The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

 

Title: The Sicilian Inheritance

Author: Jo Piazza

Genre: Historical Fiction

Synopsis: Sara Marsala barely knows who she is anymore after the failure of her business and marriage. On top of that, her beloved great-aunt Rosie passes away, leaving Sara bereft with grief. But Aunt Rosie’s death also opens an escape from her life and a window into the past by way of a plane ticket to Sicily, a deed to a possibly valuable plot of land, and a bombshell family secret. Rosie believes Sara’s great-grandmother Serafina, the family matriarch who was left behind while her husband worked in America, didn’t die of illness as family lore has it . . . she was murdered.

Thus begins a twist-filled adventure that takes Sara all over the picturesque Italian countryside as she races to solve a mystery and learn the story of Serafina—a feisty and headstrong young woman in the early 1900s thrust into motherhood in her teens, who fought for a better life not just for herself but for all the women of her small village. Unsurprisingly the more she challenges the status quo, the more she finds herself in danger. 

As Sara discovers more about Serafina, she also realizes she is coming head-to-head with the same menacing forces that took down her great-grandmother.
- Back Cover

My Thoughts

This was on my Christmas list and I was so excited when I received it as a gift from my boyfriend! From the first chapter, I knew I was going to enjoy this novel. It immediately pulls the reader in with intrigue and creates a strong relationship with Sara, the main character. I have Sicilian ancestors who immigrated to the US around the time Serafina's story is set. It was enlightening to read about what it was like to live in Sicily at that time, especially for women. 

You know I love a multigenerational story, and both Sara and Serafina's stories are full of suspense and surprises. At times, I just couldn't wait to return to the novel night after night before bed, and at other times, I needed to take a break because the intense emotions overwhelmed me as I read. I kept returning to it because I had to know how their stories would end, and I'm so glad I did. An unexpected twist completely got me, and I love thinking back like "oh, that was a subtle hint of what is to come!" 

This was a great read and a beautiful addition to my bookshelf.

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