I had started reading The Shoemaker's Wife when I found The Pioneer Woman's book, so I put it aside for a week. I knew I would come back to it, but I had no idea that when I did, that the book would be so absolutely amazing. Kathryn Stockett (author of The Help) is quoted on the front cover of the edition I have as saying that the book is "Utterly splendid." Not even close. It's ten times better than utterly splendid.
I read Trigiani's Big Stone Gap books years ago because my husband's family is from Big Stone Gap, as is Trigiani. Her series was fabulous and I became hooked on her style of writing...tons of description, completely formed characters, a plot that is unusual and different from anything I had ever read. As a result, whenever a new book was released, I read it. And I read it happily. My favorites of hers have been Very Valentine and Brava Valentine, both about shoemakers. So, when I discovered The Shoemaker's Wife, I knew I'd love the book. And I loved it. Oh, did I love it!
I'm afraid that I am not skilled enough at writing summaries to even begin to summarize this book. What I can tell you is this. It's set in the very early 1900's, right at the turn of the century, and spans through the Second World War. It's the love story of Enza and Ciro, beginning when they met as teenagers, and extending through their lives together. During the story, we meet their extended families, their friends, and we experience their lives as they leave Italy and move to America, as America was expanding westward. We live their ups and downs, their goods and bads, and we are reminded of what it truly means to be part of a family. As I finished the book last night after a long day of family obligations, I cried into the shoulder of my husband. I cried because it was comforting to know that I was part of a family who loved each other and who supported each other. I cried, too, because thinking of my life without my partner, was more than I could bear.
Another aspect of this novel that I love so much is that it leaves almost no question unanswered. I am a big fan of epilogues. I need to know what happens next and Trigiani delivers. Until the end. But the ending is so fabulous that it doesn't matter that some things are left up to the reader to decide. I like, too, that Trigiani gives us this chance to participate in the story. She has faith in us.
Stories like this one that touch my heart typically leave me with something...a catch phrase, a moral, an idea to ponder. The Shoemaker left me with words to think about every day: "Beware the things of this world that can mean everything or nothing." Beware. Beware. Beware. Beware the things that mean nothing to you but everything to your partner. Don't assume that things that mean everything to you mean anything at all to others. Beware. I suspect that this one idea will stick with me forever. It molded Ciro's life. I hope from this point on, it will guide mine.
Happy reading everyone!
:). Dodie
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