Stars in an Italian Sky
With a dual timeline, Santopolo weaves a sweeping story of romance between two star-crossed lovers in war-ravaged 1946 Genoa, Italy, a place divided by family loyalty, politics, and class, and connects them to a couple in present-day New York City. Her inspiration came from a honeymoon trip to Italy, visiting family and learning of the 1946 referendum that abolished the monarchy and nobility and created a republic.
Vincenzo, a painter and son of a count, falls in love with seamstress Giovanna. We delight in their blissful moments of first love as he courts her, paints her as his muse, and invites her to the bottling of 1944 vintage at his father’s vineyard, Villa Della Rosa. With vivid language and compelling characters, we are drawn in and chagrined to see the couple torn apart by misunderstanding, class, and the effects of the referendum. Meanwhile, back in New York, an up-and-coming artist, Luca, and a fashion designer, Cassandra, are living through the tension of wedding planning, trying to keep both their families happy. Family is a huge theme in this novel. The close and tender relationship between Cassandra and her grandmother is rich and strong.
What if you are forced to choose between your sweetheart and your family? Do you remain true to yourself or bow to family pressure? When Luca arranges for his Nonno and Cassandra’s Gram to meet at their apartment to pose for his painting, the two stories collide. Will this conflict be resolved? How will this affect Cass and Luca’s relationship? After engaging us with passion, turmoil and emotion, there is an unexpected yet satisfying ending. Recommended.
