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The Weight of Salt
Florida, 1906 – In the northeast section of Tampa, called Ybor City and known as The Cigar Capital of the World, comes an intimate part of American history that is seldom found in books and susceptible to be forgotten.
Although fiction, The Weight of Salt is inspired by a real person, a real time, and real events. Fifteen-year-old, Angelina Pirrello is bright and excited for her life to begin when she is abruptly torn from her mother’s love and is left to abide by her father’s rigid Italian beliefs. It is the era of unprecedented immigration, the Mafia is terrorizing Italian neighborhoods and store owners, and the fierce fight of the Suffragettes to gain the vote for women.
It is a time when dreams of American freedoms are celebrated and threatened. The old world across the sea clashes with the new, and a young girl must make a choice to fortify or forfeit her spirit. Yet, in the midst of the biggest fire in Florida’s history, and the loss of legions of cigar factories, amid the chaos, Angelina unexpectedly encounters Rolando and soon discovers the force of falling in love. Yet, her dreams are quickly shattered when her father ignores her desire to marry for love and promises her hand in an arranged marriage to an older man she dislikes.
This novel touches on every human emotion, love, joy, heartbreak, passion, and the unexpected. Only because those who lived this story have passed away and cannot testify, this novel is historical fiction and not simply historical fact.
With powerful insight and sensitivity, Sandra Montanino’s debut novel illuminates this long-ago story. She brings us a beautiful, warm, inspiring, yet heartbreakingly novel that celebrates the resilience of one girl. This is a novel for everyone and a tribute to those who lived through it all and those that told and retold their story.
Although fiction, The Weight of Salt is inspired by a real person, a real time, and real events. Fifteen-year-old, Angelina Pirrello is bright and excited for her life to begin when she is abruptly torn from her mother’s love and is left to abide by her father’s rigid Italian beliefs. It is the era of unprecedented immigration, the Mafia is terrorizing Italian neighborhoods and store owners, and the fierce fight of the Suffragettes to gain the vote for women.
It is a time when dreams of American freedoms are celebrated and threatened. The old world across the sea clashes with the new, and a young girl must make a choice to fortify or forfeit her spirit. Yet, in the midst of the biggest fire in Florida’s history, and the loss of legions of cigar factories, amid the chaos, Angelina unexpectedly encounters Rolando and soon discovers the force of falling in love. Yet, her dreams are quickly shattered when her father ignores her desire to marry for love and promises her hand in an arranged marriage to an older man she dislikes.
This novel touches on every human emotion, love, joy, heartbreak, passion, and the unexpected. Only because those who lived this story have passed away and cannot testify, this novel is historical fiction and not simply historical fact.
With powerful insight and sensitivity, Sandra Montanino’s debut novel illuminates this long-ago story. She brings us a beautiful, warm, inspiring, yet heartbreakingly novel that celebrates the resilience of one girl. This is a novel for everyone and a tribute to those who lived through it all and those that told and retold their story.
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First published December 17, 2020
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About the author
Sandra Montanino
3 books63 followersBy the age of eight, Sandra Montanino lived in three different countries. These rich exposures immersed her into a wealth of cultures, languages, viewpoints, and provincial superstitions. Most fascinating and further igniting her imagination was her family’s tradition of sharing their own experiences and stories.
Sandra developed a true love of writing. Sadly, since all the old storytellers passed away, she realized she had an obligation to preserve their wisdom and treasures for her family’s future generation, but the book grew much bigger than she expected and it pleases her to share these gripping, funny, sad, and tender stories with everyone in The Weight of Salt wrapped in the ribbon of Sandra’s imagination.
Encouraged by the publication of her article in Ancestry Magazine, “The Original Recipe,” Sandra went on to receive numerous awards for her short stories from the League of Utah Writers and is the recipient of “The Outstanding Fiction Award” at the Southern California Writer’s Conference for The Weight of Salt, the first book in her historical fiction trilogy.
She is married to Gennaro Montanino, her high school sweetheart. They live in Utah between Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. They have five children and fourteen grandchildren—soon to be sixteen.
Sandra developed a true love of writing. Sadly, since all the old storytellers passed away, she realized she had an obligation to preserve their wisdom and treasures for her family’s future generation, but the book grew much bigger than she expected and it pleases her to share these gripping, funny, sad, and tender stories with everyone in The Weight of Salt wrapped in the ribbon of Sandra’s imagination.
Encouraged by the publication of her article in Ancestry Magazine, “The Original Recipe,” Sandra went on to receive numerous awards for her short stories from the League of Utah Writers and is the recipient of “The Outstanding Fiction Award” at the Southern California Writer’s Conference for The Weight of Salt, the first book in her historical fiction trilogy.
She is married to Gennaro Montanino, her high school sweetheart. They live in Utah between Utah Lake and the Wasatch Mountains. They have five children and fourteen grandchildren—soon to be sixteen.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 23, 2021
I loved this book! The setting and details of immigrant life in Florida in the early 1900's were so richly described. Miss Montanino infuses the story with interesting and unique Sicilian cultural beliefs, (I learned so much about the cigar industry) sayings, and superstitions. She creates a believable main character in Angelina, that I was so invested in her hopes and dreams, and felt let down each time they were thwarted by tradition. This story is gritty as well as beautiful. I can't wait for the next book in the series! ~ Karla M. Jay, author of When We Were Brave and It Happened in Silence
January 15, 2021
I have to scream.....THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! Oh My Heavens! I don’t even know where to start. The Weight of Salt is beyond excellent. Sandra writes with so much passion while bringing the characters and the scenes to life I felt like I was watching a movie every word just so vivid. From the moment I opened the book I felt a great connection with Sandra’s main character, Angelina. This is one of those special stories that will make you laugh and cry while cheering on Angelina for overcoming one struggle after another. A great book that teaches endurance and the will to stay strong. What an amazing story and then the final twist. All I can say is Read this book!!! I can’t wait to read her next book! Bravo Sandra Montanino.
August 21, 2021
Romantic
This was a great romance novel. It had a strong female lead who valued education. She tried to stand up for herself at a time when women had very few rights. I hope her romance works out. The end was surprising. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
This was a great romance novel. It had a strong female lead who valued education. She tried to stand up for herself at a time when women had very few rights. I hope her romance works out. The end was surprising. Can’t wait to see what happens next.
May 4, 2021
Montanino makes her debut in the historical genre with this layered and engrossing tale of one young girl’s journey to independence.
It is 1906. After losing her mother to child birth, fifteen-year-old Angelina Pirrello is struggling to balance between her studies, household chores, and work at her father’s small shop. The Mafia in the city is on rise, targeting the Italian businesses. To protect Angelina, her father sends her to a cigar factory to work. But cigar rolling is not something Angelina wants to do for life. In a time, when women don’t even have the right to vote, taking charge of her own destiny is almost impossible. The father-daughter duo is constantly at loggerheads, but the stakes rise when Angelina falls in love and refuses to marry the man her father has selected for her.
Montanino proves herself an astute observer of the Italian culture, especially in her portrayal of the enduring family bonds, lingering sentimentality, countless superstitions, faith, and prejudices. In addition to highlighting 1900s attitudes toward gender (women were thought to be ill-suited to work and higher education or incapable of taking any major decision even about their own lives) and early stirrings of social change of the twentieth century, Montanino injects plenty of credible period details such as the rigidly defined class system, racial disparities, and the prejudice against the working class among the upper-class population.
Montanino’s imagery of Ybor City brings it to life, and readers will revel in her descriptions of the components of Cigar making: how the tobacco leaves are stripped, humidified, separated according to color and quality, and finally cigars are rolled. Montanino’s love for literature and reading is apparent in the pages as Angelina and Rolando indulge in book-talk more than often. Angelina, with her sheer determination and innate kindness makes for a memorable heroine. Her overwhelming sadness at losing her mother and her father’s indifferent ways and her aching loneliness along with her stubborn convictions are beautifully portrayed. Rolando’s quiet determination provides a stark contrast to the stirring emotions of Fabian. The secondary characters are multifaceted and dynamic, and sketched with conviction.
Montanino beautifully delves into the intricacies of family and relationships: there are fissures in Angelina’s Sicilian clan, but love, enduring bonds, and resilience stays at its core.
This thought-provoking, lyrical novel will stay in readers’ minds long after they turn the last page.
It is 1906. After losing her mother to child birth, fifteen-year-old Angelina Pirrello is struggling to balance between her studies, household chores, and work at her father’s small shop. The Mafia in the city is on rise, targeting the Italian businesses. To protect Angelina, her father sends her to a cigar factory to work. But cigar rolling is not something Angelina wants to do for life. In a time, when women don’t even have the right to vote, taking charge of her own destiny is almost impossible. The father-daughter duo is constantly at loggerheads, but the stakes rise when Angelina falls in love and refuses to marry the man her father has selected for her.
Montanino proves herself an astute observer of the Italian culture, especially in her portrayal of the enduring family bonds, lingering sentimentality, countless superstitions, faith, and prejudices. In addition to highlighting 1900s attitudes toward gender (women were thought to be ill-suited to work and higher education or incapable of taking any major decision even about their own lives) and early stirrings of social change of the twentieth century, Montanino injects plenty of credible period details such as the rigidly defined class system, racial disparities, and the prejudice against the working class among the upper-class population.
Montanino’s imagery of Ybor City brings it to life, and readers will revel in her descriptions of the components of Cigar making: how the tobacco leaves are stripped, humidified, separated according to color and quality, and finally cigars are rolled. Montanino’s love for literature and reading is apparent in the pages as Angelina and Rolando indulge in book-talk more than often. Angelina, with her sheer determination and innate kindness makes for a memorable heroine. Her overwhelming sadness at losing her mother and her father’s indifferent ways and her aching loneliness along with her stubborn convictions are beautifully portrayed. Rolando’s quiet determination provides a stark contrast to the stirring emotions of Fabian. The secondary characters are multifaceted and dynamic, and sketched with conviction.
Montanino beautifully delves into the intricacies of family and relationships: there are fissures in Angelina’s Sicilian clan, but love, enduring bonds, and resilience stays at its core.
This thought-provoking, lyrical novel will stay in readers’ minds long after they turn the last page.
March 19, 2021
THE WISHING SHELF BOOK AWARDS
18th March 2021
TITLE: The Weight of Salt
AUTHOR: Sandra Montanino
Star Rating: 5
“This is a compelling historical novel, made rich by the complexity of the characters and the author’s understanding of place and time.” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I find that often historical romance can be a bit of a mixed bag. It's a very popular genre and, as a result, it can attract weaker authors looking for a quick buck. Thankfully, that's not the case here. In this novel, the author has done a remarkable job, offering the reader an interesting and wonderfully described historical setting, a host of complex, often charismatic characters, and even a little romance. It is also a fascinating insight into Sicilian culture and the ups and downs of an immigrant family living in America . Finally, it is a strong coming of age story as Angelina, the protagonist, attempts to find her way in her world of restrictive Sicilian social norms and a more progressive life in her new country.
So, let's talk writing style. The author, Sandra Montanino, is a talented woman. There's a good flow to the writing, interspersed with a well-balanced mix of speech and descriptive prose. The author seems to understand that a book of this nature (historical / family saga) needs a lot of pace. Things need to happen and, thankfully, lots of things do. It's all rather gritty and dark, but there is a sprinkle of humor from a few of the characters - not a lot, but a little - and a complexity to the characters perfectly matching the complexity of the culture and plot.
So now to the important bit - can I recommend this book and who too ? The answer is simple. Yes, absolutely. It's an excellent read and I think many readers will get lost in the historical world the author has recreated. Who to? Well, I think anybody who enjoys family sagas, historical novels and/or romance will find this book gripping. Also, anybody interested in this time and place, and how Sicilian/Italian culture molded immigrant culture at that time, will find a lot to enjoy here.
All in all, this is a very pleasurable read.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
18th March 2021
TITLE: The Weight of Salt
AUTHOR: Sandra Montanino
Star Rating: 5
“This is a compelling historical novel, made rich by the complexity of the characters and the author’s understanding of place and time.” The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I find that often historical romance can be a bit of a mixed bag. It's a very popular genre and, as a result, it can attract weaker authors looking for a quick buck. Thankfully, that's not the case here. In this novel, the author has done a remarkable job, offering the reader an interesting and wonderfully described historical setting, a host of complex, often charismatic characters, and even a little romance. It is also a fascinating insight into Sicilian culture and the ups and downs of an immigrant family living in America . Finally, it is a strong coming of age story as Angelina, the protagonist, attempts to find her way in her world of restrictive Sicilian social norms and a more progressive life in her new country.
So, let's talk writing style. The author, Sandra Montanino, is a talented woman. There's a good flow to the writing, interspersed with a well-balanced mix of speech and descriptive prose. The author seems to understand that a book of this nature (historical / family saga) needs a lot of pace. Things need to happen and, thankfully, lots of things do. It's all rather gritty and dark, but there is a sprinkle of humor from a few of the characters - not a lot, but a little - and a complexity to the characters perfectly matching the complexity of the culture and plot.
So now to the important bit - can I recommend this book and who too ? The answer is simple. Yes, absolutely. It's an excellent read and I think many readers will get lost in the historical world the author has recreated. Who to? Well, I think anybody who enjoys family sagas, historical novels and/or romance will find this book gripping. Also, anybody interested in this time and place, and how Sicilian/Italian culture molded immigrant culture at that time, will find a lot to enjoy here.
All in all, this is a very pleasurable read.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
February 2, 2021
3 stars
[I received a free Goodreads Giveaway copy, & this is my honest review]
I really liked this book! The world & characters are easy to envision. I enjoyed all the tidbits about cigar factories & Sicilian culture.
However, this read like a YA novel in that the themes & writing were very straightforward, and at times trite. There wasn’t much foreshadowing or subtlety.
In other words, it’s a solid debut novel from a talented writer, & I look forward to the rest of the series, which will hopefully improve as the writer gains experience.
[I received a free Goodreads Giveaway copy, & this is my honest review]
I really liked this book! The world & characters are easy to envision. I enjoyed all the tidbits about cigar factories & Sicilian culture.
However, this read like a YA novel in that the themes & writing were very straightforward, and at times trite. There wasn’t much foreshadowing or subtlety.
In other words, it’s a solid debut novel from a talented writer, & I look forward to the rest of the series, which will hopefully improve as the writer gains experience.
January 20, 2021
This historical novel about Angelina, a daughter of Italian immigrants in Ybor City, Florida in the early 1900s, is fabulous! The loss of her mother starts an epic struggle for independence between her and her strict Italian father.
There is thwarted love, un-arranged marriage, yearning for learning, humor and action, all written with clever prose and insight. The author really knows her stuff. I felt immersed in the history and culture of an Italian immigrant family in this unique time and place. Bravo!
There is thwarted love, un-arranged marriage, yearning for learning, humor and action, all written with clever prose and insight. The author really knows her stuff. I felt immersed in the history and culture of an Italian immigrant family in this unique time and place. Bravo!
January 10, 2021
A love story of an Italian immigrant's daughter and her fight to find herself, be independent and strong, when the old country’s traditions try to suppress her. It is so good. There are so many great nuggets of wisdom and life lessons. I thought the story was going one way but then it has a twist. At times I did not know if I should cry, scream, or shout for joy. Her journey is amazing. She is a strong and true character you cannot help but fall in love with. I cannot wait to read more about her journey!
January 6, 2021
I can’t believe how quickly Sandra drew me into the story.
The setting was so detailed and the characters so interesting and well defined. They immediately came alive as well as the immigrant world of 1906 Ybor City, Florida. I learned so much about the Italian culture and Angelina, strong and determined drove the whole story to its powerful end
The setting was so detailed and the characters so interesting and well defined. They immediately came alive as well as the immigrant world of 1906 Ybor City, Florida. I learned so much about the Italian culture and Angelina, strong and determined drove the whole story to its powerful end
June 11, 2021
Set in Florida of the early 1900's, this is the story of Angelina Pirrello, a teenager who is the daughter of Sicilian immigrants, and where the old traditions are very important.
She is bright and ambitious, and wants to chart her own path in life. Her mother dies in childbirth (child #7), leaving Angelina devastated. She works, for a while, in a cigar factory. She learns that the Mafia has a stranglehold on her community, women do not have the right to vote, and her strict, Sicilian father arranges a marriage to a man Angelina totally dislikes. Angelina makes a gutsy move to take back her destiny, but it comes with huge consequences.
Here is some really good writing. This story has laughter, love, tears and uncertainty. It is a very good snapshot of immigrant life a century ago. This is very much worth reading.
She is bright and ambitious, and wants to chart her own path in life. Her mother dies in childbirth (child #7), leaving Angelina devastated. She works, for a while, in a cigar factory. She learns that the Mafia has a stranglehold on her community, women do not have the right to vote, and her strict, Sicilian father arranges a marriage to a man Angelina totally dislikes. Angelina makes a gutsy move to take back her destiny, but it comes with huge consequences.
Here is some really good writing. This story has laughter, love, tears and uncertainty. It is a very good snapshot of immigrant life a century ago. This is very much worth reading.
January 2, 2021
This is a great story about an Italian immigrant turned suffragette when she is forced to quit high school to help support her family. It’s an emotional roller coaster and you find yourself rooting for the main character. I can’t wait for the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2024
Inspirational read
This book captivates from the first pages. Angelina is a bright young woman from a family of Sicilian immigrants. She is eager to pursue her dreams and build her life in America. However, her mother’s sudden death changes the course of her life. Instead of continuing her education, Angelina is pushed to abandon school and work in the tobacco factory.
This story portrays the life of a young woman in a pre-feministic society. With limited rights, she tries to persuade her father not to marry her for money. During her journey, Angelina discovers her voice and starts exploring other ways of building her life in this harsh society. So, I found her story truly inspirational!
If you love a well-written historical romance, you will enjoy this book!
This book captivates from the first pages. Angelina is a bright young woman from a family of Sicilian immigrants. She is eager to pursue her dreams and build her life in America. However, her mother’s sudden death changes the course of her life. Instead of continuing her education, Angelina is pushed to abandon school and work in the tobacco factory.
This story portrays the life of a young woman in a pre-feministic society. With limited rights, she tries to persuade her father not to marry her for money. During her journey, Angelina discovers her voice and starts exploring other ways of building her life in this harsh society. So, I found her story truly inspirational!
If you love a well-written historical romance, you will enjoy this book!
March 3, 2021
I heard the author speak on a podcast. I was intrigued by her multicultural background, so I bought the book. It’s set around 1906, in Florida, where 15-year-old Angelina loses her mother in the first chapter as the woman is giving birth to her 7th child. Her outrageously strict, chauvinistic, macho Sicilian father will henceforth rule Angelina’s life as she struggles to help with the family grocery store, raise the 5 younger siblings, and stay in school. The latter quickly falls by the wayside as her father demands she go to work in a cigar factory where he believes she’ll be safe until he can get her married off to the man (must be Sicilian!) of his choice. Angelina is strong willed and determined. She often fights with her father, but is always overruled. Her love for this odious man did not seem believable to me.
There are several colorful and entertaining characters: her uncle, Cuban friends, and a neighbor. I learned something about the cigar industry at that time and place. I think the makings of a good story are here, but there was something not quite right, some lack of nuance in characters. Everything is high drama, almost to the point of chaos, as in the first chapter. It’s conflict on steroids and maybe that’s what keeps the characters from seeming real. I think it fits the YA genre best and I’d have liked it more if it were classified that way. It’s a good debut novel.
There are several colorful and entertaining characters: her uncle, Cuban friends, and a neighbor. I learned something about the cigar industry at that time and place. I think the makings of a good story are here, but there was something not quite right, some lack of nuance in characters. Everything is high drama, almost to the point of chaos, as in the first chapter. It’s conflict on steroids and maybe that’s what keeps the characters from seeming real. I think it fits the YA genre best and I’d have liked it more if it were classified that way. It’s a good debut novel.
Read
March 14, 2021I highly recommend this book to everyone it’s just so good and well written. I don’t read many novels because I’m ADHD and I have to reread things over again because I lose my concentration easy. This book was recommended and I never once lost my concentration it’s just that good. It’s like watching a movie everything is so well explained and the characters are amazing. Will definitely read book 2 and 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2021
What a great debut novel by Sandra! I loved the main character Angelina and found the historical and cultural detail so interesting. The storytelling is so good I felt I was in Florida at the turn of the century. I can’t wait for book two!
March 14, 2021
Everyone should read this book! Such a good story. All your emotions are in it. It will make you cry, laugh, even get mad. The characters are so good. Uncle Pasquale will definitely make you laugh such a positive character and my favorite. From the beginning to end, this book is fantastic without a dull moment in it. Can’t wait for book two. Great author.
April 16, 2025
A beautiful story of finding one's self and the courage to move forward.
March 5, 2021
The weight of Salt is excellent, but the dialogue is by far my favorite. I find even after a single reading I can still recall some of my favorite quotes. It dives deep into the experience of early Italian immigrants in the 1900s, the clash of the culture of their old lives and the new ones their children are trying to build. Sandra Montanino connects many of the threads of history that are often left separate, factory labor in connection with the early arrival of the Mafia, and patriarchy governing the lives of women at the turn of the century. Some books I enjoy as a guilty pleasure, others a distraction, and others to learn but this is both a joy to read and worthy of reading.
February 28, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this coming of age story in early 1900's America. The book is crammed with charming and witty anecdotes pulled from Italian-American culture. The humor is delightful and the story engaging. If you want to get pulled into another time in American history, this is a great choice.
February 22, 2021
Sandra Montanino takes us back to a time of great change in the United States in her historic romance drama The Weight of Salt! Angelina Pirrello is growing up in a time of upheaval, where the struggle to gain the women’s vote is ongoing and the mafia is making its rise. But when she falls in love, she must learn to persevere as her father promises her to an older man. I love the richness of the time period Montanino chose and the many storylines she expertly weaves together! And the writing in this one is absolutely gorgeous, really making me feel for Angelina and experience everything she does. This is a heartfelt and emotional look back at history, so I highly recommend the trip back to 1906 in The Weight of Salt!
January 27, 2021
WOW. What a stunning debut by Sandra Montanino, at a time when we need an inspiring story about an immigrant woman most, she reads the room and presents this wonderful novel. It has heartbreak, forbidden love, family turmoils, all themes everyone can relate to.
I love historical fiction and this book definitely has it in spades, the main events of the books and dates are facts and the stories were told to Sandra's by her grandmother. I was particularly inspired by the character Uncle Pasquale who had a difficult start to life, but continues to joke and be happy. There are multiple quotes throughout the book that I felt could pertain to my life today. I really identified with Angelina's struggle to find her way through life as a woman and was always encouraged that she persevered and continued to push boundaries during this time period.
I love historical fiction and this book definitely has it in spades, the main events of the books and dates are facts and the stories were told to Sandra's by her grandmother. I was particularly inspired by the character Uncle Pasquale who had a difficult start to life, but continues to joke and be happy. There are multiple quotes throughout the book that I felt could pertain to my life today. I really identified with Angelina's struggle to find her way through life as a woman and was always encouraged that she persevered and continued to push boundaries during this time period.
January 29, 2021
I found the book The Weight of Salt very interesting about the Italian culture. I like the character Angelina.
She was a genuine & loving character thrown into a traumatic life changing situation. I rooted for her throughout the book wanting her to find love & happiness with a man she deserves. I really like the cover.
The book is exciting, dramatic and sometimes hilarious. When I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. Loved the gentleness of Uncle Pascquale and the silliness of Signora Bertelli.
She was a genuine & loving character thrown into a traumatic life changing situation. I rooted for her throughout the book wanting her to find love & happiness with a man she deserves. I really like the cover.
The book is exciting, dramatic and sometimes hilarious. When I started reading this book I couldn't put it down. Loved the gentleness of Uncle Pascquale and the silliness of Signora Bertelli.
July 5, 2023
4.5 stars. Almost gave this 3-4 stars, because it just ended. But I see there is a second book. Okay, I can be happy now with the ending.
Need to think about this book with my thoughts. I want all the uncles of the world to be Uncle Pasquale.
Need to think about this book with my thoughts. I want all the uncles of the world to be Uncle Pasquale.
June 22, 2022
I absolutely loved this book. Sandra had me both laughing and crying by the end of the first heartbreaking chapter, and then cheering on her characters' courage and determination as the story continues. She is a gifted storyteller whose characters are vibrant and full of life: some are vengeful and begrudging, some are wise and giving, and some are downright hilarious and almost overly optimistic. The common thread that binds them all is a pioneering spirit and a determination to succeed despite their sometimes terrible and unfair conditions.
Angelina's story of courage and passion resonates with today's readers in her courageous refusal to accept the hand dealt her. She is a young woman who is determined to honor her heritage while still paving her own path to freedom. Perhaps she didn't cross the Atlantic like her immigrant parents did, but her desire to write her own story echoes the desires that brought her parents and so many others to America in the first place. I look forward anxiously to the continuation of Angelina's story in book two!
Angelina's story of courage and passion resonates with today's readers in her courageous refusal to accept the hand dealt her. She is a young woman who is determined to honor her heritage while still paving her own path to freedom. Perhaps she didn't cross the Atlantic like her immigrant parents did, but her desire to write her own story echoes the desires that brought her parents and so many others to America in the first place. I look forward anxiously to the continuation of Angelina's story in book two!
March 26, 2025
My friend gave this book to me and told me to read the first chapter and tell her what I thought. I read the first chapter and then another until I finished the book :) This book had plenty of action and excitement that made me want to keep reading. I had never read a historical fiction about Italian immigrants in Florida and loved learning about what their life was like, their struggles, and traditions. I'm looking forward to the next book!
March 4, 2021
A richly, engaging story of Italian heritage that I savored with each turn of the page. Sandra Montanino captured the zest, passion, frustrations of a young woman breaking away from family traditions to achieve a life of her own. I found myself rooting for Angelina the whole way through.The
writing is superb with humorous anecdotes riddled throughout her book. Her debut novel will linger in your mind long after you've finished, The Weight of Salt. Bravo!
writing is superb with humorous anecdotes riddled throughout her book. Her debut novel will linger in your mind long after you've finished, The Weight of Salt. Bravo!
June 28, 2021
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I read a huge amount of historical fiction novels so I'm well-versed in the settings, time periods and storylines that are typical of the genera. So, the first thing that intrigued me was the setting and time period, Ybor City outside of Tampa, FL during the early 1900s. It's such an unusual location and time point for a historical fiction novel that I was really invested in learning about this little piece of history. Further, the main character is a 1st generation Italian-American with parents and a whole suite of other characters that were immigrants to the USA (largely from Italy, Spain and Cuba in this region of FL) during the late 1800s/early 1900s. This is an unusual backstory for a historical fiction character and an immediately drew me in.
The main character Angelina Pirello is a young woman coming of age in the era of female suffragists, but tied to a father who still believes in the "old ways" of Italy including arranged marriages and women who do not need education. You see Angelina battle both inwardly and outwardly for that newfound independence and the right to choose her own future including her own love. Angelina is also introduced to the world of cigar factories when her father forces her to leave school and find work. This was an interesting part of the novel as you often read historical fiction about women in the NE USA during the industrial revolution working in clothing factories, but a cigar factory was a nice twist and another one of those unusual plot lines that are so intriguing to fans of historical fiction.
The book is setup to be the first in a series and you can tell by the ending that Angelina's story is not finished, which I did enjoy because I love a continuing storyline. However, I did not love how quickly some of the mini-plots in the book moved along. In a single novel Angelina has fallen in love twice, but neither felt very realistic and I think could have used more coaxing. Second, despite the book alluding to more than a year of time the relationships, both friendship and love, did not feel as if they were given a year of time. There were many places I wished for the pace to slow down and for some of the supporting characters to be allowed more room to develop their storylines in tandem with Angelina's.
Overall, a good start to a series and an interesting setting that will definitely have me looking for the next book to find out what is going to happen to Angelina!
The main character Angelina Pirello is a young woman coming of age in the era of female suffragists, but tied to a father who still believes in the "old ways" of Italy including arranged marriages and women who do not need education. You see Angelina battle both inwardly and outwardly for that newfound independence and the right to choose her own future including her own love. Angelina is also introduced to the world of cigar factories when her father forces her to leave school and find work. This was an interesting part of the novel as you often read historical fiction about women in the NE USA during the industrial revolution working in clothing factories, but a cigar factory was a nice twist and another one of those unusual plot lines that are so intriguing to fans of historical fiction.
The book is setup to be the first in a series and you can tell by the ending that Angelina's story is not finished, which I did enjoy because I love a continuing storyline. However, I did not love how quickly some of the mini-plots in the book moved along. In a single novel Angelina has fallen in love twice, but neither felt very realistic and I think could have used more coaxing. Second, despite the book alluding to more than a year of time the relationships, both friendship and love, did not feel as if they were given a year of time. There were many places I wished for the pace to slow down and for some of the supporting characters to be allowed more room to develop their storylines in tandem with Angelina's.
Overall, a good start to a series and an interesting setting that will definitely have me looking for the next book to find out what is going to happen to Angelina!
April 16, 2023
Historical fiction inspired by true events which took place in Ybor City, a section of Tampa in the early 1900’s.
Angelina is fifteen when her mother dies giving birth to her seventh child. Angelina takes over her mother’s household chores as well as helping her father raise her younger brothers and sisters.she also works in her father’s grocery store. He is very strict with her and eventually sends her to live with her Aunt and Uncle in Ybor City, the Cigar Capital. She is forced to work in a cigar factory which is extremely hard work. She stays there until a horrific fire destroys the factory and then goes to work in another one. Angelina meets someone and falls in love, but her father has arranged to have her marry an older man who she dislikes. Only then does she assert herself and fight for her rights.
This story takes place during a chaotic time of the Suffragettes fighting for the vote for women, the Mafia terrorizes Italian business owners , and immigration is an issue. Angelina becomes involved in all of these meaningful events . Her father never supports her and tries to stop her from following her dreams.
I really enjoyed this Ebook which was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review by Goodreads. It was interesting to learn about cigar making during this period in history. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
Angelina is fifteen when her mother dies giving birth to her seventh child. Angelina takes over her mother’s household chores as well as helping her father raise her younger brothers and sisters.she also works in her father’s grocery store. He is very strict with her and eventually sends her to live with her Aunt and Uncle in Ybor City, the Cigar Capital. She is forced to work in a cigar factory which is extremely hard work. She stays there until a horrific fire destroys the factory and then goes to work in another one. Angelina meets someone and falls in love, but her father has arranged to have her marry an older man who she dislikes. Only then does she assert herself and fight for her rights.
This story takes place during a chaotic time of the Suffragettes fighting for the vote for women, the Mafia terrorizes Italian business owners , and immigration is an issue. Angelina becomes involved in all of these meaningful events . Her father never supports her and tries to stop her from following her dreams.
I really enjoyed this Ebook which was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review by Goodreads. It was interesting to learn about cigar making during this period in history. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!
July 13, 2023
Moving evocation of time and place
This book is rich in cultural, social, economic and political details of the early 1900s. I enjoyed the immersion into Sicilian life, values and religious beliefs the most.
The book features a range of compelling images, stories and beliefs of Sicilian culture. I found these sections, particularly the parable about the donkey carrying salt and the donkey carrying sponges, but what what happens when they cross the river, the most effective.
I enjoyed the book more as an historical novel rather than a romance. Both love interests seemed a bit perfunctory. In contrast I found some of the side characters extremely well drawn, particularly the uncle with his irrepressible homespun wisdom and the cigar factory owner lamenting his lost love.
At times I found the sentence construction a little jarring and felt there was a tendency to tell and not show. This was particularly where the heroine, Angelina, clashes with her father over the role of a woman in a new century.
Overall I enjoyed this very much. You could almost smell the acrid fumes of the cigar factory and taste the rich flavour of Angelina’s Sicilian cooking, a feat not often achieved by an author.
This book is rich in cultural, social, economic and political details of the early 1900s. I enjoyed the immersion into Sicilian life, values and religious beliefs the most.
The book features a range of compelling images, stories and beliefs of Sicilian culture. I found these sections, particularly the parable about the donkey carrying salt and the donkey carrying sponges, but what what happens when they cross the river, the most effective.
I enjoyed the book more as an historical novel rather than a romance. Both love interests seemed a bit perfunctory. In contrast I found some of the side characters extremely well drawn, particularly the uncle with his irrepressible homespun wisdom and the cigar factory owner lamenting his lost love.
At times I found the sentence construction a little jarring and felt there was a tendency to tell and not show. This was particularly where the heroine, Angelina, clashes with her father over the role of a woman in a new century.
Overall I enjoyed this very much. You could almost smell the acrid fumes of the cigar factory and taste the rich flavour of Angelina’s Sicilian cooking, a feat not often achieved by an author.
March 4, 2022
I received a copy of this book through Goodreads Giveaways, and I'm so glad that I did! Being a native Floridian who has lived on both the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, I love coming across books that take place in my state, because I'm so easily able to immerse myself into the setting (I currently live about 2 hours up the Gulf Coast from Ybor City), and any new historical background information is always fun to learn. The cigar factories, for instance. I had no idea that was such a big industry in Ybor.
As for characters, the female lead, Angelina, is extremely likeable due in large part to her bravery and determination in the face of adversity. She is going after what she wants in life, and I can't wait for the next book to come out, to see if her choices are paying off. But my absolute favorite character - from any novel that I've read in a long time, actually - is her Zio Pasquale. His dialogue reads like an extremely happy-go-lucky Chico Marx script. He is always looking on the bright side, always ready with a story and Italian words of wisdom, and incapable of getting angry. He's the best. The very best.
As for characters, the female lead, Angelina, is extremely likeable due in large part to her bravery and determination in the face of adversity. She is going after what she wants in life, and I can't wait for the next book to come out, to see if her choices are paying off. But my absolute favorite character - from any novel that I've read in a long time, actually - is her Zio Pasquale. His dialogue reads like an extremely happy-go-lucky Chico Marx script. He is always looking on the bright side, always ready with a story and Italian words of wisdom, and incapable of getting angry. He's the best. The very best.
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