“A heartfelt tale of love too stubborn to surrender to human frailties.” — Kirkus ReviewsSet in the lush Big Band era of the 1940s, this spellbinding saga from beloved New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani tells the story of two talented working class kids who marry and become a successful singing act, until time, temptation, and the responsibilities of home and family derail their … the responsibilities of home and family derail their dreams.
Shortly before World War II, Chi Chi Donatelli and Saverio Armandonada meet one summer on the Jersey shore and fall in love. Both are talented, and dream of becoming singers for the legendary orchestras of the time: Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman. They’re soon married, and it isn’t long before Chiara and Tony find that their careers are on the way up as they navigate the glamorous worlds of night clubs, radio, and television. All goes well until it becomes clear that they must make a choice: Which of them will put their ambitions aside to raise a family and which will pursue a career? And how will they cope with the impact that decision has on their lives and their marriage?
From the Jersey shore to Las Vegas to Hollywood, and the dance halls in between, this story is vivid with historical color and steeped in the popular music that serves as its score. Tony’s Wife is a magnificent epic of life in a traditional Italian family undergoing seismic change in a fast paced, modern world. Filled with vivid, funny, and unforgettable characters, this richly human story showcases Adriana Trigiani’s gifts as a storyteller and her deep understanding of family, love, and the pursuit of a dream.
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A book to love and share! I’ve been a Trigiani fan since Big Stone Gap, and this one is a personal fave–a wonderfully rendered, irresistible story that brings a lost era to life. A must-read and a great book club pick.
I loved this book, although when the author threw a curve, which she did several times, I was on the edge of tears. The characters are wonderfully developed, the hero tragically flawed, the female fearless, gutsy and strong. With every page I hoped for the twist back that I was looking for. I didn’t get it until the last two sentences of the story.
Very enjoyable. Held my interest Like the author
One I will recommend to Friends. Wondered how it would end for a long time as I read it. Made for a good read.
Thanks to Book Club Cookbook’s Galley Match program and Harper publisher for a copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve read and liked several books written by Adriana Trigiani so I thought I knew what I was going to get with Tony’s Wife but it turned out to be a different novel. What I liked: the large and loving Donatelli family; Chi Chi, a woman who pursues financial independence beginning in the 1930’s; Mariano, an Italian father who encourages his daughter to develop her career instead of just to get married and have babies; and the backstage scenes of the swing era and the growing music industry. Loved the cover with those white sunglasses! What I didn’t like: the way Chi Chi was strong and independent in every way except when it came to Tony; the author’s over-explaining and repetition of certain facts and the omission of others – where was the editor?
The novel is over 400 pages, and I’m just not comfortable recommending my friends spend so much time with this book when I only rated it 2 1/2 stars. If you want to read a good Adriana Trigiani book, read Very Valentine or Lucia, Lucia.
I love all Adriana Trigiani’s books, this one being no exception! Always likable characters you enjoy following. Easy reading experience.
A truly great book! Real struggles faced in the Big Band Era that are real today. You can’t help loving the characters and feeling for them throughout their story. A great read!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as I do all of Trigiani’s books. This one was a little different in that not all of the characters were appealing to the reader, but the author still handled it nicely.
a wonderful story full of remarkable characters. One of her best.
Nowhere near as wonderful as her other books. I kept waiting for something to happen, Depressing.
I’m a fan of this author so I wanted to read this new book. The story was interesting. However, I wasn’t too enthusiastic about it probably because I’m not too fond of 1930’s and 1940’s songs and music.
I love all this authors books and this one is no exception.
Just so so
I loved it, but I have read all of this author’s books. I love the characters & their relationships and always am eager for Ariana Trigiani’s next book!
All of her books are wonderful, however this one was amazing and it had an ending I never would have thought of.
I love Andrea Trigliani books
Beautiful story
Her descriptions are always enlightening
Her books always entertaining
I love the work of Adriana Trigiani and wait patiently for her books. This one did not disappoint as I expected. I enjoyed her characters & story lines & always the family ties that bind us and leave us vulnerable. I did not give this book 5 stars because there are other books of Adriana’s that still hold that spot for me but it was an enjoyable read as always.
I love most of her books -very creative.I liked this but not as well as some of the others
I must admit I love all Adrian Tringali’s books.