This novel is set in central Italy in the 1960s and is based on the author’s memories of hearing about poor families with numerous children who would give one of their kids to a relative unable to have children to unofficially adopt and raise. Having known a person here in Italy who was given to an aunt to raise, I thought it would be an interesting read.

The story is quite intense as we see the girl, who remains unnamed in the book, try to make sense of what has happened, struggle to understand why her adoptive parents have rejected her, as well as try to integrate into this family who isn’t welcoming to her. At one point she says that she has two mothers but is an orphan. That statement really struck me about the importance of the mother-child relationship.  How fortunate I have been in my life to have had a mother who was committed to me as well as the privilege of being able to raise my own children!

This girl doesn’t have this good fortune, yet we see her gradual growth and resilience coming through and winning out over her circumstances.

Nancy Napier, April 2025

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