Inheritance
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Book Overview
This exquisitely written novel asks a simple question: How well do we know our parents? One half of the story begins after the death of Luigi Bonocchio, an Italian immigrant whose daughter, Olivia, discovers a mysterious deed among his possessions. The deed is to a house in Urbino, Italy - the hometown he barely spoke of. Intrigued, Olivia travels there. At first she is charmed by the historic city, the relatives she's not met before, and the young lawyer she's hired to help her investigate the claim. But when Olivia tries to sort out the deed, she is met with a puzzling silence. Everyone in the town remembers her father, but they are not eager to tell his story. However, Luigi tells his part of the tale directly to the reader as the chapters alternate between Olivia's search for the truth and Luigi's account of his history. By the end of this skillfully constructed book, the reader understands both sides of a heartbreaking yet ultimately satisfying love story.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0312349025
ISBN13:9780312349028
Release Date:January 2007
Publisher:St. Martin's Press
Length:214 Pages
Weight:0.73 lbs.
Dimensions:0.8" x 6.3" x 8.5"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Fabulous little gem
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
I picked this up on a whim and I am very glad I did. What a lovely book! A compact read that is impossible to put down, it is a compassionate look at people and life. You care deeply for its characters and their humanity. The writing is beautiful, never didactic or moralising, which I appreciate in a book. I look forward to more books from Natalie Danford.
Delightful journey
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
This is a delightful story that Natalie Danford has given us. The journey both across the miles and across the years is enticing, characters most believable. I read a review of this book many months ago and finally rewarded myself with the book. It would make a good movie as well, as we will probably see in the future.
A Fabulous read by a new author
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Though easily read in a day or two, I slowed my pace to savor every word. Luigi and Olivia lept off the page and I traveled with them to the United States and then back to Italy. For anyone who has ever wondered what life was like for their immigrant parent, this story provides insight.
Excellent Book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
A first rate novel about memory and social/cultural isolation. The parts set in Italy are excellent, as are the scenes of Luigi's strange experiences as an Italian immigrant first exploring the US.
If there were 10 stars this book would rate it.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I have just finished reading "Inheritance" by Natalie Danford. A small book but a gem. I think it may be the finest literary book I have had the pleasure to read in over ten years. I read many books. I consider myself an avid reader. This one I happened to see a small review in the L.A Times and it seemed interesting. What an understatement. I believe this is a first novel for this outstanding writer. I sure hope she decides to continue. This book is disturbing, with a deep and well described characters and a rich story plot. The love of a daughter for her dying father, the horror of Alzheimer's and its deterioration of the mind of a human being. The plight of a Jewish family in a small town in Italy in the second world war, all lead up to a mystery, a romance and intrigue. The story jumps constantly back and forth in time, but through a prose so rich and clear and so well written you are never lost, nor wonder where in time you are. I cannot rave enough about this gem of a novel. Thank you Ms Danford wherever you are for this pleasure. PLEASE continue to write.
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