Inheritance

by Natalie Danford

Book Overview

This exquisitely written novel asks a simple question: How well do we know our parents? One half of the story begins after the death of Luigi Bonocchio, an Italian immigrant whose daughter, Olivia, discovers a mysterious deed among his possessions. The deed is to a house in Urbino, Italy - the hometown he barely spoke of. Intrigued, Olivia travels there. At first she is charmed by the historic city, the relatives she's not met before, and the young...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312349025
• ISBN13: 9780312349028
• Release Date: January 2007
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Fabulous little gem

I picked this up on a whim and I am very glad I did. What a lovely book! A compact read that is impossible to put down, it is a compassionate look at people and life. You care deeply for its characters and their humanity. The writing is beautiful, never didactic or moralising, which I appreciate in a book. I look forward to more books from Natalie Danford.

Delightful journey

This is a delightful story that Natalie Danford has given us. The journey both across the miles and across the years is enticing, characters most believable. I read a review of this book many months ago and finally rewarded myself with the book. It would make a good movie as well, as we will probably see in the future.

A Fabulous read by a new author

Though easily read in a day or two, I slowed my pace to savor every word. Luigi and Olivia lept off the page and I traveled with them to the United States and then back to Italy. For anyone who has ever wondered what life was like for their immigrant parent, this story provides insight.

Excellent Book

A first rate novel about memory and social/cultural isolation. The parts set in Italy are excellent, as are the scenes of Luigi's strange experiences as an Italian immigrant first exploring the US.

If there were 10 stars this book would rate it.

I have just finished reading "Inheritance" by Natalie Danford. A small book but a gem. I think it may be the finest literary book I have had the pleasure to read in over ten years. I read many books. I consider myself an avid reader. This one I happened to see a small review in the L.A Times and it seemed interesting. What an understatement. I believe this is a first novel for this outstanding writer. I sure hope she decides to continue. This book is disturbing, with a deep and well described characters and a rich story plot. The love of a daughter for her dying father, the horror of Alzheimer's and its deterioration of the mind of a human being. The plight of a Jewish family in a small town in Italy in the second world war, all lead up to a mystery, a romance and intrigue. The story jumps constantly back and forth in time, but through a prose so rich and clear and so well written you are never lost, nor wonder where in time you are. I cannot rave enough about this gem of a novel. Thank you Ms Danford wherever you are for this pleasure. PLEASE continue to write.