From Adriana Trigiani, the beloved New York Times-bestselling author of The Shoemaker’s Wife, comes an exhilarating epic novel of love, loyalty, and creativity—the story of an Italian-American family on the cusp of change.It’s 1949 and South Philadelphia bursts with opportunity during the post-war boom. The Palazzini Cab Company & Western Union Telegraph Office, owned and operated by Dominic … Western Union Telegraph Office, owned and operated by Dominic Palazzini and his three sons, is flourishing: business is good, they’re surrounded by sympathetic wives and daughters-in-law, with grandchildren on the way. But a decades-long feud that split Dominic and his brother Mike and their once-close families sets the stage for a re-match.
Amidst the hoopla, the arrival of an urgent telegram from Italy upends the life of Nicky Castone (Dominic and his wife’s orphaned nephew) who lives and works with his Uncle Dom and his family. Nicky decides, at 30, that he wants more—more than just a job driving Car #4 and more than his longtime fiancée Peachy DePino, a bookkeeper, can offer. When he admits to his fiancée that he’s been secretly moonlighting at the local Shakespeare theater company, Nicky finds himself drawn to the stage, its colorful players and to the determined Calla Borelli, who inherited the enterprise from her father, Nicky must choose between the conventional life his family expects of him or chart a new course and risk losing everything he cherishes.
From the dreamy mountaintop village of Roseto Valfortore in Italy, to the vibrant streets of South Philly, to the close-knit enclave of Roseto, Pennsylvania, to New York City during the birth of the golden age of television, Kiss Carlo is a powerful, inter-generational story that celebrates the ties that bind, while staying true to oneself when all hope seems lost.
Told against the backdrop of some of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, this novel brims with romance as long buried secrets are revealed, mistaken identities are unmasked, scores are settled, broken hearts are mended and true love reigns. Trigiani’s consummate storytelling skill and her trademark wit, along with a dazzling cast of characters will enthrall readers. Once again, the author has returned to her own family garden to create an unforgettable feast. Kiss Carlo is a jubilee, resplendent with hope, love, and the abiding power of la famiglia.
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I have enjoyed many books by this author, this one is enjoyable, but not one of my favorites
Kiss Carlo is a historical fiction novel about a large, multi-generational Italian-American family living in a big city in the post-WWII era.
Kiss Carlo was an interesting novel. I will admit that it wasn’t my cup of tea when I read it. Not for any fault of the author, as it was a very well-written book, but because I prefer a story with adventure that focuses on one or two people, not on a large extended family with multiple perspectives. This was more of a literary fiction novel, and I am certain that fans of the genre will appreciate it much more than I did.
As for the story, the POV switches among many people in the family. Nicky is featured most often. He finds he wants more than his current life is offering him and attempts to find himself and follow his acting dreams against everyone else’s expectations for him. I admired the way the author wrote his character arc; it was well-done. Nicky made some pretty major mistakes in the story, but he owned up to them, made restitution, and grew as a person.
The author did a very good job describing the culture of the Italian-American family as well. I’m not sure what else to say about it but that it was well-done.
My comment on the content is that there was some (not much) romantic adult content, which I didn’t think was necessary for the novel to be well-written. I can’t remember if there was swearing, but I think hat that was all that needs a warning.
I hope you enjoy this book more than I did; the author certain is a good writer, even if it isn’t my preference.
I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I am not obligated to provide a positive review.
I love this author! Her character development is so enjoyable to read.
Hard to describe this book. Very entertaining And a little far fetched.
It was an easy book to read on vacation. It is funny and easy to pick up and put down without losing the train of thought.
Adriana’s books are always interesting and fun to read. This one had some unexpected events and kept me interested throughout the book. I loved how the main female character made her life decisions.
Good reading.
Like comfort food! Loved this book!
Author is very descriptive in building her characters, but it seemed to bog down at times. I loved reading about South Philly in the years before I got there. Also informative about Italian families and their traditions, especially of those early immigrants. Sometimes it was a push to read so I read another more whimsical book as a trade-off before I dug back into this book. The author’s style seems to be lots of background and character development. Overall, it was a lovely story and ended well for all.
Not her best
SHALLOW AND SILLY.
I love the way this author writes, it flows, it is “rich”, it is detailed without being boring.
Not my favorite book by this author. Too long and drawn out.
I love A Trigiani but this is my least favorite book of hers. It went on and on but didn’t go anywhere. I never connected with the characters.
I did not want to put this book down !!! Having lived in the small town of Roseto Pa i got a kick out of some of the family names and areas.
My least favorite of her books.
great characters and a story about family
Thoroughly enjoyed this story of a long term feud between Italian brothers and the story of the Palazzini family. It shares their lives and loves and loyalty. Trigiani is a master storyteller and this one includes a memorable trip to Italy and love of theater and Shakespeare.