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The Godmothers
For readers of Naomi Krupitsky's The Family! An irresistible, suspenseful novel about four women who marry into an elegant, prosperous Italian family, and then must take charge of the family’s business when their husbands are forced to leave them during the war.
Meet the Godmothers: Filomena is a clever and resourceful war refugee with a childhood secret. Amie, a beautiful and dreamy French girl from upstate New York, escapes an abusive husband for a new life. Lucy, a tough-as-nails Irish lass, runs away from a strict girls’ home to become a nurse. And the glamorous Petrina, the family’s only daughter, graduates with honors from Barnard College despite a past trauma that nearly caused a family scandal.
All four women become godmothers to one another’s children, finding hope and shelter in this prosperous family and their sumptuous Greenwich Village home.
But the women’s secret pasts lead to unforeseen consequences and betrayals that threaten to unravel all their carefully laid plans. And when they must unexpectedly contend with notorious gangsters like Frank Costello and Lucky Luciano, the four Godmothers learn to put aside their differences so that they can work together to protect their loved ones and find their own unique paths to the futures they’ve always dreamed of.
Meet the Godmothers: Filomena is a clever and resourceful war refugee with a childhood secret. Amie, a beautiful and dreamy French girl from upstate New York, escapes an abusive husband for a new life. Lucy, a tough-as-nails Irish lass, runs away from a strict girls’ home to become a nurse. And the glamorous Petrina, the family’s only daughter, graduates with honors from Barnard College despite a past trauma that nearly caused a family scandal.
All four women become godmothers to one another’s children, finding hope and shelter in this prosperous family and their sumptuous Greenwich Village home.
But the women’s secret pasts lead to unforeseen consequences and betrayals that threaten to unravel all their carefully laid plans. And when they must unexpectedly contend with notorious gangsters like Frank Costello and Lucky Luciano, the four Godmothers learn to put aside their differences so that they can work together to protect their loved ones and find their own unique paths to the futures they’ve always dreamed of.
432 pages, Paperback
First published June 15, 2021
274 people are currently reading
26033 people want to read
About the author
Camille Aubray
3 books475 followersCamille Aubray is the author of THE GODMOTHERS and COOKING FOR PICASSO. Both novels were a People Magazine's Pick for the Best New Books. THE GODMOTHERS was also chosen for Best Books lists by Newsweek, Buzzfeed, Parade, and Veranda. COOKING FOR PICASSO is an Indiebound bestseller and won a spot on the Indie Next Reading Groups List.
Camille Aubray is an Edward Albee Foundation Fellowship winner and was a writer-in-residence at the Karolyi Foundation in the South of France. She studied writing with her mentor Margaret Atwood, and was a finalist for the Pushcart Press Editors' Book Award and the Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference.
To see Camille Aubray's events, book club kits, photos, recipes and the locales that inspired her, visit her at her website: www.camilleaubray.com
Camille Aubray is an Edward Albee Foundation Fellowship winner and was a writer-in-residence at the Karolyi Foundation in the South of France. She studied writing with her mentor Margaret Atwood, and was a finalist for the Pushcart Press Editors' Book Award and the Eugene O'Neill National Playwrights Conference.
To see Camille Aubray's events, book club kits, photos, recipes and the locales that inspired her, visit her at her website: www.camilleaubray.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 509 reviews
September 11, 2022
Note: I received a free copy of this book. In exchange here is my honest review:
Set in the 30’s-50’s in New York, this mobster-style-story follows a family through all their trials. 👍 It’s has a mafia movie crime feel, but I loved how the women would take charge of business! 👍
Thank you @goodreads and @williammorrowbooks #goodreadsgiveaway
Set in the 30’s-50’s in New York, this mobster-style-story follows a family through all their trials. 👍 It’s has a mafia movie crime feel, but I loved how the women would take charge of business! 👍
Thank you @goodreads and @williammorrowbooks #goodreadsgiveaway
June 15, 2021
In 1980, Nicole’s husband is interviewing for a job which requires a background check. She asks her godmother whether there’s anything in their family history which could raise a red flag. Filomena realizes that the time has come to tell her godchild the history of the family. And what a history it is! This sweeping family saga centers around the 1930s to 1950s and tells the story of a family of sisters by marriage who find themselves in the middle New York’s notorious organized crime scene. Gianni and Tessa are parents of four children - daughter Petrina and three sons. Lucy, Amie and Filomena have deep secrets before each meet and marry the sons. Through many difficulties including the U.S. entering World War II, the four women become knee deep in the “family business.”
Set primarily in New York's Greenwich Village, there is tension among the four women, who come from vastly different backgrounds. They realize that their only chance to survive is by banding together and trusting one another. They are trying to manage long-running obligations in an environment where women are not taken seriously. The world of the mafia, which includes actual mob figures, is well presented in The Godmothers. But the heart of the story is the family dynamics among the women and their growing children who yearn to forge their own identities.
Camille Aubray has written a fast-moving, suspenseful book that covers a lot of ground and keeps you rooting for this unique band of sisters-in-law.
Many thanks to William Morrow / HarperCollins and Goodreads for the opportunity to read The Godmothers in advance of its June 15, 2021 publication.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Set primarily in New York's Greenwich Village, there is tension among the four women, who come from vastly different backgrounds. They realize that their only chance to survive is by banding together and trusting one another. They are trying to manage long-running obligations in an environment where women are not taken seriously. The world of the mafia, which includes actual mob figures, is well presented in The Godmothers. But the heart of the story is the family dynamics among the women and their growing children who yearn to forge their own identities.
Camille Aubray has written a fast-moving, suspenseful book that covers a lot of ground and keeps you rooting for this unique band of sisters-in-law.
Many thanks to William Morrow / HarperCollins and Goodreads for the opportunity to read The Godmothers in advance of its June 15, 2021 publication.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
June 1, 2021
A sweeping saga featuring 4 strong women related by marriage into a proud Italian family with ties to the mob. Different from other "mob stories" in that it is told through the women's eyes, and the mob is not glamorized or celebrated.
I knew this book would be super interesting as soon as I read the synopsis. I love reading about this time period in New York (1930's - 50's). I find myself intrigued when reading about the ways that families involved in the mob justify the way they make money and treat individuals with the ways they treat their own family. I loved how this book was so different from other portrayals of the magic of wealth and power from being inside the mob. This is a story of the devastation that life can have on families and the struggle to keep the younger generation from becoming enamored with that lifestyle.
The 4 women that play center stage in this book, Petrina, Lucy, Amie and Filomena band together when they find themselves in a situation that they had no part in creating. Petrina is the daughter of Gianni and Tessa, a couple that dallied on the outskirts of the mob, lending money. Lucy, Amie and Filomena married into the family. Each hides her own secret. The husbands are all forced at one point to remove themself from the family for a time. One hiding from the police and searching for someone, one off to fight in the war, one removed through an affair and divorce and one to a devastating illness. When tragedy strikes, the women become, "the Godmothers" and make a pact to support each other and keep no secrets from one another. They are tasked with saving the family name and saving each member of the family from harm.
Each of the women are so different, and melded together perfectly to form a smart, stylish, family-focused and fierce group who took over in a business where women were not necessarily welcome or respected as business partners. The first part of the book did a great job of taking the reader through each woman's upbringing and offered such insight into their motivations in later life choices. As each of the woman started their own family, the importance of their relationship with each other grew increasingly important. The introduction of recognizable mobster names was a fun touch. I loved watching their evolving relationships and the steps they planned in order to achieve a seemingly unattainable goal. The story highlighted themes of responsibility, honor, respect, love and forgiveness.
I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend. Although the book felt a tad slow at some parts, the overall character development, storyline and ending made the read very worthwhile. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow / Custom House for allowing me to read and review an advance copy. Pub date: June 15, 2021.
I knew this book would be super interesting as soon as I read the synopsis. I love reading about this time period in New York (1930's - 50's). I find myself intrigued when reading about the ways that families involved in the mob justify the way they make money and treat individuals with the ways they treat their own family. I loved how this book was so different from other portrayals of the magic of wealth and power from being inside the mob. This is a story of the devastation that life can have on families and the struggle to keep the younger generation from becoming enamored with that lifestyle.
The 4 women that play center stage in this book, Petrina, Lucy, Amie and Filomena band together when they find themselves in a situation that they had no part in creating. Petrina is the daughter of Gianni and Tessa, a couple that dallied on the outskirts of the mob, lending money. Lucy, Amie and Filomena married into the family. Each hides her own secret. The husbands are all forced at one point to remove themself from the family for a time. One hiding from the police and searching for someone, one off to fight in the war, one removed through an affair and divorce and one to a devastating illness. When tragedy strikes, the women become, "the Godmothers" and make a pact to support each other and keep no secrets from one another. They are tasked with saving the family name and saving each member of the family from harm.
Each of the women are so different, and melded together perfectly to form a smart, stylish, family-focused and fierce group who took over in a business where women were not necessarily welcome or respected as business partners. The first part of the book did a great job of taking the reader through each woman's upbringing and offered such insight into their motivations in later life choices. As each of the woman started their own family, the importance of their relationship with each other grew increasingly important. The introduction of recognizable mobster names was a fun touch. I loved watching their evolving relationships and the steps they planned in order to achieve a seemingly unattainable goal. The story highlighted themes of responsibility, honor, respect, love and forgiveness.
I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend. Although the book felt a tad slow at some parts, the overall character development, storyline and ending made the read very worthwhile. Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow / Custom House for allowing me to read and review an advance copy. Pub date: June 15, 2021.
May 5, 2021
The Godmothers was a roller coaster of a tale with lots of ups and downs and twists and turns. This book was action packed and very readable. It was not without its flaws but I did enjoy following this family for about 90 years.
This book started out very strong with a focus on the four godmothers (Petrina, Lucy, Amie, and Filomena). I loved this look at their backstory and how they came to this family. The reader gets to know each woman and her strengths and weaknesses in this first section. For me, this was the best part of the book. It made me love each of these characters and want to see how their lives would unfold.
Once we moved into the next time frame, the author shifted from the individual women's perspectives to the family as a collective. I felt like we lost the uniqueness of each woman. I still enjoyed reading how the family was growing and dealing with the various challenges that came their way.
At about the 60% mark in the book, I felt like we went off the rails a bit. The author seemed to be throwing a lot of tropes at us; so many tropes that I felt we could be on a set of a soap opera. A lot of them just seemed unnecessary/overkill. It's at this point that I felt like the story could have been wrapped up. But then we have a third section in the 1950s. I thought this part was rushed and underdeveloped.
Despite my issues, I did like this detailed look at this family. I loved seeing the women coming together and doing what needs to be done to ensure the future of their family.
This book started out very strong with a focus on the four godmothers (Petrina, Lucy, Amie, and Filomena). I loved this look at their backstory and how they came to this family. The reader gets to know each woman and her strengths and weaknesses in this first section. For me, this was the best part of the book. It made me love each of these characters and want to see how their lives would unfold.
Once we moved into the next time frame, the author shifted from the individual women's perspectives to the family as a collective. I felt like we lost the uniqueness of each woman. I still enjoyed reading how the family was growing and dealing with the various challenges that came their way.
At about the 60% mark in the book, I felt like we went off the rails a bit. The author seemed to be throwing a lot of tropes at us; so many tropes that I felt we could be on a set of a soap opera. A lot of them just seemed unnecessary/overkill. It's at this point that I felt like the story could have been wrapped up. But then we have a third section in the 1950s. I thought this part was rushed and underdeveloped.
Despite my issues, I did like this detailed look at this family. I loved seeing the women coming together and doing what needs to be done to ensure the future of their family.
June 29, 2021
When daughter Nicole’s husband needs a background check for a job with the Carter administration, she goes to her godmother to find out if the family is hiding anything. The story that unfolds is one of drama, passion, and long buried family secrets. Four women who are born into or marry into a well-connected New York Italian family- Petrina, Lucy, Amie, and Filomena- must take over the family business during WWII when death, sickness and the war take their husbands and brothers away. The women rise to the challenge, taking on the local mafia bosses and protecting their family interests. A flip on the often male-dominated mafia novels, this is a face-paced, dramatic multi-generational novel portraying strong female characters in a traditionally male dominated world. An enthralling, wonderful work of historical fiction.
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the e-ARC
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the e-ARC
July 27, 2022
3.5/5
Keturios moterys – kilusios iš skirtingų šeimų, per gyvenimą patyrusios pačių įvairiausių nuopuolių ir laimėjimų, kiekviena nešanti sunkią savo naštą, ir visgi neatsiejamai viena su kita susisaisčiusios. Camille Aubray pasiryžo papasakoti gana dažnai sutinkamą mafijos šeimos istoriją, bet iš visai kitos perspektyvos – moterų, kurios dažnai lieka pamirštos arba pražiūrėtos, nors iš tiesų neretai yra patys reikalingiausi visos tos įmantrios bei delikačios sistemos varžteliai.
Knyga pasitinka skaitytoją labai stipriai – pristatoma kiekviena iš keturių pagrindinių veikėjų, jos sukuriamos pakankamai skirtingos, kad prie kiekvienos sugebėtum prisirišti dėl vis kitokių priežasčių, bet ir netobulos – kiekviena su savo paslaptimis, nuodėmėmis ir paklydimais. Daug kalbama apie šeimos svarbą ir moterų vaidmenį santuokoje, įvairių visuomenės sluoksnių patiriamą nelygybę, moterų teises, dėl kurių tais laikais kovoti reikėjo dar aršiau nei dabar, ir apie draugystę, kuri tarp moterų dažnai užgimsta ne taip jau ir paprastai. Kiekviena iš keturių veikėjų knygai suteikia vis kitokio atspalvio – užsispyrimo, ryžto, atjautos, meilės.
Keliaujame per visą šios didingos šeimos istoriją ir galime pamatyti ne tik spindinčius turtus ir glamūrą, bet ir užkulisius – purvinus pinigus, smurtą, amžiną pavojų ir dairymąsi per petį. Visgi šalia visada eina šeimos tvirtybė, kuri nesusvyruoja, net susidūrus akis į akį su tragedijomis ar iššūkiais.
Knyga antroje pusėje, mano manymu, šiek tiek susilpnėja – autorė, regis, norėjo į siužetą sudėti kiek įmanoma daugiau intrigų, tad galiausiai istorija tapo tropų rinkinys. Stipri pradžia užleido vietą dramoms, kurios vis lipo viena ant kitos ir ties nė viena iš jų nebuvo užsiliekama pakankamai ilgai, kad pakapstyti giliau, dažniausiai tik praplaukiama paviršiumi.
Nepaisant to, ieškantiems istorijos apie tvirtą šeimą ir jos priekyje stovinčias tvirtas (bet ir klystančias) moteris – rekomenduoju išbandyti „Krikštamotes“. Pramoginis, bet savo žavesio turintis kūrinys, kuriame tikrai atrasite kažką sau.
Keturios moterys – kilusios iš skirtingų šeimų, per gyvenimą patyrusios pačių įvairiausių nuopuolių ir laimėjimų, kiekviena nešanti sunkią savo naštą, ir visgi neatsiejamai viena su kita susisaisčiusios. Camille Aubray pasiryžo papasakoti gana dažnai sutinkamą mafijos šeimos istoriją, bet iš visai kitos perspektyvos – moterų, kurios dažnai lieka pamirštos arba pražiūrėtos, nors iš tiesų neretai yra patys reikalingiausi visos tos įmantrios bei delikačios sistemos varžteliai.
Knyga pasitinka skaitytoją labai stipriai – pristatoma kiekviena iš keturių pagrindinių veikėjų, jos sukuriamos pakankamai skirtingos, kad prie kiekvienos sugebėtum prisirišti dėl vis kitokių priežasčių, bet ir netobulos – kiekviena su savo paslaptimis, nuodėmėmis ir paklydimais. Daug kalbama apie šeimos svarbą ir moterų vaidmenį santuokoje, įvairių visuomenės sluoksnių patiriamą nelygybę, moterų teises, dėl kurių tais laikais kovoti reikėjo dar aršiau nei dabar, ir apie draugystę, kuri tarp moterų dažnai užgimsta ne taip jau ir paprastai. Kiekviena iš keturių veikėjų knygai suteikia vis kitokio atspalvio – užsispyrimo, ryžto, atjautos, meilės.
Keliaujame per visą šios didingos šeimos istoriją ir galime pamatyti ne tik spindinčius turtus ir glamūrą, bet ir užkulisius – purvinus pinigus, smurtą, amžiną pavojų ir dairymąsi per petį. Visgi šalia visada eina šeimos tvirtybė, kuri nesusvyruoja, net susidūrus akis į akį su tragedijomis ar iššūkiais.
Knyga antroje pusėje, mano manymu, šiek tiek susilpnėja – autorė, regis, norėjo į siužetą sudėti kiek įmanoma daugiau intrigų, tad galiausiai istorija tapo tropų rinkinys. Stipri pradžia užleido vietą dramoms, kurios vis lipo viena ant kitos ir ties nė viena iš jų nebuvo užsiliekama pakankamai ilgai, kad pakapstyti giliau, dažniausiai tik praplaukiama paviršiumi.
Nepaisant to, ieškantiems istorijos apie tvirtą šeimą ir jos priekyje stovinčias tvirtas (bet ir klystančias) moteris – rekomenduoju išbandyti „Krikštamotes“. Pramoginis, bet savo žavesio turintis kūrinys, kuriame tikrai atrasite kažką sau.
July 29, 2021
I honestly cannot believe this book has an approximate 4 star rating. This book as an idea is a GREAT one! The execution (no pun intended, not in the mood for puns😏) was AWFUL!!! The beginning of this book is written really well. The individual stories of the four women who are the main characters gave me especially high hopes. I don’t know how the rest of the book came from the same writer?? It just kept getting worse! I wanted to DNF around page 380...380!!! If the Sopranos had been written as a cheesy & cliche Soap Opera, THIS BOOK WOULD BE IT!! I’m actually mad I spent $23 on this crap that robbed me of 6 hours of my life! One ridiculous gangster cliche after another!! Gidaddya here, curtains for Johnny, cap-eesh? Kid, you gotta bust me out! UGGGGHHH, I cannot believe that the term ‘swimming with the fishes’ never came up!!! That’s it, I can’t waste any more time on this book. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!!
June 18, 2022
I just finished this epic story and I have many feelings about it. I love that it's a basic Mafia story set in NY, BUT....focusing on the women instead of the men in the families. Three of the females marry into the family, the other female is the only daughter. Overtime there are ins and outs, and much drama, as you might expect. I enjoyed the characters and the decades they lived through. It's a good book to take your mind off of things and wonder about other people's lives. I read this on audio and enjoyed the narrator.
Meet the Godmothers: Filomena is a clever and resourceful war refugee with a childhood secret, who comes to America to wed Mario, the family's favored son. Amie, a beautiful and dreamy French girl from upstate New York, escapes an abusive husband after falling in love with Johnny, the oldest of the brothers. Lucy, a tough-as-nails Irish nurse, ran away from a strict girls' home and marries Frankie, the sensuous middle son. And the glamorous Petrina, the family’s only daughter, graduates with honors from Barnard College despite a past trauma that nearly caused a family scandal.
All four women become godmothers to one another’s children, finding hope and shelter in this prosperous family and their sumptuous Greenwich Village home...
Meet the Godmothers: Filomena is a clever and resourceful war refugee with a childhood secret, who comes to America to wed Mario, the family's favored son. Amie, a beautiful and dreamy French girl from upstate New York, escapes an abusive husband after falling in love with Johnny, the oldest of the brothers. Lucy, a tough-as-nails Irish nurse, ran away from a strict girls' home and marries Frankie, the sensuous middle son. And the glamorous Petrina, the family’s only daughter, graduates with honors from Barnard College despite a past trauma that nearly caused a family scandal.
All four women become godmothers to one another’s children, finding hope and shelter in this prosperous family and their sumptuous Greenwich Village home...
April 2, 2021
LOVED THIS BOOK! Strong women are featured in many of today's best reads. You are going to meet incredible examples here as they handle rejection, emigration, war, men, family, business, crime, criminals, love, loss, and the gamut of emotions. All the characters are so diverse and you are easily wrapped up in their past, present, and future. I was so fortunate to win this wonderful book on Goodreads prior to its June publication. The tiny print was difficult for me in the large paperback "uncorrected PROOF " version, but I did not find any errors even though they usually jump off the page at me since I did a lot of proofreading in former jobs. I don't give that many books five stars; I will definitely want to read more by this excellent writer. Some Italian phrases were translated--I wish all had been. Grab your copy of this engrossing novel as soon as it is available so you can be the one to recommend it to your family, friends, and book club. You are not going to want to put it down, but you'll have to since you are not going to finish this one in one sitting. Woven into this story are actual events involving the Mafia in America during its heyday. In the end we are reminded that some scars do not show but the wounds are so deep that they never heal no matter how we may find new love, family, wealth, and success.
January 27, 2021
This is a fantastic family saga dealing with a large Italian family during the decades of the 1940s and 1950s. It is centered around the women of the family, the wives and daughters, and their secrets. It is a very impressive novel. Despite the fact that there are many characters, I never felt confused, since Aubray is a truly gifted author who manages to create extremely vibrant characters.
These Godmothers are placed in brilliant historical perspective, especially in dealing with the mobsters who ran NYC during those days. She made her characters witnesses to real events that are still discussed. She was also able to blend in events of WWII and how those impacted the family.
These Godmothers are fascinating women and their backstories engaged the reader and brought them to life. The stories were easily believable for me, since I recall hidden pregnancies and children being raised by older relatives who took the role of parents. I was totally involved in the novel and was able to visualize every character.
I highly recommend this to reading groups. I am confident they will love it as I did and have many interesting discussions.
Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful novel.
These Godmothers are placed in brilliant historical perspective, especially in dealing with the mobsters who ran NYC during those days. She made her characters witnesses to real events that are still discussed. She was also able to blend in events of WWII and how those impacted the family.
These Godmothers are fascinating women and their backstories engaged the reader and brought them to life. The stories were easily believable for me, since I recall hidden pregnancies and children being raised by older relatives who took the role of parents. I was totally involved in the novel and was able to visualize every character.
I highly recommend this to reading groups. I am confident they will love it as I did and have many interesting discussions.
Thank you Netgalley for this wonderful novel.
July 10, 2021
I… don’t know how to properly express how much I did not like this book? But somehow I finished it? I acknowledge that about halfway through I realized I was kinda hate-reading it. The promised premise is actually such a small portion of the book surrounded by (somehow) both predictable and over-the-top events that come out of left field. Like Forrest Gump but with the Mafia and a thousand more pointless plot lines. I want to know what editor looked at this book and said “you know what? This frame narrative really adds to the story.” (Nicole is not interesting! Aubray doesn’t even try to make her interesting!)
Also, I’m sorry (I’m actually not), but how are you going to write a whole ass book about a family and not give said family a last name? Make it make sense. Two-thirds of the way through I thought that I had just forgotten their last name because there was so much happening, but no. I went back to the beginning and there’s nary a mention of a last name for any characters except for the historical figures that Aubray awkwardly works into the story (and two other guys who probably were given names so you know they’re not members of our nameless family).
It’s just… not great, fam.
At least Forrest Gump had a last name.
Also, I’m sorry (I’m actually not), but how are you going to write a whole ass book about a family and not give said family a last name? Make it make sense. Two-thirds of the way through I thought that I had just forgotten their last name because there was so much happening, but no. I went back to the beginning and there’s nary a mention of a last name for any characters except for the historical figures that Aubray awkwardly works into the story (and two other guys who probably were given names so you know they’re not members of our nameless family).
It’s just… not great, fam.
At least Forrest Gump had a last name.
August 26, 2022
Tai pasakojimas apie keturias moteris, kurios netikėtai savo likimus susieja su gana įtakinga bei gerbiama italų šeima.
Šios keturios moterys - dar vadinamos krikštamotėmis : Filomena - stipri bei ryžtinga moteris, kuri slepia paslaptį. Eimė - svajinga bei meilės trokštanti moteris, kuriai pavyko pabėgti nuo smurtaujančio vyro. Liusė - medicinos sesuo, kuri pasiryžusi pagelbėti ištikriems nelaimės. Petrina - padarė klaidą, kuri vos nesugriovė visos šeimos gyvenimo..
Jos visos tokios skirtingos, tačiau jas vienijantis dalykas yra meilė šeimai.
Gangsteriai, elegantiškos moterys bei vyrai, įvairūs sandėriai bei italų ryškus temperamentas. Dalelė to, kas slepiasi šioje knygoje. Šio romano pradžia mane tikrai sužavėjo bei traukė ir toliau skaityti šią istoriją, tačiau antroji kūrinio pusė man pasirodė žymiai silpnesnė ir labai melodramatiška. Norėjosi man ir daugiau vyrų įsitraukimo į antrąją knygos pusę.
Nepaisant to, aš tikrai turėjau puikų laiką su šia knyga ir ją rekomenduočiau norintiems paprasto, tačiau tuo pačiu ir apie nepaprastas bei tvirtas moteris romano, kuriame atskleidžiama nepagražinta gyvenimo realybė.
Šios keturios moterys - dar vadinamos krikštamotėmis : Filomena - stipri bei ryžtinga moteris, kuri slepia paslaptį. Eimė - svajinga bei meilės trokštanti moteris, kuriai pavyko pabėgti nuo smurtaujančio vyro. Liusė - medicinos sesuo, kuri pasiryžusi pagelbėti ištikriems nelaimės. Petrina - padarė klaidą, kuri vos nesugriovė visos šeimos gyvenimo..
Jos visos tokios skirtingos, tačiau jas vienijantis dalykas yra meilė šeimai.
Gangsteriai, elegantiškos moterys bei vyrai, įvairūs sandėriai bei italų ryškus temperamentas. Dalelė to, kas slepiasi šioje knygoje. Šio romano pradžia mane tikrai sužavėjo bei traukė ir toliau skaityti šią istoriją, tačiau antroji kūrinio pusė man pasirodė žymiai silpnesnė ir labai melodramatiška. Norėjosi man ir daugiau vyrų įsitraukimo į antrąją knygos pusę.
Nepaisant to, aš tikrai turėjau puikų laiką su šia knyga ir ją rekomenduočiau norintiems paprasto, tačiau tuo pačiu ir apie nepaprastas bei tvirtas moteris romano, kuriame atskleidžiama nepagražinta gyvenimo realybė.
March 17, 2023
"Susipažinkite su krikštamotėmis: Filomena - protinga ir išradinga karo pabėgėlė, su nedideliu bagažu atsigabenusi ir paslaptį, Eimė - graži ir svajinga prancūzė, išsivadavusi nuo smurtaujančio vyro, Liusė - ryžtinga airių kilmės medicinos sesuo, pabėgusi iš griežtos mergaičių prieglaudos ir Petrina - vienintelė šeimos dukra, padariusi klaidą, kuri vos nesukėlė didelio skandalo".
Man labai labai patiko!!! Įtraukia nuo pirmų puslapių ir paskui jau nebeįmanoma atsiplėšti. Kiekviena iš jų turi ką slėpti, bet jos susivienys vardan bendro tikslo - šeimos, bandys išsaugoti šeimos verslą ,kad galėtų dirbti drauge, stos į akistatą su pavojingais vyrais, ir kitomis gyvenimo negandomis, kad galėtų apsaugoti svarbiausius šeimos narius -savo vyrus ir vaikus.
Tikrai dėmesio verta knyga ir aš labai džiaugiuosi, kad ją perskaičiau.
Man labai labai patiko!!! Įtraukia nuo pirmų puslapių ir paskui jau nebeįmanoma atsiplėšti. Kiekviena iš jų turi ką slėpti, bet jos susivienys vardan bendro tikslo - šeimos, bandys išsaugoti šeimos verslą ,kad galėtų dirbti drauge, stos į akistatą su pavojingais vyrais, ir kitomis gyvenimo negandomis, kad galėtų apsaugoti svarbiausius šeimos narius -savo vyrus ir vaikus.
Tikrai dėmesio verta knyga ir aš labai džiaugiuosi, kad ją perskaičiau.
March 14, 2023
Ši knyga apie tikrą itališką šeimą. Tik visas veiksmas daugiausia vyksta Niujorke. Ir vėliau, maisto gamybą pakeičia tikra mafijos virtuvė. O dar keisčiau tai, kad atsakomybė krenta ant keturių moterų pečių.
O štai ir tos keturios krikštamotės:
•Petrina- vyriausioji šeimos dukra. Slepianti didžią paslaptį net nuo pačių artimiausių brolių.
•Filomena- karo pabėgelė, kuri atvyksta susipažinti su jaunikiu. Bėgdama nuo karo ji pateko į kitą, pavojų kupiną, pasaulį. Sunkesnė už lagaminą - paslaptis iš tėvynės.
•Eimė- gražuolė prancūzė, ištrūkusi iš smurtaujančio vyro, kuris tampa jos gyvenimo paslaptimi.
•Liusė- airių kilmės slaugytoja, ar ji turi savo kruopščiai slepiamą paslaptį? Žinoma!
Šių moterų tvirta sąjunga daro viską, kad apsaugotų savo šeimą. Tik ar įmanoma rasti išėjimą iš šios pragaro virtuvės?
O štai ir tos keturios krikštamotės:
•Petrina- vyriausioji šeimos dukra. Slepianti didžią paslaptį net nuo pačių artimiausių brolių.
•Filomena- karo pabėgelė, kuri atvyksta susipažinti su jaunikiu. Bėgdama nuo karo ji pateko į kitą, pavojų kupiną, pasaulį. Sunkesnė už lagaminą - paslaptis iš tėvynės.
•Eimė- gražuolė prancūzė, ištrūkusi iš smurtaujančio vyro, kuris tampa jos gyvenimo paslaptimi.
•Liusė- airių kilmės slaugytoja, ar ji turi savo kruopščiai slepiamą paslaptį? Žinoma!
Šių moterų tvirta sąjunga daro viską, kad apsaugotų savo šeimą. Tik ar įmanoma rasti išėjimą iš šios pragaro virtuvės?
June 23, 2021
The Godmothers is a WWII era story of the lives of four women who marry into the same large Italian family. Centered in Greenwich Village in the 1940’s, each of these completely different women has a secret past and all four of them band together to help each other’s children. Fully fleshed-out characters, that are engaging from the start of the book, drive a great story forward. Compulsively readable I wholeheartedly suggest you add this to your TBR list!
I received my advance copy from the publisher.
I received my advance copy from the publisher.
June 18, 2021
Beautiful story. So much drama but the story had me turning the pages! ❤
August 21, 2021
This is Historical Fiction and it is accompanied by a modern time line as well. The four Godmothers are the three women who married Italian brothers, and it also included the only sister of the brothers.
I loved the detail of the characters, especially the women. They were vividly drawn and easy to see and understand. I also liked the attention given to the building of the familial relationships. Again well done because I could see and feel the tension and the love. I'll also add the forgiveness here too, which was important.
I like family sagas, and this one pulled me into the story and the lives of the people. All good, right? Not so fast. Some of the romantic strokes felt awkward. Every time I thought, "What? This is a romance novel?" But thankfully, it moved on just as quickly as it was upon the reader. There were a couple of other little things, but overall, I really liked this one. Maybe not quite 4 stars, but I don't mind rounding up on this one.
I loved the detail of the characters, especially the women. They were vividly drawn and easy to see and understand. I also liked the attention given to the building of the familial relationships. Again well done because I could see and feel the tension and the love. I'll also add the forgiveness here too, which was important.
I like family sagas, and this one pulled me into the story and the lives of the people. All good, right? Not so fast. Some of the romantic strokes felt awkward. Every time I thought, "What? This is a romance novel?" But thankfully, it moved on just as quickly as it was upon the reader. There were a couple of other little things, but overall, I really liked this one. Maybe not quite 4 stars, but I don't mind rounding up on this one.
March 7, 2021
The Godmothers by Camille Aubray is an excellent historical fiction saga that has it all: excellent historical elements, suspense, romance, generational family saga, impressive cast of well-developed female characters, and kept me engaged from beginning to end.
This book has so much, and encompasses so many individual stories that all entwine and intercept within the same family tapestry. We get to follow along within a family through the decades beginning in the 1930s and see all of the obstacles, triumphs, loves, losses, forged relationships, loyalties created, and lies, deceptions, heartbreaks, and overall changes. Through it all, we see a family change, grow, alter, and move throughout the years just as the world and society move around them.
It was fascinating to be able to read a narrative that encompasses so many strong, formidable, passionate, intelligent, complex, and well-written female cast all drawn together and pushed apart as external and internal sources intercede.
We get to see how this specific Italian/American family that is larger then life work, love, live, and raise one another’s families within NYC in such pivotal times of change: mainly the 40s-50s, the war, the mafia, the societal roles and expectations changing so rapidly.
I loved reading the individual stories of Amie, Lucy, Petrina, and Filomena as well as their intertwined stories. Each have their own flaws, loyalties, strengths, weaknesses, lies, and goals. Each are well-developed and serve the overall story well. I also loved reading about the historical changes that take place simultaneously and how the family responds.
Definitely never a dull moment and I really enjoyed my time with this larger then life family. Drama abounds.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and William Morrow for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
This book has so much, and encompasses so many individual stories that all entwine and intercept within the same family tapestry. We get to follow along within a family through the decades beginning in the 1930s and see all of the obstacles, triumphs, loves, losses, forged relationships, loyalties created, and lies, deceptions, heartbreaks, and overall changes. Through it all, we see a family change, grow, alter, and move throughout the years just as the world and society move around them.
It was fascinating to be able to read a narrative that encompasses so many strong, formidable, passionate, intelligent, complex, and well-written female cast all drawn together and pushed apart as external and internal sources intercede.
We get to see how this specific Italian/American family that is larger then life work, love, live, and raise one another’s families within NYC in such pivotal times of change: mainly the 40s-50s, the war, the mafia, the societal roles and expectations changing so rapidly.
I loved reading the individual stories of Amie, Lucy, Petrina, and Filomena as well as their intertwined stories. Each have their own flaws, loyalties, strengths, weaknesses, lies, and goals. Each are well-developed and serve the overall story well. I also loved reading about the historical changes that take place simultaneously and how the family responds.
Definitely never a dull moment and I really enjoyed my time with this larger then life family. Drama abounds.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and William Morrow for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR, Instagram, and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.
May 5, 2021
This is the story of 4 women from 4 very different background that end up part of one Italian family with connections to the mob, in 1930s Greenwich Village, New York.
The novel starts by telling us of the women, introducing each character, their personalities and the stories of how they became sisters-in-law, and eventually godmother to each other's children.
When tragedies befall the family, forcing the men to be away, the Godmothers take over the "business."
This novel is the story of family and loyalty. It shows the value of freindship and trust and the value of children and how they are our future, they need to be loved, encouraged and protected. This novel tells the story of one generation doing everything in their power to ensure a better future for the next generation, its about how we live our lives and what legacy we leave behind.
Wonderfully scripted, the characters come alive from the very first page, weaving a story of complicated lives and relationships that you can't put down. I finished this book in a day and a half. Very readable and not your usually WWII fictional novel, the war is in the background, not part of the central focus of the book, which was refreshing for me as I read tons and tons of WWII centered books.
5 stars recommend highly. This book is scheduled for 6/15/2021, so be sure to grab a copy.
Thanks to William Morrow publihing and Net Galley for ARC of this book, I am leaving my honest review in return.
The novel starts by telling us of the women, introducing each character, their personalities and the stories of how they became sisters-in-law, and eventually godmother to each other's children.
When tragedies befall the family, forcing the men to be away, the Godmothers take over the "business."
This novel is the story of family and loyalty. It shows the value of freindship and trust and the value of children and how they are our future, they need to be loved, encouraged and protected. This novel tells the story of one generation doing everything in their power to ensure a better future for the next generation, its about how we live our lives and what legacy we leave behind.
Wonderfully scripted, the characters come alive from the very first page, weaving a story of complicated lives and relationships that you can't put down. I finished this book in a day and a half. Very readable and not your usually WWII fictional novel, the war is in the background, not part of the central focus of the book, which was refreshing for me as I read tons and tons of WWII centered books.
5 stars recommend highly. This book is scheduled for 6/15/2021, so be sure to grab a copy.
Thanks to William Morrow publihing and Net Galley for ARC of this book, I am leaving my honest review in return.
April 21, 2021
I received an advance copy of The Godmothers from Harper Collins for an authentic review. I loved this multigenerational saga of four strong women within a traditional Italian family during the 1930’s through predominantly the 1950’s in Greenwich Village. Secrets, power, intrigue and most importantly a love and commitment of family first makes The Godmothers a must read. Scenarios of the crime bosses and how things were “run”, this shows how these four women, familia, bond in a way that shows courage, quick wittedness and love for one another. Each of the “Godmothers” stories are woven together in a rich historical fiction novel. The writing is descriptive yet fast paced. I didn’t want this to end and would love to see a sequel. This is the first book of Camille Aubray’s I’ve read and it won’t be the last.
March 17, 2021
I loved the book! The characters are very well developed and tie nicely together in this clever story. The family saga starts in the 1930s and tells the stories of the individual women and how they are about to join the same Italian American family in NYC. All have secrets. The story then continues through WW II and the 1950s. I found it altogether an upbeat tribute to female friendships, despite many unusual situations.
Godmothers & mobsters- this historical fiction is very refreshing!
Godmothers & mobsters- this historical fiction is very refreshing!
April 25, 2021
What a wonderful novel. Thank you Goodreads for the chance to preview the book. I suggest getting this book before it flies off the shelf when it comes out in June. A wonderful story about family bonds and very strong relationships. I can't say enough marvelous things about. If you love historical ficion do yourself a huge favor and pick up a copy!
June 30, 2021
Wow!!!! I could not put this book down and when I did I couldn’t wait to pick it back up! Loved the characters and the era the book took place in. I really really loved this book, it’s going to be one I remember for a long time.
June 30, 2021
Wow! What a story! I loved reading of the 'family' of sisters-in-law ie The Godmothers and their growing love for each other. Family is everything to them. A must read - a real page turner!
July 20, 2022
Labai seniai perskaiciau "Krikstatevis", tada sesuo "priverte" paziuret filma... Sunku, kai jau skaitei knyga...
Tada maciau filma, apie Italu seima, kai susikloscius tam tikrom aplinkybems, moterys perima valdzia i savo rankas...
Tad, si knyga apie tai, apie moterys ir valdzia arba vyriska pasauli...
Kai nera pasirinkimo ir svelnumas, silpnumas, bejegiskumas turi but nustumtas i sali.
Tikslas-isgyventi, tikslas-apsaugoti vaikus.
Ir nors veiksmas cia neveja veiksmo...viskas vyksta letai, pamastant ir apsvarstant...knyga prikausto, reikalauja demesio.
Man patiko, kaip moterys iseina i pirma plana, kaip vyrai supranta, ir leidzia joms vadovauti, nes jos masto kitaip ir tai jau yra sokas "kietiems vyrukams"...
Kaip "kozeriai" islikimo zaidime yra dovanojami, isperkant laisve.
Gal kam ir truks astrumo, kartumu, detaliu ar kitu"prieskoniu", man buvo idealu.
Tada maciau filma, apie Italu seima, kai susikloscius tam tikrom aplinkybems, moterys perima valdzia i savo rankas...
Tad, si knyga apie tai, apie moterys ir valdzia arba vyriska pasauli...
Kai nera pasirinkimo ir svelnumas, silpnumas, bejegiskumas turi but nustumtas i sali.
Tikslas-isgyventi, tikslas-apsaugoti vaikus.
Ir nors veiksmas cia neveja veiksmo...viskas vyksta letai, pamastant ir apsvarstant...knyga prikausto, reikalauja demesio.
Man patiko, kaip moterys iseina i pirma plana, kaip vyrai supranta, ir leidzia joms vadovauti, nes jos masto kitaip ir tai jau yra sokas "kietiems vyrukams"...
Kaip "kozeriai" islikimo zaidime yra dovanojami, isperkant laisve.
Gal kam ir truks astrumo, kartumu, detaliu ar kitu"prieskoniu", man buvo idealu.
August 30, 2021
3.5 stars bumped up. A bit of a stretch to describe this as historical fiction, however it does contain a number of actual criminal mob members- and the premise is based on “The Godmothers” who were a quiet strength in one Italian New York family. Enjoyable story and characters.
January 19, 2022
This is a book of secrets in a family of four godmothers: Petrina, Amie, Lucy and Filomena from the 1930s. It starts, however, in 1980 when Nicole told her godmother that her husband had an important job offer and needed a routine background investigation. She asked if there's anything she should know about. Seriously? this is a book about mobsters in NYC from 1930 to 50s at which time many of the bad guys got busted. What kind of family reveals nothing about their past?
The book starts strong with the first half. The father, Gianni, and mother, Tessa, were the King and Queen of the family. They worked and lived together with their grown children on the same block. In Italy, the sons and daughters understood that "nothing matters more than loyalty to one's family." They had four children: Petrina, Johnny, Frankie and Mario. Tessa said, "You must never do anything to lose respect for this family."
The reader gets a clear picture of what it was like to be a part of the village with mobsters close by. "The bosses own everything. You can't get work without their favors. If you can't pay a loan, you have to pay back with your life and the life of your children." It goes on to explain that the criminals rule. They pay off judges, politicians and religious leaders.
Times changed with WWII and the wives had to group together to survive. Women not only raised their kids but took jobs and managed the house. It was easy to read but the writing in the second part wasn't the same as the first. It's like watching a series on TV and the first few are great and after that, it starts to drift. The story is still there but the second part was filled with too much drama.
The book starts strong with the first half. The father, Gianni, and mother, Tessa, were the King and Queen of the family. They worked and lived together with their grown children on the same block. In Italy, the sons and daughters understood that "nothing matters more than loyalty to one's family." They had four children: Petrina, Johnny, Frankie and Mario. Tessa said, "You must never do anything to lose respect for this family."
The reader gets a clear picture of what it was like to be a part of the village with mobsters close by. "The bosses own everything. You can't get work without their favors. If you can't pay a loan, you have to pay back with your life and the life of your children." It goes on to explain that the criminals rule. They pay off judges, politicians and religious leaders.
Times changed with WWII and the wives had to group together to survive. Women not only raised their kids but took jobs and managed the house. It was easy to read but the writing in the second part wasn't the same as the first. It's like watching a series on TV and the first few are great and after that, it starts to drift. The story is still there but the second part was filled with too much drama.
November 1, 2024
I absolutely LOVED and binged the audio and physical copy of this book in no time!
Grab your copy of this engrossing novel now! You are not going to want to put it down once you become fully enmeshed in this family drama.
Full review coming soon
Grab your copy of this engrossing novel now! You are not going to want to put it down once you become fully enmeshed in this family drama.
Full review coming soon
January 10, 2023
Filomena, Eimė, Liusė ir Petrina - keturios moterys, tapusios pasiturinčios italų šeimos dalimi, perėmusios savo vyrų verslus, kai šiems dėl skirtingų priežasčių teko palikti namus. Siaučiant Antrajam Pasauliniam karui, keturioms moterims - krikštamotėms, tenka stoti į akistatą su pavojingiausiais gangsteriais.
Daugelis iš mūsų Italiją mėgstame tapatinti su atostogomis, karštu klimatu, jūros dvelksmu, vynuogėmis ir vynu. Kai pavasarį perskaičiau knygą „Bebaimės motinos“, į Italiją pradėjau žvelgti ne tik iš šviesiosios bei maloniosios, bet ir iš tamsiosios pusės. Visi pamirštame, kad šioje šalyje kaip niekur kitur klesti mafija. Ji buvo ir, net neabejoju, vis dar yra. Knygos „Krikštamotės“ kontekste minimi siaubingi mafijos akibrokštai Antrojo Pasaulinio karo metais, kai įvairūs pavojai ir taip tykojo bemaž už kiekvieno kampo, bet, nepaisant jų, teko kovoti už savo gyvybę ir kitame fronte - ją nusinešti galėjo pavėjui atskriejanti kulka.
Žodis „krikštatėvis“ girdėtas kiekvienam. Yra ir filmas, kuriuo remiantis žinome, kad tai - tam tikros mafijos grupuotės vyriausiojo asmens pravardė. Išgirdus žodį „moteris“, įsivaizduojate eilinę namų šeimininkę, prižiūrinčią vaikus ir gaminančią vakarienę? Tuomet galvokite plačiau. Šioje knygoje žodis „krikštamotės“ vartojamas ne be reikalo. Jis atskleidžia, kad ir dailiosios lyties atstovės gali būti tokios pat stiprios, nepalaužiamos, drąsios, kerštingos ir net klastingos kaip ir vyrai, kai reikia apginti save, vaikus, mylimąjį ir visą savo šeimą.
Visos šios keturios moterys - skirtingos. Ne tik amžiumi, išvaizda, bet ir charakteriu, gyvenimo būdu, praeities nuotrupomis. Jeigu viena iš jų nuo mažų dienų jautėsi menkavertė ir žinojo, koks yra sunkaus darbo skonis, tai kita - savo kūnu jautė, kas yra vyro smurtas. Jeigu viena iš jų žinojo, ką reiškia augti be tėvų - prieglaudoje, tai kita - padarė siaubingą klaidą, kuri vieną dieną nuo pat pamatų sudrebins ramų šeimos gyvenimą. Nežinau kaip kiti, bet aš be galo džiaugiuosi, kad vis dažniau ir skirtinguose kontekstuose yra kalbama apie moteris, kad jos parodomos ne kaip nusivylusios namų šeimininkės, bet kaip tos, kurios pakankamai stiprios, kad nugalėtų blogį, kad gebėtų susidoroti su, pasak stereotipų, vyriškomis pareigomis.
„Krikštamotės“ - kūrinys apie santykius (neretai griūvančius, netikėtai užsimezgančius ir puoselėjamus iki pat mirties); apie giminystės ryšius; apie moterų pasaulį ir padėtį tiek šeimoje, tiek visuomenėje; apie silpnumo akimirkas ir tai, prie ko jos priveda; apie lemtingas klaidas, pakeičiančias daugiau nei būtume galėję pamanyti; apie karo tragedijas; apie meilę, kuri praturtina kasdienybę; apie pasaulį, kuriame nėra vietos tiesai; apie tai, kaip viskas priklauso tik nuo mūsų pačių.
Pagrindiniai knygos trūkumai, mano akimis, yra du. Pirmiausia, lėtumas, kuris ypač pasijautė artėjant link istorijos finišo tiesiosios. Jeigu pradžioje buvo tiek daug netikėtumų, smalsumą žadinančių vietų ir informacijos, kurią reikėjo įsisavinti, tai vėliau - įsismarkavusios audros šturmas nutilo ir viskas ėmė tekėti lėta vaga. Antroji - veikėjų gausa. Moterys yra tik keturios, bet dar priskaičiuokime jų vyrus, vaikus, kitus šeimos narius ir turime galybę vardų, kuriuos reikia įsiminti bei nesupainioti. Kai pradžioje apie kiekvieną iš moterų kalbėta atskirai, buvo paprasta, o kai vėliau visos ir visi atsidūrė bendroje siužeto linijoje - tapo sunkiau susigaudyti.
„Krikštamotės“ - romanas apie keturių moterų bendrystę, tarpusavio palaikymą, stiprybę ir paslaptis, išliekančias tarp aštuonių ausų. Ši ketveriukė - tai geriausias įrodymas, kad dėl savo šeimos moterys gali pereiti ugnį ir vandenį, nusiristi į giliausią bedugnę ir iš jos pakilti lyg feniksas iš pelenų. Beribė drąsa, ryžtas, meilė, paslaptys, melo lavinos, netektys ir galiausiai triumfuojanti viltis - dalykai, nepertraukiamai lydintys skaitytoją, verčiantis apmąstyti, kokį svarbų vaidmenį gyvenime vaidina šeima ir kaip svarbu rodyti meilę, kai tik turime progą.
Rekomenduoju mėgstantiems „kitokius“ romanus. Tokius, kuriuose meilė parodoma ne iš erotinės pusės, o kaip pagrindinis gyvenimo variklis, padedantis žmogui išlikti stipriam ir kovoti. Kovoti taip stipriai, kad net pavydu ir kyla klausimas, iš kur tiek valios? Tokius, kuriuose egzistuoja nusistovėjusi šeimyninė santvarka, metų metus slėptos paslaptys ir kurptos intrigos, neteisėti verslai ir nešvarūs pinigai. Siūlau, jeigu mėgstate lėtesnio siužeto kūrinius, kur staigių veiksmo posūkių nėra, kur kai kuriuos epizodus įmanoma nuspėti, bet skaitymo malonumo tai nesumažina. Romanas „Krikštamotės“ patiks ir nemėgstantiems istorinių detalių, kadangi Antrasis Pasaulinis karas čia minimas tik tarp kitko, norint suteikti kitokią emociją kai kuriems momentams, pateisinti kai kuriuos rašytojos sumanymus ir, aišku, sukurti XX a. dvasią, nuotaiką.
4/5⭐
Daugelis iš mūsų Italiją mėgstame tapatinti su atostogomis, karštu klimatu, jūros dvelksmu, vynuogėmis ir vynu. Kai pavasarį perskaičiau knygą „Bebaimės motinos“, į Italiją pradėjau žvelgti ne tik iš šviesiosios bei maloniosios, bet ir iš tamsiosios pusės. Visi pamirštame, kad šioje šalyje kaip niekur kitur klesti mafija. Ji buvo ir, net neabejoju, vis dar yra. Knygos „Krikštamotės“ kontekste minimi siaubingi mafijos akibrokštai Antrojo Pasaulinio karo metais, kai įvairūs pavojai ir taip tykojo bemaž už kiekvieno kampo, bet, nepaisant jų, teko kovoti už savo gyvybę ir kitame fronte - ją nusinešti galėjo pavėjui atskriejanti kulka.
Žodis „krikštatėvis“ girdėtas kiekvienam. Yra ir filmas, kuriuo remiantis žinome, kad tai - tam tikros mafijos grupuotės vyriausiojo asmens pravardė. Išgirdus žodį „moteris“, įsivaizduojate eilinę namų šeimininkę, prižiūrinčią vaikus ir gaminančią vakarienę? Tuomet galvokite plačiau. Šioje knygoje žodis „krikštamotės“ vartojamas ne be reikalo. Jis atskleidžia, kad ir dailiosios lyties atstovės gali būti tokios pat stiprios, nepalaužiamos, drąsios, kerštingos ir net klastingos kaip ir vyrai, kai reikia apginti save, vaikus, mylimąjį ir visą savo šeimą.
Visos šios keturios moterys - skirtingos. Ne tik amžiumi, išvaizda, bet ir charakteriu, gyvenimo būdu, praeities nuotrupomis. Jeigu viena iš jų nuo mažų dienų jautėsi menkavertė ir žinojo, koks yra sunkaus darbo skonis, tai kita - savo kūnu jautė, kas yra vyro smurtas. Jeigu viena iš jų žinojo, ką reiškia augti be tėvų - prieglaudoje, tai kita - padarė siaubingą klaidą, kuri vieną dieną nuo pat pamatų sudrebins ramų šeimos gyvenimą. Nežinau kaip kiti, bet aš be galo džiaugiuosi, kad vis dažniau ir skirtinguose kontekstuose yra kalbama apie moteris, kad jos parodomos ne kaip nusivylusios namų šeimininkės, bet kaip tos, kurios pakankamai stiprios, kad nugalėtų blogį, kad gebėtų susidoroti su, pasak stereotipų, vyriškomis pareigomis.
„Krikštamotės“ - kūrinys apie santykius (neretai griūvančius, netikėtai užsimezgančius ir puoselėjamus iki pat mirties); apie giminystės ryšius; apie moterų pasaulį ir padėtį tiek šeimoje, tiek visuomenėje; apie silpnumo akimirkas ir tai, prie ko jos priveda; apie lemtingas klaidas, pakeičiančias daugiau nei būtume galėję pamanyti; apie karo tragedijas; apie meilę, kuri praturtina kasdienybę; apie pasaulį, kuriame nėra vietos tiesai; apie tai, kaip viskas priklauso tik nuo mūsų pačių.
Pagrindiniai knygos trūkumai, mano akimis, yra du. Pirmiausia, lėtumas, kuris ypač pasijautė artėjant link istorijos finišo tiesiosios. Jeigu pradžioje buvo tiek daug netikėtumų, smalsumą žadinančių vietų ir informacijos, kurią reikėjo įsisavinti, tai vėliau - įsismarkavusios audros šturmas nutilo ir viskas ėmė tekėti lėta vaga. Antroji - veikėjų gausa. Moterys yra tik keturios, bet dar priskaičiuokime jų vyrus, vaikus, kitus šeimos narius ir turime galybę vardų, kuriuos reikia įsiminti bei nesupainioti. Kai pradžioje apie kiekvieną iš moterų kalbėta atskirai, buvo paprasta, o kai vėliau visos ir visi atsidūrė bendroje siužeto linijoje - tapo sunkiau susigaudyti.
„Krikštamotės“ - romanas apie keturių moterų bendrystę, tarpusavio palaikymą, stiprybę ir paslaptis, išliekančias tarp aštuonių ausų. Ši ketveriukė - tai geriausias įrodymas, kad dėl savo šeimos moterys gali pereiti ugnį ir vandenį, nusiristi į giliausią bedugnę ir iš jos pakilti lyg feniksas iš pelenų. Beribė drąsa, ryžtas, meilė, paslaptys, melo lavinos, netektys ir galiausiai triumfuojanti viltis - dalykai, nepertraukiamai lydintys skaitytoją, verčiantis apmąstyti, kokį svarbų vaidmenį gyvenime vaidina šeima ir kaip svarbu rodyti meilę, kai tik turime progą.
Rekomenduoju mėgstantiems „kitokius“ romanus. Tokius, kuriuose meilė parodoma ne iš erotinės pusės, o kaip pagrindinis gyvenimo variklis, padedantis žmogui išlikti stipriam ir kovoti. Kovoti taip stipriai, kad net pavydu ir kyla klausimas, iš kur tiek valios? Tokius, kuriuose egzistuoja nusistovėjusi šeimyninė santvarka, metų metus slėptos paslaptys ir kurptos intrigos, neteisėti verslai ir nešvarūs pinigai. Siūlau, jeigu mėgstate lėtesnio siužeto kūrinius, kur staigių veiksmo posūkių nėra, kur kai kuriuos epizodus įmanoma nuspėti, bet skaitymo malonumo tai nesumažina. Romanas „Krikštamotės“ patiks ir nemėgstantiems istorinių detalių, kadangi Antrasis Pasaulinis karas čia minimas tik tarp kitko, norint suteikti kitokią emociją kai kuriems momentams, pateisinti kai kuriuos rašytojos sumanymus ir, aišku, sukurti XX a. dvasią, nuotaiką.
4/5⭐
December 14, 2021
4.5 rounded up!
This book was BUSY. And to be honest, busy books with multiple moving parts tend to be a drag for me, but not this one! There was something about how the story was told that had me completely captivated once I got into the book.
The beginning was a bit slow but once I was introduced to all the characters and how they become a family, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. These four women are so different hailing from different backgrounds yet they all having something in common; their strength.
This book is multi-generational intertwined with some real history and in my opinion, written for TV. I could see this as a movie in the future! This story was rich, maybe a tad too detailed, but it was full of historical goodness.
Big thank you to William Morrow for the gifted copy!
Content warnings: gun violence, murder, sexual assault, war
This book was BUSY. And to be honest, busy books with multiple moving parts tend to be a drag for me, but not this one! There was something about how the story was told that had me completely captivated once I got into the book.
The beginning was a bit slow but once I was introduced to all the characters and how they become a family, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. These four women are so different hailing from different backgrounds yet they all having something in common; their strength.
This book is multi-generational intertwined with some real history and in my opinion, written for TV. I could see this as a movie in the future! This story was rich, maybe a tad too detailed, but it was full of historical goodness.
Big thank you to William Morrow for the gifted copy!
Content warnings: gun violence, murder, sexual assault, war
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