The Tale of Lucia Grandi, by Susan Speranza - Review

The Tale of Lucia Grandi

When an old woman is asked to tell the story of her life, she tells an intense and poignant tale about growing up in and surviving a warring suburban family during the 1950s and '60s.

 Written as a memoir, each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia's life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her family. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.

 Told in breathtakingly beautiful prose, this is a powerful and timeless story of a dying woman's courageous attempt to come to terms with her past and the troubled family that dominated it.

Purchase The Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years Kindle | Paperback |Barnes & Noble

My review:

Most of the books I have read in the past month or two have been quick  and 200 pages. Enjoyable reads, but most of the books are like devouring a mini-chocolate bar. In one bite they are done and I am left wanting more. With The Tale of Lucia Grandi I was able to sink my teeth into an entire full-sized story (of over 400 pages) and feel satisfied by the lovely writing and imagery of the story.

Susan Speranza did an amazing job of weaving an emotional and vivid journey of a little girl growing up and how her family and situations mold the woman she became. I felt sad at what she endured, but amazed by her inner strength. We can't choose our childhood, but we can choose the person we become.

The story of Lucia's early life was so intriguing, I now want to know what the rest of it held. Did she find love? More heartbreak? This is a story that will leave you genuinely caring for the main character. Beautifully written, this story will remain with me for a long time to come.

Be sure to enter the Tale of Lucia Grandi Book Tour and Blast Giveaway going on right now.

*Disclaimer - I received a digital copy of the book through Promotional Book Tours for review purposes. All opinions are my own.