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 Wonderful debit! February 17, 2014
Without going into too many details and listing that this happened and that happens I will say that I really enjoyed reading this book. In a way it sounds almost sad to have enjoyed reading about this young girl, Angela, who loses so much as a result of the great earthquake of 1908. Though there are lots struggles and heartache that she encounters, there is also joy and happiness. Having left the security and comfort of her... Read More
Without going into too many details and listing that this happened and that happens I will say that I really enjoyed reading this book. In a way it sounds almost sad to have enjoyed reading about this young girl, Angela, who loses so much as a result of the great earthquake of 1908. Though there are lots struggles and heartache that she encounters, there is also joy and happiness. Having left the security and comfort of her homeland and traveling to America with a man she just met much have been a scary experience. In this semi-biographical novel Carmela Cattuti has written a book of strength, perseverance, acceptance and more. Watching Angela grow from a young orphan girl into a strong women with quite the story was an interesting experience. The author has described events in this book with clarity and simplicity that made it easy to visualize so much, from the earthquake, the nun's, and the mother-in-law to New York, the hospital and even Gerry.
Coming in at 324 pages I finished this book in a couple days, the author has a writing style that made this story flow right along. As I was getting closer to the end of the book I was beginning to have mixed feelings, I did not want the story to end. Thankfully this is the first book in a trilogy and hopefully book 2 won't be long in coming as I really would like to continue with Angela's story. Show Less
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Tragic & Hopeful February 10, 2014
Between the Cracks is a powerful story of ongoing tragedy but also one of continued hope. What I found so amazing is that this book is semi-biographical; taken from life the of the author’s great-aunt. I can’t imagine someone experiencing all of that tragedy and still remain sane. One would think by reading about tragedy, the story would be become incredibly depressing and tiresome. But not this book. It will keep you engaged... Read More
Between the Cracks is a powerful story of ongoing tragedy but also one of continued hope. What I found so amazing is that this book is semi-biographical; taken from life the of the author’s great-aunt. I can’t imagine someone experiencing all of that tragedy and still remain sane. One would think by reading about tragedy, the story would be become incredibly depressing and tiresome. But not this book. It will keep you engaged and wanting to know about more about this family.
Angela and Franco make an interesting couple. First of all, their marriage was basically arranged. No love; but wanting to get away or find the right kind of person. Both had their motives for wanting to marry a complete stranger. I found that to be so intriguing and so different from what I know. They spent their entire marriage trying to get to know each other. There were so many times that I thought they were complete strangers to each other, even when they had been married for many years. But in the end, their bond was extremely strong.
The tragedy that Angela faced seems so incredible to me. Plus that she was able to overcome and survive just amazes me. I loved watching her grow from an insecure little girl to a strong, confident woman who takes care of her family. She ended being the backbone that everyone came to for help. She was their savior. Your heart will break as Angela’s continues to search for her lost sister. Loss after loss, Angela was still able to endure and maintain her home.
Franco frustrated me at times; but he was a good man. He faced his own turmoil and did his best to deal with his life. The frustrating times for me were when kept he himself ignorant over his little sister’s situation. He wouldn’t interfere until it was too late. I found that to be so incredibly sad.
Between the Cracks is a very special book about a young woman’s journey to overcome tragedy and loss and find a place in a new world. Please read and be prepared to be overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions. Show Less
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 An unforgettable story of love and loss and one woman's courage February 10, 2014
I am always fascinated with novels about women who have left their lifelong homes and families to follow husbands to North America to start a new life. My mother was one of those women, having crossed alone to join her husband in Canada. One cannot imagine the heartache of leaving the security of parents and siblings and extended family and live relatively alone. In Between the Cracks, we are given insight into the plight of... Read More
I am always fascinated with novels about women who have left their lifelong homes and families to follow husbands to North America to start a new life. My mother was one of those women, having crossed alone to join her husband in Canada. One cannot imagine the heartache of leaving the security of parents and siblings and extended family and live relatively alone. In Between the Cracks, we are given insight into the plight of a young girl named Angela Lana, the author's aunt, who was orphaned by the December 1908 earthquake that struck Messina on the island of Sicily and Reggio Calabria Italy. 123,000 lives were lost that day, including Angela's entire family. Angela searches for her sister, but cannot find her. She is taken in by the nuns in a local convent who raise her until she comes of age.
That's when a handsome young Italian American man returns to Sicily to find himself a wife. The moment he sees Angela, he is certain she is the woman for him. With Angela's consent and the approval of the Mother Superior, the wedding takes place and soon Angela finds herself crossing the ocean to a new life with all the struggles and joy that it entails.
This novel was an easy read, but full of poignant emotion, struggles, and simple joys. The author has captured the life of the Italian immigrant with vibrant accuracy. Angela is a compelling character. For her, life is not easy, but Angela embraces her new family and her new life, willing to work hard and succeed. Her search for her sister continues as a theme throughout the story and they return to Sicily years after to look for her once more. And then there are secondary characters like her loving hard-working husband, her misguided mother-in-law, her darling step-daughter, all with their faults and idiosyncracies.
I loved this book. It was enjoyable, multi-layered, and heart-wrenching. The scenes of the earthquake's aftermath were vividly described, bringing to life the devastation and feelings of loss. I highly recommend this book! Especialy if you have Italian roots. Unputdownable! Show Less
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Excellent historical based on immigrant's true story! 4.5 stars February 9, 2014
From the very start of Carmela Cattuti's Between the Cracks, I was absorbed. The magical realism, or spiritualism, at the beginning of the book to the immediate horrors of the Mt. Etna 1908 earthquake in Sicily had me riveted! Protagonist Angela lost her entire family in the quake, except her brother who died in the hospital shortly after, creating an immediate connection for me to the biographical character.
Knowing... Read More
From the very start of Carmela Cattuti's Between the Cracks, I was absorbed. The magical realism, or spiritualism, at the beginning of the book to the immediate horrors of the Mt. Etna 1908 earthquake in Sicily had me riveted! Protagonist Angela lost her entire family in the quake, except her brother who died in the hospital shortly after, creating an immediate connection for me to the biographical character.
Knowing this was the true story of the author's great-aunt was both phenomenal and terrifying to me, because these factual historical stories are sometimes as harrowing as any fiction. They also many times become novels that grow great hope and show perseverance and Between the Cracks created such an inspiring story and leaves a lasting legacy of Angela, not only for her family, but for every reader. If you like such historical stories, I would not delay in reading this book this year.
Not only is the story well-written, with great content, flow, and editing, but it shows us in elegant and engaging prose the progression of Angela's life from the convent, to a marriage to someone she barely knew, to her immigration to 1920s New York City. It was like having a bird's eye view, or a reporter's keen eye, which isn't surprising as the author has been a journalist and has taught journaling. The book reads like it is Angela's own journal we are peeking inside. Cattuti is also an artist and I can see how she visually chose words and created wonderful details in order for us be able to view the story in its brilliance.
The book shines in that is showcases how certain events change our lives. For some they make decisions based on grief and tragedy that never lead them out of despair, while others choose paths of peace and determination, taking risks that may completely turn their life in new directions. The journey for the latter isn't always easy and takes great mental strength, but generally their lives end with contentment and happiness. The stories of many immigrants in the early 1900s, whether Sicilian like Angela or otherwise, are riddled with blind dreams and decisions in order to make a better life. What we find from these immigrants years later are some amazing stories of their past, before living in the United States, that they rarely speak on! However, when they do we can find ourselves mesmerized. I know I love to read true historical fiction of immigrants and I'd say that this book is one of the best I've come across. I was excited to read that this book will be a series.
Between the Cracks is a superb novel of love, hope, fear, and reinvention of a Sicilian immigrant woman who was strong enough to take chances in order to better her life. It was amazing to see her navigate a bustling NYC and all the many cultural differences. I highly recommend this novel if you like books that speak the stories of American immigrants and gives a a glimpse into their family history. Show Less
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A Book I couldn't put down January 14, 2014
I loved this book. It's a terrific story of one immigrant's experience starting in Sicily. It full of emotions, especially love and fear, and taking chances as Carmela Cattuti has written a book that captures the essence of the experience. Having Sicilian grandparents and having visited Sicily I was able to relate to lots of the stories and insights. But, most of all, this is great story. Can't wait for volume 2!
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A wonderful book November 22, 2013
I can't wait to read the next book and follow what happens to this family. I felt like I was a part of the events as they happened.
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Great Historical Fiction September 29, 2013
"Cattuti brings history to life in her compelling and unforgettable account of a life shaped, but not defined, by early tragedy." Sherri Browning Erwin, author of Jane Slayre.
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Good choice for Book Club discussion September 25, 2013
"Between the Cracks" would be a good pick for a book club discussion. Based on a real life story, it talks about choices people make and how they deal with them. It's one of those books that are hard to put down.
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