Known and loved around the world for her sweeping Big Stone Gap trilogy and the instant New York Times bestseller Lucia, Lucia, Adriana Trigiani returns to the charm and drama of small-town life with Queens of the Big Time. This heartfelt story of the limits and power of love chronicles the remarkable lives of the Castellucas, an Italian-American family, over the course of three generations.In … three generations.
In the late 1800s, the residents of a small village in the Bari region of Italy, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, made a mass migration to the promised land of America. They settled in Roseto, Pennsylvania, and re-created their former lives in their new home–down to the very last detail of who lived next door to whom. The village’s annual celebration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel–or “the Big Time,” as the occasion is called by the young women who compete to be the pageant’s Queen–is the centerpiece of Roseto’s colorful old-world tradition.
The industrious Castellucas farm the land outside Roseto. Nella, the middle daughter of five, aspires to a genteel life “in town,” far from the rigors of farm life, which have taken a toll on her mother and forced her father to take extra work in the slate quarries to make ends meet. But Nella’s dreams of making her own fortune shift when she meets Renato Lanzara, the son of a prominent Roseto family. Renato is a worldly, handsome, devil-may-care poet who has a way with words that makes him irresistible. Their friendship ignites into a fiery romance that Nella is certain will lead to marriage. But Nella is not alone in her pursuit: every girl in town seems to want Renato. When he disappears without explanation, Nella is left with a shattered heart. Four years later, Renato’s sudden return to Roseto the night before Nella’s wedding to the steadfast Franco Zollerano leaves her and the Castelluca family shaken. For although Renato has chosen a path very different from Nella’s, they are fated to live and work in Roseto, where the past hangs over them like a brewing storm.
An epic of small-town life, etched in glorious detail in the trademark Trigiani style, The Queen of the Big Time is the story of a determined, passionate woman who can never forget her first love.
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An engrossing story line, characters that you truly care about and engaging dialogue
My least favorite book by this author.
One of my favorite books. I recommend this book to everyone. I read this book a long time ago and remember the story about the main character being in a big italian family but always wanting more for her life. But things happen and she has to do things she wasn’t planning on but finds the importance of life.
I love reading her books. She tells stories about Italian Families & their struggles, their loves & their accomplishments.
One of my favorite authors, she does not disappoint. Great look into a different time and different culture.
Rich, well developed characters as well as traditional Italian culture make this book vary readable and enjoyable.
Great read!! This author never disappoints the reader with her characters and interesting story lines.
Insight into lifestyle of Utalian immigrant families.
Great family story.
I loved it!
Very average writing, I had really liked The Showmaker’s Wife and had expected more. I ended up skimming most of the second half.
This was not the best of Ms Trigiaini’s books but still a good read. I’ve devoured her other books and love her writing style and characters.
I love all her books. Mixing a little history of immigrants and their contributions to this country. Trials and tribulations. Always a good love story intertwined.
While it isn’t my favorite book by Adriana Trigiani, and I’ve read them all, it is still every bit worth your time. The characters are well-drawn, believable and quirky. The story is engaging and enjoyable. If you haven’t read it yet, take it along on your next vacation.
Not one of Trigiani’s best, but good
Twice is not enough! Every time I read this book I enjoy it even more. Great characters and story line. Love this author. All the emotions are there as you turn the pages.
A well written book about simpler times.
I don’t cry easily, but I was “extremely choked up” by the time I got to the end of this book.
I really enjoyed this book, I love all of her books.
Very good read about An Italian town that settles wholesale in Pennsylvania. A warm multi generational story.
I loved this book. The author tells a great story.