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The House of Serenades
In 1910 Genoa, an Italian port city of divided classes and ancient power struggles, the Berillis are wealthy, powerful, and respected—until the day their darkest secrets begin to surface. Once the police intervene and the gossip grapevine is set in motion, the Berillis' demise is unavoidable. But love lives on, and there's a mandolin player in town who is not giving up on the girl of his dreams. Never underestimate the power of music. The House of Serenades is a brilliant portrait of the Italian upper class at the turn of the twentieth century, its habits, and its ways of life. At the same time, the story denounces the abuse and repression of women (sisters, daughters, wives) that was so common in those years.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Lina Simoni
6 books16 followersLina Simoni was born in Genoa, Italy and has been a resident of the US since 1988. She is the author of two novels, award-winning "The Scent of Rosa's Oil" (Kensington 2008,translated into German and Greek) and "The House of Serenades" (Moonleaf Publishing 2012). She is also the author of "Sofia's Rainbow" (Laura Furlan illustrator), a children's book that donates to children's literacy programs. At the moment she is working on her third novel, "The Cabinet Spell," and on a collection of short stories. Simoni lives in California with her two cocker spaniels, Biscuit and Simon.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 30, 2012
Wealthy Italian families, lost love, definite class separation, and family secrets is what you will find in the THE HOUSE OF SERENADES. Many of the characters had secrets, but Giuseppe Berelli had the biggest secret of them all. Giuseppe kept a secret his entire life, and he was now becoming afraid the truth would come out and ruin his life. Giuseppe told stories to cover up his secret and to try to keep his family from losing their class distinction and power.
The storyline focuses on class distinction and prestige and the worry about losing it all by going to any length no matter what the cost. The eloquent, descriptive writing style and the saga of the Berelli family of Genoa, Italy, will keep your curiosity peaked. And what a saga it was. There was hatred within families, jealousy among neighbors, shady dealings, corrupt doctors, nosy house help, pompous families, death threats to the Berilli family, and things that must be kept secret not only by Giuseppe but others in the town. These were secrets that ate at the characters every day of their lives. Secrets that they never should have told anyone because you never know how things will work out.
The book has different underlying themes, outstanding characters beautifully developed by the author, well-kept secrets, and explanations of the customs and mindset of this era in history. The mindset of different classes not mingling and the sneering of the upper class toward the lower class seemed to cause more trouble and pain than was necessary. This era also made evident how women were treated so poorly. Caterina and Matilda's heartbreaking stories describe very vividly the treatment of women and how they had no rights.
If the title and cover are puzzling you, you will need to read this intriguing, very appealing book to find out the significance. The storyline is unique and very captivating. My being Italian enhanced the enjoyment with the inclusion of the authentic Italian names and phrases. Each character had a story of his/her own and each of their lives, their evilness, their innocence, and their secrets were entangled to create an unforgettable tale of love, treachery, tragedy, and unforgivable acts. I hope my review does justice to this amazing book......the content, the setting, and beautiful flow of the story are worth the read. 5/5
The storyline focuses on class distinction and prestige and the worry about losing it all by going to any length no matter what the cost. The eloquent, descriptive writing style and the saga of the Berelli family of Genoa, Italy, will keep your curiosity peaked. And what a saga it was. There was hatred within families, jealousy among neighbors, shady dealings, corrupt doctors, nosy house help, pompous families, death threats to the Berilli family, and things that must be kept secret not only by Giuseppe but others in the town. These were secrets that ate at the characters every day of their lives. Secrets that they never should have told anyone because you never know how things will work out.
The book has different underlying themes, outstanding characters beautifully developed by the author, well-kept secrets, and explanations of the customs and mindset of this era in history. The mindset of different classes not mingling and the sneering of the upper class toward the lower class seemed to cause more trouble and pain than was necessary. This era also made evident how women were treated so poorly. Caterina and Matilda's heartbreaking stories describe very vividly the treatment of women and how they had no rights.
If the title and cover are puzzling you, you will need to read this intriguing, very appealing book to find out the significance. The storyline is unique and very captivating. My being Italian enhanced the enjoyment with the inclusion of the authentic Italian names and phrases. Each character had a story of his/her own and each of their lives, their evilness, their innocence, and their secrets were entangled to create an unforgettable tale of love, treachery, tragedy, and unforgivable acts. I hope my review does justice to this amazing book......the content, the setting, and beautiful flow of the story are worth the read. 5/5
August 3, 2012
I wrote this book, so you could argue that my review is worth nothing. But I know exactly when what I write is good or bad, and this story is one of the best things I wrote. It took me a very long time and a lot of research, and I am proud of the result. The readers seem to like it as well, because all the reviewers on Amazon and BN unanimously gave it 5 stars.
The Italian upper class at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century was not particularly graceful to women,whose privilege often came at the expense of freedom and safety. I wanted to make a statement about this, and I am so happy to see that my readers understand the message and appreciate the circumstances. If you like historical fiction with a mix of mystery, love, and music, this novel is for you. Enjoy!
And this is the link to the trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I0pOw-YCc
The House of serenades also has a Facebook page. Write your comments there too!
You can also read The House of Serenades on your IPad, Kindle, and Nook.
The Italian upper class at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century was not particularly graceful to women,whose privilege often came at the expense of freedom and safety. I wanted to make a statement about this, and I am so happy to see that my readers understand the message and appreciate the circumstances. If you like historical fiction with a mix of mystery, love, and music, this novel is for you. Enjoy!
And this is the link to the trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I0pOw-YCc
The House of serenades also has a Facebook page. Write your comments there too!
You can also read The House of Serenades on your IPad, Kindle, and Nook.
June 27, 2012
This is a historical mystery/romance that takes place in Genoa, Italy. It's about class, greed, and most of all: how pride can be one's downfall.
The mystery involves the patriarch of a family and his dirty secrets. Most of the entire family is guilty of something. He casts aside his daughter...to "save" the family name. His wife turns the other cheek to save her own reputation. His son does the unspeakable. His daughter falls in love with a man of low class...a baker! And the aunt is ridiculously crushed when the you know what hits the fan. The family's name is now in the gutter! The world is over! There's a doctor involved as well...and what starts as a good deed becomes a question into greedy madness and he's soon embroiled with this crazy family too.
Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
The mystery involves the patriarch of a family and his dirty secrets. Most of the entire family is guilty of something. He casts aside his daughter...to "save" the family name. His wife turns the other cheek to save her own reputation. His son does the unspeakable. His daughter falls in love with a man of low class...a baker! And the aunt is ridiculously crushed when the you know what hits the fan. The family's name is now in the gutter! The world is over! There's a doctor involved as well...and what starts as a good deed becomes a question into greedy madness and he's soon embroiled with this crazy family too.
Full review on Book Babe: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2012/...
August 10, 2012
Based on the title and elegant cover, you may expect to find a quiet and unassuming tale of literary fiction, perhaps with an Italian lilt, within the pages of Lina Simoni's newest novel. If so, you'd have the setting right, but the message is far from gentle. Many scenes of high drama and class struggles unfold before the palazzina on Corso Solferino becomes known as the House of Serenades.
In 1910 in the hills of the bustling port city of Genoa, a disturbing scandal has just hit one of its wealthiest, most prominent families. When lawyer Giuseppe Berilli begins receiving anonymous poison-pen letters, not even a painful back injury stops him from tracking down the sender. But strangely, in this place where everybody knows everyone else's dirty business, nobody seems to be talking.
Giuseppe's suspicions fall on several men from his past who he thinks would see him ruined, given the chance. He shares his thoughts with the police, which leads to the revelation of many unpleasant secrets which he, his family, and his associates had hoped were carefully concealed.
It takes gumption to give these people starring roles – Giuseppe and his elderly sister are both disagreeable snobs – but all of the characters, even the seemingly minor ones, have important tales to contribute as well. Despite her faults, it's hard not to root for Giuseppe's long-suffering wife, Matilda, who had been trapped into marriage because of a presumed indiscretion. The story's emotional center is the star-crossed romance between baker's son Ivano Bo, a talented mandolin player, and Caterina, the Berillis' golden-haired daughter, whose life had been cut tragically short.
The House of Serenades will suit readers who enjoy novels filled with passionate feelings and theatrical twists. To its credit, it has a consistently entertaining plot, and the sad plight of women in that day and age is an ever-present theme. Some historical novels take a nostalgic glance back at the past, but you won't find this here. Instead, it's a colorful, oftentimes heartbreaking look at social conflict, the misfortunes it can engender, and the strength and love required to overcome it.
The House of Serenades appeared from Moonleaf Publishing, a California-based small press, in June 2012 (trade pb, 314pp, $14.99). Lina Simoni's earlier book The Scent of Rosa's Oil (Kensington, 2008) is a romantic historical novel also set in Genoa of 1910, but among the lower classes.
In 1910 in the hills of the bustling port city of Genoa, a disturbing scandal has just hit one of its wealthiest, most prominent families. When lawyer Giuseppe Berilli begins receiving anonymous poison-pen letters, not even a painful back injury stops him from tracking down the sender. But strangely, in this place where everybody knows everyone else's dirty business, nobody seems to be talking.
Giuseppe's suspicions fall on several men from his past who he thinks would see him ruined, given the chance. He shares his thoughts with the police, which leads to the revelation of many unpleasant secrets which he, his family, and his associates had hoped were carefully concealed.
It takes gumption to give these people starring roles – Giuseppe and his elderly sister are both disagreeable snobs – but all of the characters, even the seemingly minor ones, have important tales to contribute as well. Despite her faults, it's hard not to root for Giuseppe's long-suffering wife, Matilda, who had been trapped into marriage because of a presumed indiscretion. The story's emotional center is the star-crossed romance between baker's son Ivano Bo, a talented mandolin player, and Caterina, the Berillis' golden-haired daughter, whose life had been cut tragically short.
The House of Serenades will suit readers who enjoy novels filled with passionate feelings and theatrical twists. To its credit, it has a consistently entertaining plot, and the sad plight of women in that day and age is an ever-present theme. Some historical novels take a nostalgic glance back at the past, but you won't find this here. Instead, it's a colorful, oftentimes heartbreaking look at social conflict, the misfortunes it can engender, and the strength and love required to overcome it.
The House of Serenades appeared from Moonleaf Publishing, a California-based small press, in June 2012 (trade pb, 314pp, $14.99). Lina Simoni's earlier book The Scent of Rosa's Oil (Kensington, 2008) is a romantic historical novel also set in Genoa of 1910, but among the lower classes.
February 16, 2016
I read Lina Simoni 19s previous novel, The Scent of Rosa 19s Oil and absolutely loved it. So I was eager to read THE HOUSE OF SERENADES! I was as enchanted with this second novel as I was the first. When you open the pages of THE HOUSE OF SERENADES, you will experience the fascinating culture of Italy 19s golden era. From the grand salas in the homes of the wealthy nobility to the humble shops of the working class, this story explores how the social classes were distinct and so greatly divided.
At the heart of the story is the patriarch of the Berelli family, Giuseppe Berelli, a man who has hidden a deep, dark secret for most of his life. Now in the twilight of his years, the secret that he has so faithfully kept, is about to be revealed. He struggles to keep it secret because it can ruin not only his social status, but his entire life and all that he has worked for. It is shocking how far this man went to protect his name and status. A wonderful, dark antagonist!
The love story is about a young woman from the highest classes of society who falls in love with a baker 19s son and their two families who try to keep them apart. After learning that his daughter has lost her virginity to her lover, her father banishes her to a strict convent. At the same time, his two sons bring more troubles to the family, one through unruly drunkenness, and the other highly aggressive. And to stir the tension further, there is a corrupt doctor desperate to keep his own secrets and a nosy police chief who is anxious to uncover the secrets of a crime.
With plenty of subplots to keep readers interested and hooked, there is plenty to like. Larger than life, highly believable characters pepper this book 19s pages. Hatred, bitterness, unrequited love, corruption, and a profound love story kept me turning the pages, eager to read on. This is an epic family saga, filled with plenty of tension and a story line that not only fascinates, but is highly satisfying.
The plight of Italian women in the early 20th century was clearly portrayed through Caterina and Matilda. Their stories were not only poignant, but heartfelt as their helplessness and inability to take control of their lives brought to life the many struggles faced by women of their time. As a person with a strong Italian background and able to read and write in both languages, I found the story authentic to the times and culture.
August 2, 2012
An author to watch.
This was an enjoyable read, set in Genoa of 1914. It had a good feel for the era, with a generous sprinkling of secrets, corruption and tragedy. It highlighted the distinct class separation of the times and the low esteem in which women were held.
Giuseppe Berelli was a well respected lawyer in the city, he owned his own firm and employed his two sons. His social position was everything and he would go to extreme lengths to maintain it. It was against this background that his daughter, Caterina, fell in love with, Ivano, a baker's son. The relationship caused an uproar and Guiseppe reacted violently.
Ivano, a skilled mandolin player did everything he could to reach Caterina, but how could a mere baker pitch himself against the powers of Guiseppe?
The characters were well written but some of Ivano's reactions were a bit excessive and his love-lorn character did get a bit exaggerated. There were some interesting secrets, timely revealed, but the ending could have been improved.
I would happily read this author again, hopefully her maturing style will make for an even better read.
This was an enjoyable read, set in Genoa of 1914. It had a good feel for the era, with a generous sprinkling of secrets, corruption and tragedy. It highlighted the distinct class separation of the times and the low esteem in which women were held.
Giuseppe Berelli was a well respected lawyer in the city, he owned his own firm and employed his two sons. His social position was everything and he would go to extreme lengths to maintain it. It was against this background that his daughter, Caterina, fell in love with, Ivano, a baker's son. The relationship caused an uproar and Guiseppe reacted violently.
Ivano, a skilled mandolin player did everything he could to reach Caterina, but how could a mere baker pitch himself against the powers of Guiseppe?
The characters were well written but some of Ivano's reactions were a bit excessive and his love-lorn character did get a bit exaggerated. There were some interesting secrets, timely revealed, but the ending could have been improved.
I would happily read this author again, hopefully her maturing style will make for an even better read.
September 8, 2012
Can love truly conquer all, or are family ties stronger and will win every time? House of Serenades is the love story of two people, one from a wealthy, high-society family, the other from the lower class working world. Everything conspires to tear them apart, including family members, but can lover truly conquer all?
Set in Genoa, Italy early in the 1900s the wealthy daughter of a high-powered society lawyer falls in love with the son of a baker. As was common in many cultures during that period in time, the wealthy father believed there should be no mixing of the classes. Events conspire, her father’s behavior causes the family to become disrespected and the daughter is left to make a choice to stand by her family or the man she loves; a choice that is sure to invoke sympathy even in today’s readers. The story is truly classic; a Romeo and Juliet, in sense. I found myself unable to stop reading once I began.
Set in Genoa, Italy early in the 1900s the wealthy daughter of a high-powered society lawyer falls in love with the son of a baker. As was common in many cultures during that period in time, the wealthy father believed there should be no mixing of the classes. Events conspire, her father’s behavior causes the family to become disrespected and the daughter is left to make a choice to stand by her family or the man she loves; a choice that is sure to invoke sympathy even in today’s readers. The story is truly classic; a Romeo and Juliet, in sense. I found myself unable to stop reading once I began.
May 17, 2012
Genoa, 1914, the Berillis are the leading family in town, owners of a respected law firm and live a privileged life. This is a fascinating look at the upper class during this time period, a star crossed almost Romeo and Juliet type love affair and plenty of intrigues and secrecy. Fast paced, I enjoyed this first well written novel. Women had very little power and almost no control over their own lives a point that is made in more ways than one during this story. Your position and sex in life determined almost every aspect of it. This was a fun, if a times a little far fetched story, quite a bit going on at all times. I enjoyed the addition of the mandolin and its music as an integral part of this story. ARC from Net Galley.
August 25, 2012
If you are expecting a nostalgic, romantic, mellow historical novel, think again. While a difficult love story is at the center of the story's many conflicts, in The House of Serenades you will find a crude depiction of the Italian society, its class clashes, and the abuse of upper-class women. I loved it, because it's so different from other historical novels I read and because I learned about so many aspects of the Italian society I didn't know. Some characters are despicable, others we root for. But all of them have a meaningful place in the plot and contribute beautifully to this incredible, heart-wrenching saga. The music aspects in it are glorious. I couldn't put it down.
February 17, 2013
Another instance of knowing the author before hearing about the book.
So glad I but this on my reading list. I finished the book on Valentine's Day (my favorite holiday) which was meaningful as Ivano Bo, a baker in Genoa, Italy around 1910, displays an undying love for Caterina Berilli, who belongs to a wealthy Italian family. Interesting struggles focused on class distinctions...the haves...the have nots and those who use deceit to hopes to join the former group. A slice of life involving secrets, lies, jealousy and of course, young love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
So glad I but this on my reading list. I finished the book on Valentine's Day (my favorite holiday) which was meaningful as Ivano Bo, a baker in Genoa, Italy around 1910, displays an undying love for Caterina Berilli, who belongs to a wealthy Italian family. Interesting struggles focused on class distinctions...the haves...the have nots and those who use deceit to hopes to join the former group. A slice of life involving secrets, lies, jealousy and of course, young love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
May 25, 2012
This story of forbidden love set in early 1900's Genoa, Italy sounded like it was going to be a good one. But due to it's lack of focus, all over the place plot lines and trivializing of important subject matter it turned into somewhat of a farce.
When I began reading it I wasn't sure if it was a cozy, comical mystery, a detective story or a love story. I really think the author had good intentions but tried to fit in too many major plot lines and as a result the book was bogged down.
When I began reading it I wasn't sure if it was a cozy, comical mystery, a detective story or a love story. I really think the author had good intentions but tried to fit in too many major plot lines and as a result the book was bogged down.
August 26, 2012
A most enjoyable saga, filled with conflict, unspeakable acts, and love. I love this writer's style. She develops the plot beautifully, keeping the reader guessing and guessing. And the characters are spectacular, the ones we hate as well as the ones we love. The historical reconstruction is superb. I felt like I was in Italy the whole time. The music twist is very original. I hope Ms. Simoni will continue to write!
June 29, 2012
I just finished reading this book and I loved it. The setting, the characters, the intrigue...it's all fabulous. I couldn't put it down.The author does a great job pulling the reader into the life of the Berillis--a privileged, dysfunctional family--and mixing historical details with suspense and music. A must read if you like historical/literay fiction.
December 29, 2014
Historical romance/social study set in 1910 Genoa. Romeo & Juliet after a fashion - rich girl meets poor boy, falls in love, daddy says no. Has some interesting things to say about treatment of women in that age - particularly women who we would expect to be financially independent. Don't remember a lot about it but I did zoom through it pretty quickly - that's always a good sign.
July 26, 2012
I love reading historical novels and I love music. When I read The House of Serenades I could hear Ivano’s mandolin and felt for his lost love and his found love. While reading, I thought I was in Italy alongside the Berillis, feeling Caterina’s pain. I couldn’t put the book down and was sad when it ended. I wanted it to go on and on. A wonderful read. I can’t wait for this author’s next novel.
October 9, 2014
What a great view of Genoa in the early 1900s and what an inventive story. From the title to the book cover to the characters to the plot line, I was drawn in over and over and deeper and deeper. What an enjoyable experience.
May 27, 2013
Never under estimate the power of music!
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April 13, 2015I am not rating or reviewing the book.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews