Monday, August 1, 2022

The Good Left Undone

I always enjoy a good Adriana Trigiani novel so was excited when I learned about her latest, The Good Left Undone, and requested it from the library pre-publication. I was very happy to have it become available towards the end of my New York vacation.

The Good Left Undone has so many interesting themes told in two alternating timelines. We read about Domenica's story in the past, and then we read about Matelda and her granddaughter, Anina, in the present. Domenica's storyline has themes of women's opportunities, reproductive health care and several different World War II themes. Both timelines were set in Italy, but the timeline from the past included part of the story set in Scotland. I learned about the Italian population and their horrible treatment during the war in Scotland. The present storyline had an end-of-life theme as well as themes related to motherhood and women's choices. Both stories dealt with family legacy.

Domenica's father was a highly respected jewel cutter. The family business continues through to the current time.

As always, Trigiani novels have a good feel for life in Italy over the years as well as the dynamics as the Italian family.

There was one hanging thread regarding Matelda's brother. Reference was made to an estrangement between the two, but it was glossed over. Why bother including that little bit without resolving that part of the story.

Even with that, I'd highly recommend this for all fans of Adriana Trigiani.


 

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