apart by circumstances are often as interesting and as heart-breaking as the main story. In the hands of a less skilled writer, subplots can sometimes distract from a story. Not so with Orphan of the Olive Tree. It all fits, and it adds to the overall atmosphere and enjoyment of the novel. It kept me reading and wanting to know what was coming next even though I knew that our lovers had to get together in the end despite all of the strikes against them.
On a more critical note, I had a hard time believing that a young woman in 13th century Italy who has spent her entire life in a convent would give it up quite so easily. Yes, it’s love, star-crossed love, blah blah blah. But…it wouldn’t have been a romance if she hadn’t, so I’m over it.
The second minor criticism is that I expected a book that included some history. Orphan of the Olive Tree is really more “Romance” then “Historical”. There was no particular historical series of events that bound the story in any special way to 13th century Italy except for a war just ended — it could just as easily have been set a couple of hundred years on either side of that date. I like to learn a bit of history with my romance so that I can pretend it is educational instead of just a guilty pleasure. My (self-deceiving) expectations were not met here. The subtitle should have been “Romance in a Historical Setting” to be strictly accurate. However, the setting was used to great effect and gave the love story a rich, authentic feel.
Ms. Patzer is a truly fine writer. She has it all down – dialogue, plotting, descriptive power, and characterization. I recommend the book highly for Romance lovers. I think Ms. Patzer’s writing competes right up there at the top of the Romance genre heap. Although I grabbed my copy of the book on a free promotion day, I wouldn’t hesitate at the $3.99 price. You will get your money’s worth out of this one.
This review was originally written for IndieHeart.com. We support Indie authors through book reviews and a daily newsletter of five free hand-picked Kindle ebooks to help readers find Indie authors who write entertaining, professional fiction.
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