Review: Swimming in the Moon, by Pamela Schoenewaldt

SWIMMING IN THE MOON
by Pamela Schoenewaldt
William Morrow
978-0062202239
Paperback, 368 pages
September 3, 2013

Lucia has moments of doubt about her mother Teresa Esposito’s sometimes peculiar behavior. She never knew her father, who deserted the two before she was born.  Their mother/daughter bond is strong, so tender, they even share the same bed. They are both servants for the Count and Countess Monforte in Naples, Italy in 1905. Teresa sings like an angel and she often is called upon to soothe the Countess during her frequent migraines. The Count is a contentious cad, impressed with his privileged position and own self-importance.  

One day, Teresa becomes the subject of an experimental treatment for hysteria as The Count and his doctor test the efficacy of his Rube Goldberg invention.  Lucia appears unexpectedly and demands her mother’s immediate release.   Unfortunately, Lucia becomes the next victim in their experiments. Teresa explodes with anger and rage as she strikes the Count down. Desperate to avoid capture and prosecution their options are limited as the Count’s influence is far-reaching.

Lucia, 14 years old, suggests they sail to America. Although, the idea of leaving Italy leaves Teresa glum. Their passage is paid for by the Countess.  Forged papers are created by her staff along with a letter of introduction to a boarding house in Cleveland.

They decide to Americanize their names to Lucia and Teresa D’Angelo. Teresa ultimately takes on the persona of the “Naples Nightingale” and is hired by a traveling vaudeville show. Lucia continues her studies at school and works hard as a scribe.  Gradually, the demons and hysteria insinuate deeper into Teresa’s personality.  Lucia must alter her plans to take care of her mother.

SWIMMING IN THE MOON is an exceedingly rich historical novel on so multiple levels. The characters are spot-on realistic, familiar and readers will easily empathize with their lives. Lucia is the quintessential immigrant of this era, determined to succeed, hard-working and practical,  never extravagant.  Schoenewaldt brings out the many social issues of the day. Lucia’s eyes attest to the poor working conditions, long hours and low pay.  Likewise, Teresa’s plight unveiled as if a documentary, uncovers the filthy facilities and limited choices available to care for the  mentally ill and their families.  

SWIMMING IN THE MOON has the same delicious flavor of America’s history that Pamela Schoenewaldt brought out in her novel When We Were Strangers.  Her compassion and love for the immigrant stories that shaped America have a compelling appeal.  A sensitive novel to treasure that will live on in your heart.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I also own the Kindle edition that was purchased by me at Amazon.  

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Review: Ghellow Road, by T.H. Waters

GHELLOW ROAD: A LITERARY DIARY OF A YOUNG GIRL'S JOURNEY

T.H. Waters

Verefor Publishing Company

October 14, 2010

302 pages, pb

$10.30 US

978-0-9828931-1-1

GHELLOW ROAD, a literary diary will consume your attention from the first page. It is a coming of age story about a young girl named Theresa.  Promoted as a novel, the author admits much is drawn from childhood experiences. You will find this to be a rich heartfelt novel of a family devastated by a mother with serious mental illness.  I will forgo the short summary as it would spoil the reader’s experience, but instead offer a glimpse, as a prologue to a play about to unfold.

The story takes place in a small town called International Falls with a population just over 10,000, somewhere in Minnesota.  Theresa was born in 1965 smothered by the love of two parents and a brother, Mikie. In diary format throughout, we learn about her life, her point of view. She was five when she first realized there was something very wrong with her mother. Although her mother most often demonstrated her love, with affectionate kisses and endearing names, Theresa knew things weren’t right.  She would often disappear, she heard things, she had a look. When this happened, Theresa and Mikie would often end up at the homes of various relatives. One day, they are betrayed by their loving Dad, who had always been the stable parent. Their future is bleak.  

The main protagonist is Theresa, outwardly happy and sometimes shy who despite the odds, makes many very good friends.  Yet, inside she is a cacophony of conflict, desperately seeking stability and a normal life. Once, she is told by a palm reader.... “it doesn’t matter what a man’s name is or where it is that he may take you. The only true force in life is l-o-v-e. Look for a man who has love for you in his heart, and it is there that you will find the meaning of happiness on this earth.”  

An unforgettable novel that puts a spotlight on mental illness and its corrosive potential on families. My apologies to the author, for not reading her book sooner as it is my only regret. T.H. Waters as written an inspirationally affecting novel that will beguile every reader.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a candid review. The review submitted my honest opinion. 

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013]. 

Wisteria Leigh

August 13, 2013

Review: The Bloodletter's Daughter, by Linda Lafferty

 

THE BLOODLETTER'S DAUGHTER : A NOVEL OF OLD BOHEMIA
by Linday Lafferty
Amazon PublishingAmazon Publishing
978161218465
512 pages-pp. 
September 4, 2012
$14.95

 




Born to King Rudolf’s mistress, young Giuglio believes his mother a whore. If he had been born to the queen, he would one day inherit the Hapsburg Empire. In deep contemplation at Prazsky Hrad, the royal castle in Prague, he tries to decipher the Coded Book of Wonder. It is a miserably cold day in February of 1599, but his gaze on the bare-breasted bathmaids offers warmth, for he knows they hold the secret to many mysteries and quiet the voices in his head. The king would do anything for his son. It soon becomes evident that Giuglio, called Don Julius, is mentally disturbed, frightfully so. When his father learns of his son’s continued sexually deviant and violent behavior, he is exiled to a part of Bohemia in order to protect the Hapsburg Empire from public gossip and secure his son’s safety.
Rudolf II sends for the bloodletter to treat his son. The bloodletter’s daughter, Marketa, accompanies her father, as it is her wish to become a surgeon. Her presence calms Don Julius, who refuses to allow anyone else to apply the blood-sucking leeches to his skin. Marketa’s life is in serious jeopardy when she fails to see the danger of his erratic lunacy.
Linda Lafferty writes as if she were creating a movie screenplay. She captures the essence of Don Julius’ demonic sociopathic behavior with precision and detail. He is a disturbing character; the reader will shudder while experiencing his depravity. Marketa, on the other hand, trusting and virginally pure, is the polar opposite. Based on the life of Don Julius, this debut novel by Linda Lafferty will offer readers suspenseful drama.  Highly recommended-five star rating.

DISCLOSURE: I was sent a free copy of this book from HNR to review for their publication. The review submitted above is my unbiased honest evaluation. This review originally appeared in Historical Novels Society periodical Issue 62, November 2012. 
http://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-bloodletters-daughter-a-novel-of-old-bohemia/
 


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].