Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Christie Mitchum

Italian American: Jack & Mariella’s journey continues… by Luigina Vecchione
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Italian American is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, sacrifices, love, and hope set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The novel’s narrative is deeply rooted in the experiences of the Italian immigrants, making it a compelling read for those interested in family sagas and historical fiction.

This is the continuation of Jack and Mariella’s love story, set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The novel opens with Mariella and her adult daughters, a poignant scene that sets the stage for Mariella’s journey to America and her adaptation to her new life. The historical context adds depth to the immigrant experience, making it more relatable to readers.

The couple finally reunites in Italy when Jack returns to bring her to America for her new life. I loved seeing through Mariella’s eyes the first sight of America. It made me stop and appreciate this wonderful country in which I have had the privilege of being born.

As she begins her new life, she experiences some bumps in the road. There is a language barrier as she is still learning English. She also encounters some nasty housewives, and her mother-in-law is nasty to her. However, none of this stops her determination to make a happy life with Jack. As the years move on, she and Jack become parents, and she must return to Italy because her father is ill. Will this trip back home make her second guess her decision to make her life with Jack? Or will it make their love even stronger?

Mariella emerges as an extraordinary woman, a beacon of resilience. She endured the horrors of the German occupation during her childhood, and she bravely left her family behind for a new life in America, a journey not without its trials. Her unwavering determination to carve out her own happiness is truly inspiring. What’s more, this is a story based on a real woman! While the book’s pacing felt a bit hurried towards the end, I was left wanting more. I yearned to see if her relationship with her mother-in-law had evolved, and I was curious about the fate of her sister and brother. Nevertheless, this was a powerful read that further opened my eyes to the atrocities of the Nazi Regime and the profound damage they inflicted.

View all my reviews