Book Review: The Shoemaker's Wife

The Shoemaker's Wife by Adriana Trigiani is a beautiful historical fiction that had me laughing, crying, sighing, and wishing for more. This is a beautiful story about immigrants, love, and family. It is about tenacity, perseverance, and determination. It is about the ravages of war - even after a war is won. It is about loss, memories, and holding on.

I loved the two main characters, Enza and Ciro - and their love story made me smile broadly as well as cry loudly. Could I have done what Enza did for her family? Maybe, more importantly, would I have done it? Could I have kept going in the face of such hatred and adversity? And if I did, would I have come out the other side still kind, loving, hard-working, and hopeful?

And Ciro, with his boyhood traumas - what would have become of me had his early years been my own? I'm afraid my ghosts would have always haunted me and tainted every relationship going forward.

Instead, we see two people who fight for the right to love, to have a family, and to share a life together. And despite not being a fairytale, this story gave me reason to hope. It's a must-read for historical fiction fans - and anybody who loves to see the underdog come out on top!

Purchase a copy of The Shoemaker's Wife:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/44ik86u​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4egoxeW

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