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La saga dei Florio #2, part 1
Le triomphe des lions
Floriovci vyhrali! Časy skromnej putìe v Palerme, kde sa Paolo a Ignazio Floriovci snažili uniknúť chudobe, sú už len dávnou spomienkou. Kedysi boli ich jediným bohatstvom nesmierne odhodlanie a cieľavedomosť. Dnes vlastnia veľkolepé vily a továrne, panujú obchodu a ich moc neustále rastie. Celé mesto k nim vzhliada, ctí si ich a zároveň sa ich bojí. No mladý Ignazio sa nebojí nikoho. Osud Casa Florio bol od narodenia aj jeho osudom, prúdi mu v žilách a neustále ho ženie vpred, ďaleko, až za horizont. Vlastní oslnivú ríšu, život však napriek tomu nie je jednoduchší. Zväzuje ho zmysel pre povinnosť a sebakontrola.
Tieň otcovho motta počúvaj hlavu, nie srdce nedokázal Ignazio prekročiť a v snahe pozdvihnúť Casa Florio sa vzdal životnej lásky. A napriek tomu, že má po svojom boku oddanú a milujúcu manželku, usilujúcu sa o jeho priazeň, tieň minulosti sa neustále vynára a hrozí, že ho bude prenasledovať až do konca života. Navyše ani nesmierne bohatstvo a vplyv nedokážu zabrániť tragédii, ktorá postihne jeho rodinu a spôsobí, že kolo osudu sa začína otáčať a negatívne vplývať na celú Casa Florio.
Tieň otcovho motta počúvaj hlavu, nie srdce nedokázal Ignazio prekročiť a v snahe pozdvihnúť Casa Florio sa vzdal životnej lásky. A napriek tomu, že má po svojom boku oddanú a milujúcu manželku, usilujúcu sa o jeho priazeň, tieň minulosti sa neustále vynára a hrozí, že ho bude prenasledovať až do konca života. Navyše ani nesmierne bohatstvo a vplyv nedokážu zabrániť tragédii, ktorá postihne jeho rodinu a spôsobí, že kolo osudu sa začína otáčať a negatívne vplývať na celú Casa Florio.
430 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2022
111 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Stefania Auci
24 books350 followersStefania Auci è nata a Trapani ma vive da anni a Palermo, dopo aver girato l’Italia. Insegnante, ex avvocato, ex cancelliere, si dedica alla narrativa urban fantasy, horror e romance sin dall’adolescenza.
A ottobre 2011 è uscito il suo romance di esordio, Fiore di Scozia, edito da Harlequin Mondadori e a dicembre 2012 il suo seguito La Rosa Bianca. Nel 2010 ha pubblicato con edizioni 0111 Hidden in the dark, breve raccolta di racconti urban fantasy tratti dalla saga di Moray Place 12, Edimburgo.
A ottobre 2011 è uscito il suo romance di esordio, Fiore di Scozia, edito da Harlequin Mondadori e a dicembre 2012 il suo seguito La Rosa Bianca. Nel 2010 ha pubblicato con edizioni 0111 Hidden in the dark, breve raccolta di racconti urban fantasy tratti dalla saga di Moray Place 12, Edimburgo.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 12, 2024
The Triumph of the Lions intriguingly imagines the saga of the Florios, whose founder initiated the spice company and extended into wine business in Sicily. This second installment follows the son and grandson of the founder.
Sicily, 1868: Vincenzo Florio assumes control of the family business following his father’s demise. With his burgeoning Marsala winery business attracting workers to the outskirts of Palermo, he is advised of the need for something to ensure the family’s peace of mind. Relationships are forged to such an extent that they become untouchable by the law. There is no necessity to involve the police from the north when matters can be resolved internally.
As Ignazio’s tale unfolds, he cherishes the memory of a woman he renounced for love, enabling the Florios to expend their business into realms his father could not – into the salons of aristocracy and the court of Savoys.
Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal fiercely compete for the port of Palermo, causing Vincenzo concerns. Exempt from taxation, they pose a stark contrast to the Italians, who are burdened with taxes. Disenchanted with the politics of Rome, which prioritizes personal gain over the welfare of its people, Vinzenzo looks northward to Rome, contemplating his next strategic move.
With ambitions of naval domination in the Mediterranean, he plans to demonstrate to Rome that alternative routes exist, requiring only Sicilian ingenuity. The Florios’ power and wealth go hand in hand.
This family saga delves into the dynamics across generations and the influence of wealth. The drive of the father mirrors that of the founder. Starting from nothing, they both work tirelessly to achieve financial independence. The founder’s grandson, born into wealth, adapts a contrasting approach to life, prioritizing love over financial pursuits, in stark opposition to his father, who sacrificed love for wealth. This divergence in values creates a rift, potentially threatening familial bonds.
However, the family is unprepared for the financial disaster that strikes. In 1893, Italy is rocked by the greatest financial scandal in its history, dragging the Florio family into chaos.
The narrative captivates with action-packed family dynamics and engaging prose, making for a fascinating read.
While Book 2 can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, I highly recommend beginning with Book 1 - The Florios of Sicily for a fuller understanding and appreciation of the story.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sicily, 1868: Vincenzo Florio assumes control of the family business following his father’s demise. With his burgeoning Marsala winery business attracting workers to the outskirts of Palermo, he is advised of the need for something to ensure the family’s peace of mind. Relationships are forged to such an extent that they become untouchable by the law. There is no necessity to involve the police from the north when matters can be resolved internally.
As Ignazio’s tale unfolds, he cherishes the memory of a woman he renounced for love, enabling the Florios to expend their business into realms his father could not – into the salons of aristocracy and the court of Savoys.
Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal fiercely compete for the port of Palermo, causing Vincenzo concerns. Exempt from taxation, they pose a stark contrast to the Italians, who are burdened with taxes. Disenchanted with the politics of Rome, which prioritizes personal gain over the welfare of its people, Vinzenzo looks northward to Rome, contemplating his next strategic move.
With ambitions of naval domination in the Mediterranean, he plans to demonstrate to Rome that alternative routes exist, requiring only Sicilian ingenuity. The Florios’ power and wealth go hand in hand.
This family saga delves into the dynamics across generations and the influence of wealth. The drive of the father mirrors that of the founder. Starting from nothing, they both work tirelessly to achieve financial independence. The founder’s grandson, born into wealth, adapts a contrasting approach to life, prioritizing love over financial pursuits, in stark opposition to his father, who sacrificed love for wealth. This divergence in values creates a rift, potentially threatening familial bonds.
However, the family is unprepared for the financial disaster that strikes. In 1893, Italy is rocked by the greatest financial scandal in its history, dragging the Florio family into chaos.
The narrative captivates with action-packed family dynamics and engaging prose, making for a fascinating read.
While Book 2 can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, I highly recommend beginning with Book 1 - The Florios of Sicily for a fuller understanding and appreciation of the story.
Review originally posted at mysteryandsuspense.com
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2023
3,5*
prvá časť, aj napriek menším výhradám a aj napriek tomu, že som trochu bojovala so štýlom písania autorky, sa mi páčila. preto som sa tešila a bola zvedavá na druhú časť.
príbeh sa znova opiera o historické fakty, reálie, takže po tejto stránke ide o pôsobivú prácu. človek akoby či čítal kroniku ich života. avšak chyba prichádza po príbehovej stránke. drobnosti, s ktorými som bojovala pri prvej časti, sa tu ukázali ešte výraznejšie. prišlo mi akoby bol príbeh rozdelený na dve linky.
na tú čo sa týkala Casa Florio, teraz už udržania mena a posilnenia jeho postavania. a na tú čo sa týkala postáv. bohužiaľ tá prvá však prevládala. po všetkom to akoby len kĺzalo po povrchu, sem tam sa zameralo na niektorú časť obchodu. celé to bolo až moc odborne napísané, podané. a teda strohé. dosť vecí bolo vysvetľovaných až spätne a aj to pár vetami, odsekmi.
chýbalo mi, že to nešlo viac do tej hĺbky, nebolo prepojené lepšie s tou históriou ako to bolo pri prvej časti. kniha má cca 252 strán, čo jej uškodilo asi a nedá sa to všetko povedať, zopakovať na takom malom rozsahu. určite by jej prospelo viacej strán.
čo sa týka tej príbehovej časti, tak tá stála akoby v úzadí. s tou historickou akoby prebiehali vedľa seba, ale stretli sa len raz za čas a pôsobili tak ako dve samostatné jednotky. kým bola prvá časť zameraná na dve generácie a ku koncu dostávala slovo tá tretia, táto časť bola zameraná čisto len na ňu. nová, nasledujúca generácia sa tam sem tam mihla. postavy a ich prežívanie dostávalo málo miesta, človek si k nim nedokázal vytvoriť nejaký pevnejší vzťah. do ich života sme mohli nahliadnuť len veľmi opatrne a po povrchu. v popredí bol najviac Ignazzio. potom trochu Giovanna, ale ani tá nie toľko. a ich deti sa tam mihali raz za uhorský rok a z každou stránkou mali viac rokov.
k interakcii medzi postavami v rámci rodiny dochádzalo minimálne a ak hej, tak len tak ľahko po povrchu. každá z nich akoby mala vlastný život a len občas sa spolu preťali.
aj keď má táto séria veľký potenciál, v druhej časti ostal bohužiaľ nevyužitý. celé to na mňa pôsobilo akoby som čítala odbornú učebnicu či životopis na nejak stránke a nie beletrizovaný životopis, kroniku. viackrát som sa pristihla ako som sa do knihy musela nútiť. tretiu časť si určite prečítam. dúfam, že z nej budem mať lepšie pocity.
prvá časť, aj napriek menším výhradám a aj napriek tomu, že som trochu bojovala so štýlom písania autorky, sa mi páčila. preto som sa tešila a bola zvedavá na druhú časť.
príbeh sa znova opiera o historické fakty, reálie, takže po tejto stránke ide o pôsobivú prácu. človek akoby či čítal kroniku ich života. avšak chyba prichádza po príbehovej stránke. drobnosti, s ktorými som bojovala pri prvej časti, sa tu ukázali ešte výraznejšie. prišlo mi akoby bol príbeh rozdelený na dve linky.
na tú čo sa týkala Casa Florio, teraz už udržania mena a posilnenia jeho postavania. a na tú čo sa týkala postáv. bohužiaľ tá prvá však prevládala. po všetkom to akoby len kĺzalo po povrchu, sem tam sa zameralo na niektorú časť obchodu. celé to bolo až moc odborne napísané, podané. a teda strohé. dosť vecí bolo vysvetľovaných až spätne a aj to pár vetami, odsekmi.
chýbalo mi, že to nešlo viac do tej hĺbky, nebolo prepojené lepšie s tou históriou ako to bolo pri prvej časti. kniha má cca 252 strán, čo jej uškodilo asi a nedá sa to všetko povedať, zopakovať na takom malom rozsahu. určite by jej prospelo viacej strán.
čo sa týka tej príbehovej časti, tak tá stála akoby v úzadí. s tou historickou akoby prebiehali vedľa seba, ale stretli sa len raz za čas a pôsobili tak ako dve samostatné jednotky. kým bola prvá časť zameraná na dve generácie a ku koncu dostávala slovo tá tretia, táto časť bola zameraná čisto len na ňu. nová, nasledujúca generácia sa tam sem tam mihla. postavy a ich prežívanie dostávalo málo miesta, človek si k nim nedokázal vytvoriť nejaký pevnejší vzťah. do ich života sme mohli nahliadnuť len veľmi opatrne a po povrchu. v popredí bol najviac Ignazzio. potom trochu Giovanna, ale ani tá nie toľko. a ich deti sa tam mihali raz za uhorský rok a z každou stránkou mali viac rokov.
k interakcii medzi postavami v rámci rodiny dochádzalo minimálne a ak hej, tak len tak ľahko po povrchu. každá z nich akoby mala vlastný život a len občas sa spolu preťali.
aj keď má táto séria veľký potenciál, v druhej časti ostal bohužiaľ nevyužitý. celé to na mňa pôsobilo akoby som čítala odbornú učebnicu či životopis na nejak stránke a nie beletrizovaný životopis, kroniku. viackrát som sa pristihla ako som sa do knihy musela nútiť. tretiu časť si určite prečítam. dúfam, že z nej budem mať lepšie pocity.
January 5, 2025
J’ai vraiment aimé ça, encore!
January 12, 2024
The Triumph of the Lions is the second part of La saga dei Florio.
It starts recapitulating the first book giving a background knowledge of how the Florios, a family of merchants became wealthy through their trades. No matter how rich they were in Sicily, the aristocrats kept looking down on them for not being nobles, but that ended after Ignazio married a Baroness. There are more challenges and ambitions that the following head of the household will face to maintain the family fortune.
This is a historical fiction novel, and the Florios did exist, so this family saga is based on them. The book is divided into four parts, and each of them starts with a Sicilian proverb. It also includes the family tree from 1723-1893 and the historical background that covers the second part of the novel from 1868 to 1893.
It is descriptive including minor details, for this reason, the pace can be a bit slow but I guess this was helpful for the TV series adaptation.
It is full of history, romance, drama, and through the Florios we learn how was the political, social, and economic situation in Italy and I was able to learn more about Giuseppe Garibaldi, Francesco Crispi, among other important Italian figures and historical events.
I really enjoyed the first and second parts of this saga, which took me to the Mediterranean Sea.
Thank you HarperVia and Netgalley for the digital advanced copy.
Pub date: March 12th, 2024
It starts recapitulating the first book giving a background knowledge of how the Florios, a family of merchants became wealthy through their trades. No matter how rich they were in Sicily, the aristocrats kept looking down on them for not being nobles, but that ended after Ignazio married a Baroness. There are more challenges and ambitions that the following head of the household will face to maintain the family fortune.
This is a historical fiction novel, and the Florios did exist, so this family saga is based on them. The book is divided into four parts, and each of them starts with a Sicilian proverb. It also includes the family tree from 1723-1893 and the historical background that covers the second part of the novel from 1868 to 1893.
It is descriptive including minor details, for this reason, the pace can be a bit slow but I guess this was helpful for the TV series adaptation.
It is full of history, romance, drama, and through the Florios we learn how was the political, social, and economic situation in Italy and I was able to learn more about Giuseppe Garibaldi, Francesco Crispi, among other important Italian figures and historical events.
I really enjoyed the first and second parts of this saga, which took me to the Mediterranean Sea.
Thank you HarperVia and Netgalley for the digital advanced copy.
Pub date: March 12th, 2024
June 14, 2022
S druhým dielom rodinnej ságy Floriovci som sa opäť veľmi rada mohla vybrať na Sicíliu. Kniha pokračuje osudami ďalším pokolením mocného rodu Florio plného ambicióznych mužov a silných žien. Pri čítaní knihy sa mi naskytla otázka, ktoré pohlavie v tomto rode má môj väčší obdiv. Prikláňam sa skôr k ženám, keďže na to všetko museli mať pevné nervy a sebazaprenie.
Autorka druhú časť odštartovala nemilou udalosťou, ale o to viac písala s citom a vďaka detailným opisom som do príbehu vhupla okamžite a aspoň počas čítania byť jeho súčasťou. Rodina Florio bola fenomenálna. Fascinuje ma, čo všetko sú ochotní urobiť pre moc a dobré meno rodiny. Ich život sprevádzalo niekoľko protikladov. Napr.manželstvo z rozumu alebo z lásky? Moc, či láskavosť? Rodina alebo peniaze?
Pútavé rozprávanie vyšperkované histirickými udalosťami nabralo na autentickosti. V tomto diely ma potešilo, že ženské osadenstvo rodiny dostalo nepriamo väčší priestor a stiahlo na seba väčšiu pozornosť čitateľa. Kniha plná úspechov, ale aj strát, ťažkej práce, ambicií, ktoré zaručili postup z "0" na vrchol, vám v knižnici chýbať rozhodne nesmie. Zaleťte si na slnečnú Sicíliu a objavte silný rod Florio.
Autorka druhú časť odštartovala nemilou udalosťou, ale o to viac písala s citom a vďaka detailným opisom som do príbehu vhupla okamžite a aspoň počas čítania byť jeho súčasťou. Rodina Florio bola fenomenálna. Fascinuje ma, čo všetko sú ochotní urobiť pre moc a dobré meno rodiny. Ich život sprevádzalo niekoľko protikladov. Napr.manželstvo z rozumu alebo z lásky? Moc, či láskavosť? Rodina alebo peniaze?
Pútavé rozprávanie vyšperkované histirickými udalosťami nabralo na autentickosti. V tomto diely ma potešilo, že ženské osadenstvo rodiny dostalo nepriamo väčší priestor a stiahlo na seba väčšiu pozornosť čitateľa. Kniha plná úspechov, ale aj strát, ťažkej práce, ambicií, ktoré zaručili postup z "0" na vrchol, vám v knižnici chýbať rozhodne nesmie. Zaleťte si na slnečnú Sicíliu a objavte silný rod Florio.
July 25, 2024
Even better than the first book of the trilogy. Life goes on, struggles never cease.
February 12, 2025
O começo foi difícil de conseguir entrar na história, acredito que seja porque o livro anterior terminou com a morte do Vincenzo e esse já começa com o Ignazio comandando a casa Florio, personagem que não tínhamos tido muito contato no livro anterior. Quando a história passa a falar mais sobre os negócios da família e os anos se passam, aí sim fiquei mais interessada, principalmente quando trata dos operários e suas demandas. Apesar disso, o ritmo é um pouco lento e como o nível dos negócios da família está muito grande e abrangente, senti um pouco a falta do contato mais direto com o dia a dia dos negócios como tínhamos no primeiro volume. Entendo que na posição dos líderes da família Florio não era mais possível esse acompanhamento diário, mas acredito que poderia ter mostrado os filhos entrando em contato para conhecer mais do negócio para depois assumirem.
Um ponto que achei bem interessante foi que as diferenças entre as mulheres da família Florio são bem acentuadas nesse volume. Enquanto na Giovanna vemos uma mulher que sabe e aceita seu papel dentro da família e da vida do Ignazio, entendendo que nunca será a mulher da vida dele e vivendo uma vida de luto pelo seu filho perdido, Franca, apesar de saber seu papel, não se contenta com ele, quebrando alguns costumes da época para assegurar sua posição na vida do marido e sua imagem perante a sociedade. Dito isso, Franca se tornou a única mulher da saga Florio até agora que eu gostei.
Já o Ignazio, ao contrário de seu pai, tem seu comportamento muito moldado por ter nascido em berço de ouro. Mimado e querendo aproveitar a vida com mulheres e viagens, ele tem a personalidade muito diferente dos outros Florio que assumiram a família antes dele. Quando vi essas características, já tinha certeza que ele seria o responsável pelo declínio dos leões. Estou ansiosa pela conclusão no próximo volume.
Um ponto que achei bem interessante foi que as diferenças entre as mulheres da família Florio são bem acentuadas nesse volume. Enquanto na Giovanna vemos uma mulher que sabe e aceita seu papel dentro da família e da vida do Ignazio, entendendo que nunca será a mulher da vida dele e vivendo uma vida de luto pelo seu filho perdido, Franca, apesar de saber seu papel, não se contenta com ele, quebrando alguns costumes da época para assegurar sua posição na vida do marido e sua imagem perante a sociedade. Dito isso, Franca se tornou a única mulher da saga Florio até agora que eu gostei.
Já o Ignazio, ao contrário de seu pai, tem seu comportamento muito moldado por ter nascido em berço de ouro. Mimado e querendo aproveitar a vida com mulheres e viagens, ele tem a personalidade muito diferente dos outros Florio que assumiram a família antes dele. Quando vi essas características, já tinha certeza que ele seria o responsável pelo declínio dos leões. Estou ansiosa pela conclusão no próximo volume.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2022
Po prečítaní prvej časti tejto série som bola úplne očarená, veľmi sa mi kniha páčila, no s touto som mala nejaký problém. Nejak mi už od začiatku nesadla. Je pravda, že som si trocha nepamätala kto je kto, keďže v knihe vystupuje veľa postáv s rovnakými menami a prvú knihu som čítala už dávnejšie, no postupne som na to prichádzala. Môj názor na túto knihu sa ale ani časom nezlepšil. Počas čítania mi vždy ubiehali myšlienky niekam inam a nedokázala som sa sústrediť. Neviem či som si knihu vybrala na čítanie v zlý čas, alebo mi to len proste nesadlo.
Aby to nebola úplne negatívna recenzia a aby som obhájila to hviezdičkové hodnotenie, musím povedať, že občas boli v knihe časti, ktoré ma zaujali a skutočne bavili. Bolo to ale ako na horskej dráhe. Musím ale vyzdvihnúť koniec. Kniha sa skončila veľmi zaujímavo a i keď mi táto časť sadla o niečo menej, určite sa chystám prečítať si aj tretí diel, aby som vedela, ako celá táto situácia s Floriovcami skončila.
Aby to nebola úplne negatívna recenzia a aby som obhájila to hviezdičkové hodnotenie, musím povedať, že občas boli v knihe časti, ktoré ma zaujali a skutočne bavili. Bolo to ale ako na horskej dráhe. Musím ale vyzdvihnúť koniec. Kniha sa skončila veľmi zaujímavo a i keď mi táto časť sadla o niečo menej, určite sa chystám prečítať si aj tretí diel, aby som vedela, ako celá táto situácia s Floriovcami skončila.
September 3, 2023
2wme livre sur la famille de sicile où le fils developpe la societe se marie à une femme pour ce qu elle represente et ensuite meurt tot la laissant avec une fille et un fils (apre avoir perdu le plus jeune fils). Le 2e fils reprend l
Affaire de famille mais il n est pas tres serieux. Il se marie par amour mais fait finalement faillite
Affaire de famille mais il n est pas tres serieux. Il se marie par amour mais fait finalement faillite
August 28, 2024
Tome 2 de La saga des Florio. La suite est encore plus captivante que le tome 1. Nous connaissons les personnages, nous connaissons leur origine et vivons avec eux leurs déboires d’enfants gâtés dans une société en plein bouleversement.
January 14, 2025
Skvelé pokračovanie rodinnej ságy rodiny Floriovcov. Ich impérium rozkvitá aj výhodným manželstvám, vďaka ktorým sa dostanú vyššie v spoločenskom rebríčku. Ale bolesť srdca zo zrieknutia skutočnej lásky naďalej pretrváva... Firma Casa Florio má vždy prednosť.
November 5, 2023
Le livre est très narratif et manque de dialogues et de rythme.
January 26, 2025
I love the Florios. Truly. Auci really brings them to life and throws us into the period, both sociopolitically and emotionally. God, Giovanna and Ignazio tear me apart
February 21, 2025
It was okay, didn't realise that this book is the 2nd in a trilogy
March 9, 2025
J’ai un peu moins aimé que le tome 1 car j’ai eu l’impression que ça parle beaucoup d’affaires et de problèmes de ce genre, un peu moins de drama familiaux.
June 14, 2025
This books picks up exactly where the last book left off. It’s such a great read.
December 31, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley & HarperVia for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I really enjoyed The Triumph of the Lions by Stefania Auci, translated from Italian to English by Katherine Gregor and Howard Curtis. I always love historical fiction and this was no exception!
I was immediately engrossed in the story of the Florio family across several decades and generations. This is a book I never wanted to put down. I felt like I was truly brought into the story and I needed to see what would happen next. I would like to read the original book L'inverno dei Leoni in Italian, but this translated story is absolutely great. Obviously I can't make a direct comparison having only read the story in English, but I really think the translators did a marvelous job. This book really touched me, and I already can't wait until I get a chance to reread. So I think that they clearly did their jobs well assuming that counts as a success.
As I said, I was incredibly emotional at several points, which speaks not only to how well written but also to how connected to the characters I felt I was. Each character who serves as a narrator is clearly a unique person with their own thoughts and concerns that it's easy to follow along as the book switches perspectives among them. My favorite character was Giovanna, but I was so invested in the whole family. I really love books with strong, developed characters and every single one of them holds their own.
I did notice someone mentioned in a review that they didn't enjoy that the translators left words in Italian instead of translating them all into English. This is not my opinion on this at all! I believe they're mistaken in saying the words are in Italian, and that they're carelessly left untranslated. In actuality, it's Sicilian words that remain, and I believe it to be a correct and deliberate choice to do so by the translators. Most of the words/phrases/sentences in Sicilian have their meaning explained either through context or even literally in the next sentence. So I don't think anyone should really be confused there. But more importantly I found the impact of having the Sicilian still there to be necessary to the story. If all of the Sicilian was translated, you would be completely confused at what Ignazio was talking about when he asks Giovanna not to speak dialect with the children, or at what he meant when he does it to make the servants feel more comfortable. If everything was in English you wouldn't see the difference between when they're speaking Sicilian (dialect) and when they're speaking Italian. I assume this is clear in the original book and I definitely appreciate the translators diligence in preserving this effect. Don't let yourself worry about not understanding if you only speak English, in my opinion there is no concern there.
I found this book to be incredibly beautiful with rich characters, even if there were times it felt like my heart was breaking for them. The Triumph of Lions is a riveting read that I absolutely recommend!
I was immediately engrossed in the story of the Florio family across several decades and generations. This is a book I never wanted to put down. I felt like I was truly brought into the story and I needed to see what would happen next. I would like to read the original book L'inverno dei Leoni in Italian, but this translated story is absolutely great. Obviously I can't make a direct comparison having only read the story in English, but I really think the translators did a marvelous job. This book really touched me, and I already can't wait until I get a chance to reread. So I think that they clearly did their jobs well assuming that counts as a success.
As I said, I was incredibly emotional at several points, which speaks not only to how well written but also to how connected to the characters I felt I was. Each character who serves as a narrator is clearly a unique person with their own thoughts and concerns that it's easy to follow along as the book switches perspectives among them. My favorite character was Giovanna, but I was so invested in the whole family. I really love books with strong, developed characters and every single one of them holds their own.
I did notice someone mentioned in a review that they didn't enjoy that the translators left words in Italian instead of translating them all into English. This is not my opinion on this at all! I believe they're mistaken in saying the words are in Italian, and that they're carelessly left untranslated. In actuality, it's Sicilian words that remain, and I believe it to be a correct and deliberate choice to do so by the translators. Most of the words/phrases/sentences in Sicilian have their meaning explained either through context or even literally in the next sentence. So I don't think anyone should really be confused there. But more importantly I found the impact of having the Sicilian still there to be necessary to the story. If all of the Sicilian was translated, you would be completely confused at what Ignazio was talking about when he asks Giovanna not to speak dialect with the children, or at what he meant when he does it to make the servants feel more comfortable. If everything was in English you wouldn't see the difference between when they're speaking Sicilian (dialect) and when they're speaking Italian. I assume this is clear in the original book and I definitely appreciate the translators diligence in preserving this effect. Don't let yourself worry about not understanding if you only speak English, in my opinion there is no concern there.
I found this book to be incredibly beautiful with rich characters, even if there were times it felt like my heart was breaking for them. The Triumph of Lions is a riveting read that I absolutely recommend!
June 3, 2024
It was nice to spend some more time with the Florios. It begins just after the death of the patriarch, Vincenzo, which leaves his son, Ignazio, in charge. Ignazio is married to Giovanna but still pines after a lost love, a fact that Giovanna obsesses over and tries hard to overcome. They have 3 children, Vincenzo, Ignazio and Gulia but young Vincenzo dies as a child and then, when they become pregnant later in life and have another boy, they also name him Vincenzo. I know that this is common in Italian families but it makes it hard keeping everyone straight. Like his father before him, Ignazio works hard to expand the family businesses and diversify their holdings. He opens a tuna cannery and expands the shipping fleet by buying up rivals. He recognizes that the press is vital in forming public opinion and uses them deftly to his advantage. He also gets involved in politics as a way to ensure that business friendly laws are passed that benefit the Florio businesses. He worries that his son, Ignazio, doesn't have the temperament for business. He is too comfortable and doesn't see the value in work, he likes to flaunt his riches rather than follow his father's lead and be more humble and he is extremely manipulative, the one trait that might come in useful. Unfortunately, like his father before him, Ignazio falls ill at a young age and dies while he is still only in his 50's, thrusting his son, Ignazio, into running the businesses before he is fully ready. Ignazio doesn't have the intuition and acumen of his father and is far too focused on chasing women and partying with his friends to give the needed attention to the businesses, despite the best efforts of his advisors. He decides to marry a woman that his family does not approve of but who comes from nobility, albeit without a dowery. Franca is young and infatuated and unable to handle Ignazio's womanizing. Giovanna intervenes and tells Franca to find a way to get over it and tells Ignazio to be more discrete but this will soon turn out to be the least of their problems. Due to political circumstance, corruption and fraud, the Italian financial institution is on shaky ground and Ignazio soon receives word that his bank is failing and they will soon have to declare bankruptcy. This is where the book ends so it is obvious that there are more books in the series where we will see if young Ignazio has the ability to pull the Florios up from the ashes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2024
The Triumph of the Lions is the second part of La saga dei Florio.
It starts recapitulating the first book giving a background knowledge of how the Florios, a family of merchants became wealthy through their trades. No matter how rich they were in Sicily, the aristocrats kept looking down on them for not being nobles, but that ended after Ignazio married a Baroness. There are more challenges and ambitions that the following head of the household will face to maintain the family fortune.
This is a historical fiction novel, and the Florios did exist so this family saga is based on them. The book is divided into four parts and each of them starts with a Sicilian proverb. It also includes the Family tree from 1723-1893 and the historical background that covers the second part of the novel from 1868 to 1893.
It is descriptive including minor details, for this reason, the pace can be a bit slow but I guess this was helpful for the TV series adaptation.
It is full of history, romance, drama, and through the Florios we learn how was the political, social, and economic situation in Italy and I was able to learn more about Giuseppe Garibaldi, Francesco Crispi, among other important Italian figures and historical events.
I really enjoyed the first and second parts of this saga which took me to the Mediterranean Sea.
Thank you HarperVia and Netgalley for the digital advanced copy.
Pub date: March 12th, 2024
It starts recapitulating the first book giving a background knowledge of how the Florios, a family of merchants became wealthy through their trades. No matter how rich they were in Sicily, the aristocrats kept looking down on them for not being nobles, but that ended after Ignazio married a Baroness. There are more challenges and ambitions that the following head of the household will face to maintain the family fortune.
This is a historical fiction novel, and the Florios did exist so this family saga is based on them. The book is divided into four parts and each of them starts with a Sicilian proverb. It also includes the Family tree from 1723-1893 and the historical background that covers the second part of the novel from 1868 to 1893.
It is descriptive including minor details, for this reason, the pace can be a bit slow but I guess this was helpful for the TV series adaptation.
It is full of history, romance, drama, and through the Florios we learn how was the political, social, and economic situation in Italy and I was able to learn more about Giuseppe Garibaldi, Francesco Crispi, among other important Italian figures and historical events.
I really enjoyed the first and second parts of this saga which took me to the Mediterranean Sea.
Thank you HarperVia and Netgalley for the digital advanced copy.
Pub date: March 12th, 2024
September 26, 2024
I think I am the first person to write a review for "the Triumph of the Lions" in Goodreads in English. Fortunately, I have visited Palermo, Sicily as well as both north and southern Italy so I could relate to the places where this novel takes place. But I have not had a grounding in Italian history, so that was new and welcome information to me, although at the end of the book where the appropriate time period of Italian history was summarized, I gave up as too much detail for me.
Every now and then, a translated verb tense made a sentence obtuse to me. Also, the frequency of translators leaving common (to them) phrases in Italian, left me a bit out of the loop.
This is the story of a family rising through hard work, making marriages to nobility, until they became the richest in Italy, owning ships and winery, and foundries. They were the Lions of industry until a bubble of bank failures and playboy inheritor brought about family downfall. Interesting juxtaposition of who loved who, who loved working, and mansions.
Every now and then, a translated verb tense made a sentence obtuse to me. Also, the frequency of translators leaving common (to them) phrases in Italian, left me a bit out of the loop.
This is the story of a family rising through hard work, making marriages to nobility, until they became the richest in Italy, owning ships and winery, and foundries. They were the Lions of industry until a bubble of bank failures and playboy inheritor brought about family downfall. Interesting juxtaposition of who loved who, who loved working, and mansions.
December 23, 2023
I enjoyed this Italian family drama covering several generations. The language and cultural references added an interesting dimension to place the story in its time and beautiful location. Travelers and lovers of historical fiction may enjoy this saga.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperVia for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperVia for the opportunity to read this ARC.
May 6, 2024
Esse livro começa onde paramos no anterior e parece que mesmo mudando o protagonista, nada de novo acontece.
O livro é arrastado, fala demais de negócios sem importância e os homens da família Florio continuam sendo super escrotos e eu simplesmente não consigo me importar com nenhum deles.
O final melhora um pouco, mas não salva o livro.
É um leitura ok e nada além disso.
O livro é arrastado, fala demais de negócios sem importância e os homens da família Florio continuam sendo super escrotos e eu simplesmente não consigo me importar com nenhum deles.
O final melhora um pouco, mas não salva o livro.
É um leitura ok e nada além disso.
September 29, 2024
I found this novel difficult to read because of of the similarity in all the names. Couldn't remember who was who and what they did. The plot itself was interesting because of the time period and location it is set in. The characters were also quite interesting and were fairly well developed. I doubt I'll read another book by Auci.
January 23, 2024
Continuo completamente apaixonada pela história dessa família e pela escrita 🥰
Muito bom refletir sobre o lado bom e o ruim da criação e de cada decisão dos personagens. Sigo admirando as mulheres dessa história.
Ansiosa pelo terceiro e último livro da trilogia
Muito bom refletir sobre o lado bom e o ruim da criação e de cada decisão dos personagens. Sigo admirando as mulheres dessa história.
Ansiosa pelo terceiro e último livro da trilogia
July 9, 2024
Took me awhile to figure out the characters. And I didn’t realize this was book 2 of the series so that could have been part of the issue. Ended up liking it. Engaging and interesting historically.
December 25, 2023
Ótima leitura e relato de uma família cuja ambição e trabalho moldou a Itália nascente.
January 18, 2024
really fun book by a cool author. i'm super into historical fiction and this one was very very strong! would recommend. thanks for the arc! and cheers
June 19, 2024
So intersecting to ponder the development of Sicily. It’s a true hybrid culture.
August 3, 2024
A good light read. Learned something about the history of Italy and Sicily
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