Based on the true history of the uncrowned kings of Sicily: the story of a family, restless and ambitious, shrewd and determined to be richer and more powerful than anybody else.
In this grand, sweeping epic inspired by the real lives of history-making titans, international best-selling author Stefania Auci brings to life the dark secrets, the loves and betrayals, and the cruel acts of revenge … the cruel acts of revenge that marked the Florio family’s century of influence.
The Florios arrive in Sicily, with nothing but the clothes on their back after an earthquake destroys their hometown. Against all odds, the family begins anew despite the looming Napoleonic wars and devastating plagues. But when Vincenzo is spurned by his aristocratic lover, he vows to avenge his honor by becoming the wealthiest man in Italy. Sacrificing love and family, he strives to buy what cannot be his by birth. Not to be outdone by the men, the Florio women unapologetically demand their place outside the restraints of caring mothers, alluring lovers, or wounded wives. Giulia, though only a mistress, is fiercely intelligent and runs the empire from the shadows. Angelina, born a bastard, charts her own future against the wishes of her father.
In this epic yet intimate tale of power, passion, and revenge, the rise and fall of a family taps into the universal desire to become more than who we are born as.
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Several weaknesses that pulled me out of it.
This book was a great way to learn some history about Sicily and it’s early days as a major trading center. Very informative and built on real characters and events.
A realistic snap shot of a past time in Sicily and the struggles of one family as they try to make a successful life against many obstacles
This family saga spanned several generations. It took a lot of research to fill in the history of Sicily . Very good book!
Would not recommend.
A fairly realistic representation of Sicily and the way Sicilians think.
Book Review: The Florios of Sicily by Stefania Auci (2020) 4 Stars **** Historical Fiction
Beginning with the devastating earthquake in southern Italy in 1799, this three generational saga follows the Florio family as they flee Bagnara, Calabria for the dream they hope to realize in Sicily. While the story is fictitious, the characters and events are inspired by real people and actual incidents. This internationally acclaimed author takes us to the 1860s in the context of Sicilian history and the painful unification of Italy.
We meet brothers Paolo and Ignacio Florio in 1799 after the earthquake that has just killed their parents and relatives, and devastated their town. Harsh, forceful, abrupt, demanding Paolo marries Giuseppina in a marriage arranged by her parents, while gentle, soft-spoken Ignacio is secretly in love with her. The three leave what little family is still alive, and head to Sicily with intentions of trading in the much coveted spice trade.
With hard work, determination, and fair business practices, the brothers gradually increase their wealth and standing in the community. Despite their expensive clothing and the power they wield, there are those who look down upon them as laborers and will not give them respect for all they have achieved.
Paolo and his bitter wife Giuseppina make their son Vincenzo the light of their lives and the reason for their existence. Growing up spoiled and self-serving, Vincenzo finds love with Giulia but does not publicly honor her until a son is finally born to the brilliant mind. He sees the injustice surrounding him, has a highly developed conscience, and basically always does the right thing.
The spice business expands into sulfur, textiles, marsala wine, medicinal herbs, shipping, and banking. Despite their wealth, this family is plagued by self-destructive, unforgiving people. The book cover might make you think they live a charmed life. Not true at all. There is so much unnecessary self-imposed misery that the characters are depressed and depressing.
The plight of women is especially sad because they have no say in their lives and no power over decisions made, which often serve someone’s agenda, but has little connection with their best interests.
So many characters! The book has been translated from Italian and is often plodding, literal, and without voice. You will be happy you are not a member of the Florio family. Their hearts are heavy, their minds troubled, and their souls always searching. This book would make an excellent resource for women’s studies.
No character development at all. I felt I never knew anything about these people and could not bring myself to care about them. I finished the book, but it dragged.
Great family saga
Loved it. Taught me a lot about early Sicily
The Florios of Sicily By Stefania Auci
This is a beautifully written book about the illustrious lives of the Florio family from Sicily. It is great to read about a rags to riches story about this family and to know that they have created an empire and control of a good portion of Italy is quite an astounding story in itself.
The story not only covers the family but also the surrounding political and societal turmoil of the time. I learned a lot about the Sicilian history and the beautiful and rich culture of the people and their difficulties in their role in their community still being considered outcasts despite their riches because they earner their money rather than being from nobility.
The writing was engrossing and beautifully told which I enjoyed immensely.