Gnocchi, Opera, Fashion and Love: The Shoemaker's Wife Book Review

By: Elizabeth Redhead Kriston

From the Italian Alps to the streets of NYC’s Little Italy to the Iron Ranges of Minnesota, I enjoyed following the saga of two children as they grew-up and spent their lives searching for true love.

In AdrianaTrigiani’s epic novel, The Shoemaker’s Wife, Enza and Ciro overcome every type of obstacle. While battling poverty and overcoming devastating losses, the star-crossed loves embark on their separate lives after being unexpectedly separated just as they first found each other beside the grave of Enza’s beloved baby sister. Despite brief encounters over the course of several years, Enza and Ciro are plagued with life circumstances, missed opportunities, and misunderstandings before they finally surrender to their love.

Both left their mountain villages to find work and success in America. Leaving their families behind, as teenagers they embark on careers in New York City. One becomes a master shoemaker and the other becomes an expert seamstress. After years of hard living, Ciro, by chance, finally gives into his undeniable love for Enza moments before she walked down the aisle to marry a man she liked, but didn’t love.

This epic novel by Trigiani is my first taste of her writing. The storyline, with its ubiquitous theme of unrequited love, was reimagined by Trigiani as she penned a unique and beautiful story with rich characters, beautiful settings, and intricate detail woven into the story of Ciro and Enza. This romance novel contained elements that replicated historical fiction, my favorite genre.

At times, Trigiani’s use of intricate details became cumbersome. Overall, I could not help but feel I was there with Ciro and Enza smelling, seeing, touching, and feeling along with them. The fashions and architectural details, the music and food all play major roles in this saga. You will leave this book craving the rustic flavors of fluffy potato gnocchi drenched in sage butter and cream, or warm milk with egg and a drop of brandy. You will want to listen to Enrico Caruso’s operatic voice. You will long to swim in and skate upon the lakes of Minnesota.

Ciro and Enza’s lives are touched by numerous individuals who each have their own unique and interesting stories. From family members to nuns to opera stars to other immigrants, the cast of characters that Trigiani wove into this novel are truly unique and special. Each person helped to shape the lives of Enza and Ciro, ultimately making their love possible.

Once Enza and Ciro unite, the story continues as we are given the gift of knowing how their lives playout. It is so rare that a book or movie allows the audience to become part of the happily ever after. The reality is that most stories end when the commitment begins because what happens after the “I dos” can be messy and sometimes painful. Trigiani gifts her readers with the whole story, and it did not disappoint. Each storyline in the book is resolved so the reader does not turn the last page feeling disappointed or wanting for more.

Listening to the rich stories narrated by Orlagh Cassidy as I drove to and from work kept my mind busy while she entertained me with her masterful depictions of the large cast of characters. Each player had a unique voice and accent which made the story come to life. I will never need to see a movie version after having had the pleasure of listening to the audio adaptation of this amazing story.

TheShoemaker’s Wife is the first of Trigiani’s novels I have read. It surely will not be my last.

Enrico Caruso Sings "O Sole Mio"