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Tale of Lucia Grandi
The Tale of Lucia Grandi, the Early Years
When an old woman is asked to tell the story of her life, she tells is an intense and poignant tale about growing up in and surviving an irrational, warring suburban family during the 1950s and 60s. The narrative is told from Lucia’s perspective as the second child where she and her siblings are caught in the middle of a lifelong war between her mother, Ruth, an overbearing, unhappy homemaker, and her father, Leonard, a manipulative, sometimes violent New York City cop. Lucia is the silent, thoughtful eyewitness to her parents’ constant and sometimes life-threatening battle.
The story is told as a memoir; each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia’s life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her siblings. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman, she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.
This timeless story of one woman’s courageous attempt to come to terms with her past and the troubled family that dominated it is powerfully and poignantly told.
When an old woman is asked to tell the story of her life, she tells is an intense and poignant tale about growing up in and surviving an irrational, warring suburban family during the 1950s and 60s. The narrative is told from Lucia’s perspective as the second child where she and her siblings are caught in the middle of a lifelong war between her mother, Ruth, an overbearing, unhappy homemaker, and her father, Leonard, a manipulative, sometimes violent New York City cop. Lucia is the silent, thoughtful eyewitness to her parents’ constant and sometimes life-threatening battle.
The story is told as a memoir; each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia’s life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her siblings. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman, she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.
This timeless story of one woman’s courageous attempt to come to terms with her past and the troubled family that dominated it is powerfully and poignantly told.
- GenresHistorical
426 pages, Paperback
First published October 23, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 27, 2012
A young woman writing her disertation seeks out Lucia Grandi, an older lady in a nursing home to tell her story. It spans across the 1950's and 1960's and covers her emotional coming of age as well as some major key events in history such as the assignation of Kennedy and the vietnam war.
The magic of words to transport the reader to a past time and place where they feel the emotions and atmosphere of the character is in abundance directly from the beginning in this book. You not only feel as though you are in the same room listening to the character tell her story but journey with her to each and every moment of her childhood. You suffer along with her through her abuse both physical and verbal. It is a long read that is worth sticking to. The story takes you over some amazing situations which the characters experience and events in history with an interesting insight. A talented writer that I look forward to reading more from.
I received this copy in exhange for an honest review.
The magic of words to transport the reader to a past time and place where they feel the emotions and atmosphere of the character is in abundance directly from the beginning in this book. You not only feel as though you are in the same room listening to the character tell her story but journey with her to each and every moment of her childhood. You suffer along with her through her abuse both physical and verbal. It is a long read that is worth sticking to. The story takes you over some amazing situations which the characters experience and events in history with an interesting insight. A talented writer that I look forward to reading more from.
I received this copy in exhange for an honest review.
November 13, 2012
The Tale of Lucia Grandi is a book that will be enjoyed by all. Whether you are fifteen or one hundred, you will be able to relate to the characters woven throughout this story. You travel throughout Lucia's life, and as you do, you will experience the gammat of emotions for Lucia, and her family. You will sometimes love them, sometimes hate them, you may even find yourself wanting to jump through the book and shake them, but in the end, you will find yourself able to identify with Lucia on one level or another. This isn't just another story about family, and the emotional ties that fuel family relationships, it is also a voyage through time, as you are shown how some things never really change. While you are reading you will feel like you are walking beside Lucia, as she battles her way through school, friendships and romances, and somehow manages to survive because of her sheer will and audacity to "get out" of her sometimes crazy life. We have all been there at one point or another, so don't wait, dig in, you will not be disappointed! It is a quick read, and I can't wait to read about Lucia, and what her later years will bring.
December 22, 2012
Couldn't put it down. There is so much in here that people can relate to. Highly recommend this book.
February 9, 2013
At 110, with no family, old and alone, it’s not surprising Lucia Grandi laughs when the young student asks if she can write her life story. “Time was endless for me now at the end of my life,” Lucia muses, and the rest of this novel tells of that time’s genesis, Lucia’s early years.
Susan Speranza’s Lucia Grandi pulls the reader in with natural voice, clear eyesight and description, convincing dialog, and believable motivations and memory… plus a few surprises. From the narrator’s first confusion over whether her new friend is real, to the last words of her history of The Early Years, there’s a magical hint of unreality behind perfectly convincing detail, and truth behind newly remembered fiction.
Lucia’s father told tall tales to his oldest child, the perfect, joyless Lynn. So perhaps it’s only fair that the younger daughter give memory free reign now. Thus a story of depth and contradiction grows, each chapter bringing a new recollection, of love, war, childhood, ambition and more, each generation with its own great sorrows in the years between the first world war and a young girl’s coming of age in the 1960s and 70s
Bent rules characterize this story, bending reality as suburbia rises with its own fictions and dreams, as Dumbo rises from the grave, factories close their doors to their immigrant employees, and powerful nuns enforce obedience in school. The girl who refused to tell lies just to make people like her is now an old woman telling the half-truths of genuine history and complex memory. The girl who kept her troubles hidden in lonely silence becomes the woman remembering all.
There’s an intriguing distraction to the writing in this novel. Clear and confident writing mixes individual events, musings on the past, and long explanation as the old woman gazes through the stained glass windows of her life. A hard life, if its telling is true (though, as Lucia says of her childhood “There was no reward for telling the truth”), this tale is filled with genuine detail and curious inconsistencies, great contrasts as story plays a character’s role, art and misery and fierce determination.
Chapters built around single events and thoughts inevitably end up repeating parts of the past, but the story flows smoothly forward, is convincingly told, and reads slowly and well. This Lucia wouldn’t be so much older than me I think as I add up the years. I wonder what the rest of her life will tell.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel in exchange for a genuine review.
Susan Speranza’s Lucia Grandi pulls the reader in with natural voice, clear eyesight and description, convincing dialog, and believable motivations and memory… plus a few surprises. From the narrator’s first confusion over whether her new friend is real, to the last words of her history of The Early Years, there’s a magical hint of unreality behind perfectly convincing detail, and truth behind newly remembered fiction.
Lucia’s father told tall tales to his oldest child, the perfect, joyless Lynn. So perhaps it’s only fair that the younger daughter give memory free reign now. Thus a story of depth and contradiction grows, each chapter bringing a new recollection, of love, war, childhood, ambition and more, each generation with its own great sorrows in the years between the first world war and a young girl’s coming of age in the 1960s and 70s
Bent rules characterize this story, bending reality as suburbia rises with its own fictions and dreams, as Dumbo rises from the grave, factories close their doors to their immigrant employees, and powerful nuns enforce obedience in school. The girl who refused to tell lies just to make people like her is now an old woman telling the half-truths of genuine history and complex memory. The girl who kept her troubles hidden in lonely silence becomes the woman remembering all.
There’s an intriguing distraction to the writing in this novel. Clear and confident writing mixes individual events, musings on the past, and long explanation as the old woman gazes through the stained glass windows of her life. A hard life, if its telling is true (though, as Lucia says of her childhood “There was no reward for telling the truth”), this tale is filled with genuine detail and curious inconsistencies, great contrasts as story plays a character’s role, art and misery and fierce determination.
Chapters built around single events and thoughts inevitably end up repeating parts of the past, but the story flows smoothly forward, is convincingly told, and reads slowly and well. This Lucia wouldn’t be so much older than me I think as I add up the years. I wonder what the rest of her life will tell.
Disclosure: I received a free ecopy of this novel in exchange for a genuine review.
November 23, 2012
Review:
There comes to a point in time when a person has to evaluate their life - what is to come, what has been, and how it is/was lived. Everyone's life is wholly unique, filled with a conglomeration of seemingly random events, emotions, triumphs and regrets. Each individual has a distinct personality for leaving their mark on the world - no matter their age. Everyone has a story, and The Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years is one that I will not soon forget! I was hooked to Lucia's story from the first page, her kind and down-to-earth wits creating a welcoming and slightly comedic tone. I knew that she was going to be a handful of a character, but I felt an instant resonance towards her and her temperament. Susan Speranza weaved an emotional tale that can be enjoyed by a diverse readership - perfect for any walk of life. Her poetic writing style was visually stimulating, as well as easy-to-understand. Lucia's fictitious biography, although rather large, proved to be a powerful and worthwhile read. I learned a great many life lessons from her actions and experiences and was left wanting more, (The Later Years?). The novel carried a moderate pace, a structured story-line, bold characters, and a historical charm that never ceased to keep me interested; Lucia's life was thoroughly lived - through thick and thin. I would definitely read it again. Highly recommended for all readers!
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
***I received a copy of this book from the author (Lightning Book Promotions) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
There comes to a point in time when a person has to evaluate their life - what is to come, what has been, and how it is/was lived. Everyone's life is wholly unique, filled with a conglomeration of seemingly random events, emotions, triumphs and regrets. Each individual has a distinct personality for leaving their mark on the world - no matter their age. Everyone has a story, and The Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years is one that I will not soon forget! I was hooked to Lucia's story from the first page, her kind and down-to-earth wits creating a welcoming and slightly comedic tone. I knew that she was going to be a handful of a character, but I felt an instant resonance towards her and her temperament. Susan Speranza weaved an emotional tale that can be enjoyed by a diverse readership - perfect for any walk of life. Her poetic writing style was visually stimulating, as well as easy-to-understand. Lucia's fictitious biography, although rather large, proved to be a powerful and worthwhile read. I learned a great many life lessons from her actions and experiences and was left wanting more, (The Later Years?). The novel carried a moderate pace, a structured story-line, bold characters, and a historical charm that never ceased to keep me interested; Lucia's life was thoroughly lived - through thick and thin. I would definitely read it again. Highly recommended for all readers!
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
***I received a copy of this book from the author (Lightning Book Promotions) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
February 15, 2013
This book was so well written and was reminiscent of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, narrating one girl’s early life growing up in New York amid struggle and hardship. Lucia's difficulties are a result of her incredibly unhappy and combative parents who frequently berate and beat her, denying her of any self worth. The lack of love in Lucia’s life is so sad and at times difficult to read. The utter negativity of her childhood and adolescence is perpetuated by her blistering mother Ruth, her argumentative father Leonard, and her competitive older sister Lynn. It is these infuriating characters that give Lucia intense self-consciousness and a lack of direction. Poor Lucia’s only hope is to eventually leave her parent’s home, but her ambitions seem to be sabotaged at every turn.
Despite the pervading sadness of Lucia’s narrative, the writing is excellent. The imagery is expressed so well, like when Leonard is upset, he has a habit of furiously blinking his eyes. I must warn you, be prepared for a very abrupt ending, as this novel is obviously only the first in a series about Lucia’s long life. This is subtitled The Early Years, ending when she’s in her early 20’s. So yes, I am anticipating the next chapter in Lucia’s unhappy life, hoping she can find some solace and much deserved joy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via TLC Book Tours.
Despite the pervading sadness of Lucia’s narrative, the writing is excellent. The imagery is expressed so well, like when Leonard is upset, he has a habit of furiously blinking his eyes. I must warn you, be prepared for a very abrupt ending, as this novel is obviously only the first in a series about Lucia’s long life. This is subtitled The Early Years, ending when she’s in her early 20’s. So yes, I am anticipating the next chapter in Lucia’s unhappy life, hoping she can find some solace and much deserved joy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via TLC Book Tours.
November 5, 2012
This is a book that truly did interest me. I always loved "David Copperfield" and its auspicious beginning, and this book is similar in scope. It strives to tell the readers about everything in Lucia Grandi's life, and a full life she had indeed!
I found the stories quite tragic at times. I read something like this, and I thank God for his blessings. There is not much profanity in the book, and there are no sex scenes--always appreciated. I was drawn in at the beginning of the story, but there were times I felt my interest waning. The author tries to put everything that happened to the main character in one book, and I think that is a challenge in its own. I do not criticize the author for that--to each his own. But there were times I wished there were more humor (not humiliation)and anecdotes. I did find it clever how she arranged the facts in the book--I'll let you check that out yourself.
So are you looking for a fictional memoir that even covers some history from the 1900's? I can certainly recommend this book to those, and I feel pretty certain you would enjoy it.
I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I found the stories quite tragic at times. I read something like this, and I thank God for his blessings. There is not much profanity in the book, and there are no sex scenes--always appreciated. I was drawn in at the beginning of the story, but there were times I felt my interest waning. The author tries to put everything that happened to the main character in one book, and I think that is a challenge in its own. I do not criticize the author for that--to each his own. But there were times I wished there were more humor (not humiliation)and anecdotes. I did find it clever how she arranged the facts in the book--I'll let you check that out yourself.
So are you looking for a fictional memoir that even covers some history from the 1900's? I can certainly recommend this book to those, and I feel pretty certain you would enjoy it.
I was sent a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
January 6, 2013
While the story is written in a memoir tone, I enjoyed walking with Lucia as she told her story. The story itself has a nice balance that many of us can relate to. Everything from tragedy to childhood is covered in a way that makes it feel as if you were a bystander in her life. At times I even imagined that Lucia was telling the story over a cup of tea.
The historical points are what really drew me in. being a child of the modern age, i enjoyed stepping back into time with Lucia Grandi. With her you get to experience life in the 50's, and bits and pieces prior as she recounts the lives of her relatives too.
The historical points are what really drew me in. being a child of the modern age, i enjoyed stepping back into time with Lucia Grandi. With her you get to experience life in the 50's, and bits and pieces prior as she recounts the lives of her relatives too.
January 10, 2013
I received a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This is an amazing memoir of sorts about life of Lucia Grandi, a young woman growing up in the turbulent 50s and 60s. The story begins with a young lady interviewing Lucia in the present about her past. Growing up knowing you’re unwanted because you were born a girl is difficult enough, but her battles in life also seemed never ending. I enjoyed this immensely; I loved that no matter how many times she was knocked down, she brushed herself off and tried again. She really brought home the meaning of the word survivor. The story is extremely realistic and brilliantly written!
January 11, 2013
If you are looking for a powerful, emotional read - look no further. The Tale of Lucia Grandi is a poignant tale of an old woman reminiscing of her past.
Born into a world where her parents wanted a boy, she tells a tale of her childhood where she is unwanted and unloved. There is a lesson to be learned as we realise that as parents we make or mar a child and mould them into who they become in later years. Lucia's later years are impacted by her early life.
The story transcends you into a different time and you feel a part of that world. Well written with a greatly woven plot, this is highly recommended.
A Five Star read
Born into a world where her parents wanted a boy, she tells a tale of her childhood where she is unwanted and unloved. There is a lesson to be learned as we realise that as parents we make or mar a child and mould them into who they become in later years. Lucia's later years are impacted by her early life.
The story transcends you into a different time and you feel a part of that world. Well written with a greatly woven plot, this is highly recommended.
A Five Star read
January 10, 2013
Susan pens "The Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years" in a well written plot that flowed nicely. Her characters are believable and easy to relate to. Once I started this book, I found it hard to put down..even if it is 400 pages, the time just flew by. Highly recommended to all from YA to adults.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
November 12, 2012
I thought this was a very powerful and emotional read. The story of an old woman who is asked to tell her life story, what ensues is a poingnant tale of a girl who wasn't wanted by her parents, they wanted a boy, and her struggles to fit-in and live up to their standards. A very good read, I highly recommend this book!
November 9, 2012
excellent book...left me wanting more!
fine a longer review on my blog
http://storeybookreviews.com/2012/11/...
fine a longer review on my blog
http://storeybookreviews.com/2012/11/...
February 26, 2013
The Tale of Lucia Grandi by Susan Speranza begins with 110 year old Lucia sitting, waiting for something, in a retirement home.
"The world thinks me dead, but there is a lot of life left in these old bones yet. I’ve been absent from the world for a long time. But I’m here. Waiting.
Waiting.
I’m an old woman now. I spend my days looking out on a world where once I have had my play." (Location 99-103)
Then a doctoral student in literature asks 110 year old Lucia to share her life's story:
"She looked down nervously, as if the reality of my static existence here at the end of my life embarrassed her. Then she cleared her throat, raised her head and looked directly at me, adopting a more formal stance. “My name is Beatrice Cummings. I’m a doctoral student in Literature at the University and my dissertation is –” she hesitated as if trying to find the right words “– my dissertation examines the oral histories of living people, autobiographies, as it were, told by older people…”
A silence fell over the room, as she turned her head and looked at me askance. She continued. “I’d like to know if you would be willing to tell me your –” and again she hesitated “– your life’s story.” (Location 138-144)
Lucia considers her question, and, with the tape recorder humming in front of her, she decides:
"Of one thing I was certain. Whether she was simply a graduate student or some harbinger of life’s end, I knew that so long as I spoke, I could extend this moment forever. For in this one moment I was still alive, I was still safe. And even though I was old, I wanted to stay alive. I wanted to be safe.
But what was I going to talk about?" (Location 183-186)
Thus begins the tale of Lucia Grandi's life.
The narrative flows just like a memoir and is so well executed that I really forgot that this is a novel and not an autobiography. Even before her birth, Lucia mere existence was a battle.
"Even then, before I knew my name or was conscious of life and the world, my battle began, my endless war with existence and its cruel, arbitrary nature. Before I knew the word no or could say or think or feel the word no, I uttered it in some silent and long forgotten language: no, I will not submit; no, I will not accept this; no, it will not be. I will not let it be... So I clung to life with a tenacity that would define me, and that awful, continuous struggle with existence would shape every aspect of my life to this end." (Location 253-257)
Lucia is born on June 1, 1951, the second daughter in a volatile family. Her parents, Ruth and Leonard, are at war with each other. Neither of them wants a second daughter. It is into this loveless and sometimes brutal home that Lucia is born.
"So it was on that early June morning, I fell with a thud into this unwelcoming family as if the Stork had played a perverse joke on me and on them – and dropped me into the wrong nest. Thus I began my life.
Even when Ruth and Leonard didn’t intend it, they indulged in irony. So they named me Lucia, which means light, yet it was always the darkness that informed my life. And they named their eldest child Jocelynn which means joy. Yet never was there a child so joyless or so melancholy. It wasn’t really her fault; she was merely a female version of Leonard who was serious and grim by nature." (Location 296-303)
This exquisitely written novel follows Lucia's life up to age 23. As she shares the events that made up her, she also relates the history of several of her family members. Lucia is a girl who learns to keep her mouth shut, but now, telling her story as an old woman, she is free to share exactly what happened and what she thought and felt as she reflects on the events in her childhood.
This novel is presented so convincingly as a memoir that, as I was reading I truly forgot it is fiction. It all seems so true to life. I became totally wrapped up in the remenicencing of Lucia about her childhood experiences and traumas. I grieved over what she perceives the events and various trials are teaching her. I fumed at her parents and their treatment of Lucia. The recounting of the family history and stories concerning various relatives added a reality to the narrative.
I was so totally wrapped up in this novel that the ending came way too abruptly for me and left me stunned. "What!" my mind screamed. "You can't just stop there, in 1974!"
Thankfully, since this is The Tale of Lucia Grandi; The Early Years there will be another novel and Lucia's story will continue. But, it still ended too unexpectedly for me. I do wish author Susan Speranza had eased me into the ending a bit more gently. Of course, the ending also brought me back to the stunned reality that this is a novel, not a memoir.
Bravo, Susan Speranza! The Tale of Lucia Grandi; The Early Years totally engrossed me and left me wanting more. The writing is so articulate, the characters are so convincing, and the descriptions so real that I was transported into Lucia's life. Apparently, The Tale of Lucia Grandi; The Early Years was formerly published under the title of "My Life in Dogs, the Early Years." It was a Quarter finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest and was also on the short list of finalists in the 2012 Faulkner-Wisdom Writing Competition.
Very Highly Recommended - even though I wanted the rest of Lucia's story right now.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes.
"The world thinks me dead, but there is a lot of life left in these old bones yet. I’ve been absent from the world for a long time. But I’m here. Waiting.
Waiting.
I’m an old woman now. I spend my days looking out on a world where once I have had my play." (Location 99-103)
Then a doctoral student in literature asks 110 year old Lucia to share her life's story:
"She looked down nervously, as if the reality of my static existence here at the end of my life embarrassed her. Then she cleared her throat, raised her head and looked directly at me, adopting a more formal stance. “My name is Beatrice Cummings. I’m a doctoral student in Literature at the University and my dissertation is –” she hesitated as if trying to find the right words “– my dissertation examines the oral histories of living people, autobiographies, as it were, told by older people…”
A silence fell over the room, as she turned her head and looked at me askance. She continued. “I’d like to know if you would be willing to tell me your –” and again she hesitated “– your life’s story.” (Location 138-144)
Lucia considers her question, and, with the tape recorder humming in front of her, she decides:
"Of one thing I was certain. Whether she was simply a graduate student or some harbinger of life’s end, I knew that so long as I spoke, I could extend this moment forever. For in this one moment I was still alive, I was still safe. And even though I was old, I wanted to stay alive. I wanted to be safe.
But what was I going to talk about?" (Location 183-186)
Thus begins the tale of Lucia Grandi's life.
The narrative flows just like a memoir and is so well executed that I really forgot that this is a novel and not an autobiography. Even before her birth, Lucia mere existence was a battle.
"Even then, before I knew my name or was conscious of life and the world, my battle began, my endless war with existence and its cruel, arbitrary nature. Before I knew the word no or could say or think or feel the word no, I uttered it in some silent and long forgotten language: no, I will not submit; no, I will not accept this; no, it will not be. I will not let it be... So I clung to life with a tenacity that would define me, and that awful, continuous struggle with existence would shape every aspect of my life to this end." (Location 253-257)
Lucia is born on June 1, 1951, the second daughter in a volatile family. Her parents, Ruth and Leonard, are at war with each other. Neither of them wants a second daughter. It is into this loveless and sometimes brutal home that Lucia is born.
"So it was on that early June morning, I fell with a thud into this unwelcoming family as if the Stork had played a perverse joke on me and on them – and dropped me into the wrong nest. Thus I began my life.
Even when Ruth and Leonard didn’t intend it, they indulged in irony. So they named me Lucia, which means light, yet it was always the darkness that informed my life. And they named their eldest child Jocelynn which means joy. Yet never was there a child so joyless or so melancholy. It wasn’t really her fault; she was merely a female version of Leonard who was serious and grim by nature." (Location 296-303)
This exquisitely written novel follows Lucia's life up to age 23. As she shares the events that made up her, she also relates the history of several of her family members. Lucia is a girl who learns to keep her mouth shut, but now, telling her story as an old woman, she is free to share exactly what happened and what she thought and felt as she reflects on the events in her childhood.
This novel is presented so convincingly as a memoir that, as I was reading I truly forgot it is fiction. It all seems so true to life. I became totally wrapped up in the remenicencing of Lucia about her childhood experiences and traumas. I grieved over what she perceives the events and various trials are teaching her. I fumed at her parents and their treatment of Lucia. The recounting of the family history and stories concerning various relatives added a reality to the narrative.
I was so totally wrapped up in this novel that the ending came way too abruptly for me and left me stunned. "What!" my mind screamed. "You can't just stop there, in 1974!"
Thankfully, since this is The Tale of Lucia Grandi; The Early Years there will be another novel and Lucia's story will continue. But, it still ended too unexpectedly for me. I do wish author Susan Speranza had eased me into the ending a bit more gently. Of course, the ending also brought me back to the stunned reality that this is a novel, not a memoir.
Bravo, Susan Speranza! The Tale of Lucia Grandi; The Early Years totally engrossed me and left me wanting more. The writing is so articulate, the characters are so convincing, and the descriptions so real that I was transported into Lucia's life. Apparently, The Tale of Lucia Grandi; The Early Years was formerly published under the title of "My Life in Dogs, the Early Years." It was a Quarter finalist in the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest and was also on the short list of finalists in the 2012 Faulkner-Wisdom Writing Competition.
Very Highly Recommended - even though I wanted the rest of Lucia's story right now.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes.
April 27, 2020
Life Can, Be!
I can't determine what caused my selection of The Tale of Lucia Grandi, but I can say that Miss Lucia is from my mother's generation and now more than ever I am struggling to find forgiveness, healing, understanding & restoration in my relationship with my mother and father. I have unresolved issues with my parents that never married and Lucia makes me want to trust and depend on God even more so. Looking forward to learning how and where Lucia's road ends up.
I can't determine what caused my selection of The Tale of Lucia Grandi, but I can say that Miss Lucia is from my mother's generation and now more than ever I am struggling to find forgiveness, healing, understanding & restoration in my relationship with my mother and father. I have unresolved issues with my parents that never married and Lucia makes me want to trust and depend on God even more so. Looking forward to learning how and where Lucia's road ends up.
May 7, 2013
I must say this book had me at the first page. And I didn't even read the synopsis! I usually do to see if it's something I'm interested in spending my quality time. This is a very powerful and emotional read. The story of an old woman who is asked to tell her life story shares the tale of a girl who wasn't wanted by her parents, whom instead desired a boy.
It is a hard thing to be born and not be among your own parents. I grew up without. It must be even harder to grow up with parents who doesn't love you because you weren't what they desired. Add a sibling that is chosen as a favorite to said parents and I'm thinking about the mental hell of all those years of growing up in such conditions.
I saw how Lynn would do anything, no matter how demeaning, for her parents' and teachers' approval. She would give away her most fundamental self; betray her most basic principles for the few crumbs of love they indifferently threw her way. It disgusted me to see her grovel before these unloving and distant people. I realized early on that I was simply not the child they had hoped for or even liked. There was nothing I could do, no way I could be that would make them love me. I refused to grovel. Eventually, I came to accept that they simply did not love me, and took comfort in the fact that, unlike Lynn, I was free. So I set myself against life itself.
This is part of the picture painted by the author of the main character in this story: Lucia Grandi - The Early Years.
This book held me captive with the stories that formed the characters. Reading is like a movie playing in my head and I love a book that is weaved wonderfully and pulls me in even when I have to put it down for a bit and attend to life!
I love how Lucia shares a little history on each family member and the sort of background conditions that would lead to them being how they are at present. I do understand how life can shape who you are like a stream of water in a dessert, however, I will always believe in living consciously and using the choice that we always have to be better, despite our circumstances.
I believe there are many children just like Lucia who put their stamp on life, questioning everything, being adventurous and using the thorn steps of life to climb higher and write a different outcome! I could see things in Lucia that I would do and have done as a child. The author has shaped this character of Lucia in such a way that anyone can identify with some area of Lucia's life and adventures.
I love that at every turn that she got knocked down, she pick herself up and blaze ahead again!
She was physically knocked down by her father after what I thought was a clever prank gone awry. There must have been many other disciplinary measures for the child, instead of the abuse she suffered.
And Lucia did suffer many abuse in her life. I was wrenched with emotions during my read. The author shares such details and background that leaves you involved as if you knew or could have known Lucia at some point.
As a mother I wanted to defend her! I pleaded inside just for a little love for her. I evaluated my own self to ensure that I am indeed loving my children and being wise in how I parent.
Time and time again in this memoir of sorts of the life of Lucia Grandi, you see the harshness of her life and yet her strong will to forge ahead. Lucia really brings home the meaning of being a survivor.
The author Susan has done a wonderful job with making her characters believable and relatable. I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone for an entertaining and emotional read!
Written as a memoir, each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia’s life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her family. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.
Purchase The Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years
It is a hard thing to be born and not be among your own parents. I grew up without. It must be even harder to grow up with parents who doesn't love you because you weren't what they desired. Add a sibling that is chosen as a favorite to said parents and I'm thinking about the mental hell of all those years of growing up in such conditions.
I saw how Lynn would do anything, no matter how demeaning, for her parents' and teachers' approval. She would give away her most fundamental self; betray her most basic principles for the few crumbs of love they indifferently threw her way. It disgusted me to see her grovel before these unloving and distant people. I realized early on that I was simply not the child they had hoped for or even liked. There was nothing I could do, no way I could be that would make them love me. I refused to grovel. Eventually, I came to accept that they simply did not love me, and took comfort in the fact that, unlike Lynn, I was free. So I set myself against life itself.
This is part of the picture painted by the author of the main character in this story: Lucia Grandi - The Early Years.
This book held me captive with the stories that formed the characters. Reading is like a movie playing in my head and I love a book that is weaved wonderfully and pulls me in even when I have to put it down for a bit and attend to life!
I love how Lucia shares a little history on each family member and the sort of background conditions that would lead to them being how they are at present. I do understand how life can shape who you are like a stream of water in a dessert, however, I will always believe in living consciously and using the choice that we always have to be better, despite our circumstances.
I believe there are many children just like Lucia who put their stamp on life, questioning everything, being adventurous and using the thorn steps of life to climb higher and write a different outcome! I could see things in Lucia that I would do and have done as a child. The author has shaped this character of Lucia in such a way that anyone can identify with some area of Lucia's life and adventures.
I love that at every turn that she got knocked down, she pick herself up and blaze ahead again!
She was physically knocked down by her father after what I thought was a clever prank gone awry. There must have been many other disciplinary measures for the child, instead of the abuse she suffered.
And Lucia did suffer many abuse in her life. I was wrenched with emotions during my read. The author shares such details and background that leaves you involved as if you knew or could have known Lucia at some point.
As a mother I wanted to defend her! I pleaded inside just for a little love for her. I evaluated my own self to ensure that I am indeed loving my children and being wise in how I parent.
Time and time again in this memoir of sorts of the life of Lucia Grandi, you see the harshness of her life and yet her strong will to forge ahead. Lucia really brings home the meaning of being a survivor.
The author Susan has done a wonderful job with making her characters believable and relatable. I enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone for an entertaining and emotional read!
Written as a memoir, each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia’s life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her family. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.
Purchase The Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years
November 15, 2012
Lucia is 110 yr old spends her life by quoting that
"The world has all but forgotten me, like some continuing drama from which I had been excused, the world went on without me."(p-1)
So she is surprised by the young visitor in the form of Beatrice Cummings who comes to her to talk about her lie for her thesis on "Oral histories of living people" , hence she begins her reminiscence of her past life only because she doesn't want to lose the only company she had after ages...
"But what was I going to talk about? My past seemed liked a long, tedious and poorly traveled road and disappeared from the horizon the moment I looked at it..."
Her childhood swings from a complicated and difficult Ruth mother who never really wanted a second daughter and a father Leonard who was never there for his family,Leonard hopes rested on his son , he didn't have much to do with his daughters.. She shares a strained relation with her sibling older sister Lynn , who was the apple of the eye of her parents coming first in whatever she tried her hands on...Hence Lucia was the sour one of the lot, having her own mind upon things a kid who walked her own mind rather being an obedient daughter..But her layer of honesty and obedience was set in her early days..She also had some great moment in the form of Bernard her Grand pop , The true hero of her life and a friend Karen..Her rift with her mom only widened as years went by, making her rebellious...Her hatred for the family especially for her parents mounted as even beyond sky...AS years passe even Leonard's beloved daughter Lynn turns against him as he doesn't her relation with Danny whose parents outranked him living in a better settlement...Slowly and steadily her life too chnaged
"My childhood was grinding to a close and the grief and loss that too often defines the adult world, made its way into my life, changing it forever."(p205)..Turned down by her close friends and any tie that would keep her company , she started everything and everyone around her...Suicide tendency develops in her... She volunteers to Red Cross , what started off as a fanciful dream, becomes a pain...Even high school didn't help her...Losing Bernard makes her all alone in life..All her lost love and insecurity in complemented By Clliford who pursues her through vengenance...
The book flows well until the and that came abruptly..Her recollection of her early days with not much love from the family affects her family deep and down..Though she tries her best to be i control of things, things have a way of controlling her..She moves on well through all her years...Lucia is a kind of character who would stay for some time..But the problem with her is the reminiscence is through her early days and there is no connection with the old woman who recalls her own tale so I was connected to the young girl and found the old Lucia as a totally different person...Susan has done justice to the early days of Lucia had she paid more attention to the end and pulled them together, it would have been a real master piece..
"The world has all but forgotten me, like some continuing drama from which I had been excused, the world went on without me."(p-1)
So she is surprised by the young visitor in the form of Beatrice Cummings who comes to her to talk about her lie for her thesis on "Oral histories of living people" , hence she begins her reminiscence of her past life only because she doesn't want to lose the only company she had after ages...
"But what was I going to talk about? My past seemed liked a long, tedious and poorly traveled road and disappeared from the horizon the moment I looked at it..."
Her childhood swings from a complicated and difficult Ruth mother who never really wanted a second daughter and a father Leonard who was never there for his family,Leonard hopes rested on his son , he didn't have much to do with his daughters.. She shares a strained relation with her sibling older sister Lynn , who was the apple of the eye of her parents coming first in whatever she tried her hands on...Hence Lucia was the sour one of the lot, having her own mind upon things a kid who walked her own mind rather being an obedient daughter..But her layer of honesty and obedience was set in her early days..She also had some great moment in the form of Bernard her Grand pop , The true hero of her life and a friend Karen..Her rift with her mom only widened as years went by, making her rebellious...Her hatred for the family especially for her parents mounted as even beyond sky...AS years passe even Leonard's beloved daughter Lynn turns against him as he doesn't her relation with Danny whose parents outranked him living in a better settlement...Slowly and steadily her life too chnaged
"My childhood was grinding to a close and the grief and loss that too often defines the adult world, made its way into my life, changing it forever."(p205)..Turned down by her close friends and any tie that would keep her company , she started everything and everyone around her...Suicide tendency develops in her... She volunteers to Red Cross , what started off as a fanciful dream, becomes a pain...Even high school didn't help her...Losing Bernard makes her all alone in life..All her lost love and insecurity in complemented By Clliford who pursues her through vengenance...
The book flows well until the and that came abruptly..Her recollection of her early days with not much love from the family affects her family deep and down..Though she tries her best to be i control of things, things have a way of controlling her..She moves on well through all her years...Lucia is a kind of character who would stay for some time..But the problem with her is the reminiscence is through her early days and there is no connection with the old woman who recalls her own tale so I was connected to the young girl and found the old Lucia as a totally different person...Susan has done justice to the early days of Lucia had she paid more attention to the end and pulled them together, it would have been a real master piece..
March 17, 2013
As an old woman, Lucia reflects back on a life where she grew up as a middle child in a tumultuous home. Her older sister, Lynn, viewed her as competition for her parents' affection, her parents didn't believe in her, and her younger brother reveled in his position as the much awaited son and got the love she so desperately desired. Each chapter covered a different event in her life and slowly painted the picture of a shy misunderstood girl. Lucia only found love and understanding from her grandfather, Bernard. She details world events and how they touched her family and ultimately rocked her world.
First, I have to say that The Tale of Lucia Grandi is very well written and probably one of the best of the year in that regard for me so far this year. Ms. Speranza is able to create a family that is well-respected and appears normal and happy from the outside but is broken in so many ways. She doesn't create a family dealing with addiction or anything obvious like that but rather a family that deals with the normal in an unhealthy way that manages to shape the entire family differently, leaving almost all of them unhappy. I was inspired at how she was able to do this by weaving an interesting life story full of dramatic events that kept me as a reader interested from beginning to end.
Now if you read this and glance at my rating, you might be confused. To be honest, my rating was a different one until the last 75 pages or so when I realized that I didn't quite know the point of the story. It spiraled into a tale that became more sad by the minute and I started to wonder where it could possibly end and what could be the message. While Lucia's parents—especially her mother—really didn't seem to love or understand her, I thought Lucia was quite a handful. As a child it was understandable and, at times, humorous. As an adult, she really began to frustrate me with her bad decision-making and inability to do anything. While her parents were awful to her, I could understand their frustrations and why they thought some of the things they did about her education and some of her decisions. I was right to wonder how it would end because it simply ended (I apologize if that is considered a spoiler).
Overall, a very good read that left me disappointed at the end. I'm assuming that there is sequel to this book and if there isn't going to be one, I'd be even more upset. If a sequel were to follow I would most certainly read it for the wonderful writing and because Lucia's life can only get better. I'm not sure it could get any more depressing.
First, I have to say that The Tale of Lucia Grandi is very well written and probably one of the best of the year in that regard for me so far this year. Ms. Speranza is able to create a family that is well-respected and appears normal and happy from the outside but is broken in so many ways. She doesn't create a family dealing with addiction or anything obvious like that but rather a family that deals with the normal in an unhealthy way that manages to shape the entire family differently, leaving almost all of them unhappy. I was inspired at how she was able to do this by weaving an interesting life story full of dramatic events that kept me as a reader interested from beginning to end.
Now if you read this and glance at my rating, you might be confused. To be honest, my rating was a different one until the last 75 pages or so when I realized that I didn't quite know the point of the story. It spiraled into a tale that became more sad by the minute and I started to wonder where it could possibly end and what could be the message. While Lucia's parents—especially her mother—really didn't seem to love or understand her, I thought Lucia was quite a handful. As a child it was understandable and, at times, humorous. As an adult, she really began to frustrate me with her bad decision-making and inability to do anything. While her parents were awful to her, I could understand their frustrations and why they thought some of the things they did about her education and some of her decisions. I was right to wonder how it would end because it simply ended (I apologize if that is considered a spoiler).
Overall, a very good read that left me disappointed at the end. I'm assuming that there is sequel to this book and if there isn't going to be one, I'd be even more upset. If a sequel were to follow I would most certainly read it for the wonderful writing and because Lucia's life can only get better. I'm not sure it could get any more depressing.
February 17, 2013
In this book we hear the story of Lucia Grandi, a 110-year-old woman looking back on her life in growing up in the 1950s and 60s. And yes, that is as confusing as it sounds. Supposedly we as a reader are hearing her story now, except she's actually telling her story in the 2050s. Which wouldn't be that bad if this book was published 40 years from now, except unfortunately it wasn't. Also again unfortunately, it also present some of the other issues of this book.
Overall, the book felt confusing. An event would be referred to as if it were actually happening in Lucia's life. Except, several chapters later she would refer to that event again as if it hadn't happened yet. Similarly, a character would be introduced and seemingly forgotten. At least until they were randomly brought up instead several more chapters down the ground. I think one could argue that the confusion is from the fact you're listening to a 110-year-old tell her story. After all, at that age you wouldn't expect to get the sequence of events all lined up. And while that might be a justification of the structure, it still was confusing as a reader.
There were aspects of the book I liked. For one, Lucia was only a few years older than my mom, and while they had radically different childhood, it is interesting to read events that Lucia when through and think of how my mom my have dealt with something similar.
This is a long book, which in my opinion is most often a good thing. Except so much of Lucia's childhood is unhappy and depressing, you couldn't help but feel a like the mood rubbed off on you as a reader, especially reading so many pages with the same thing. That isn't to say I don't enjoy depressing stories. Except most of the time the point of reading such a tale is to see a character triumph over their situation. Instead here, we never really see Lucia triumph since this is only her telling of the early years of her life.
The book does end abruptly, and I'm definitely left curious as to what else happens in Lucia's life. Except while I'm curious, I don't believe I'm curious enough to want to read a sequel.
Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
Overall, the book felt confusing. An event would be referred to as if it were actually happening in Lucia's life. Except, several chapters later she would refer to that event again as if it hadn't happened yet. Similarly, a character would be introduced and seemingly forgotten. At least until they were randomly brought up instead several more chapters down the ground. I think one could argue that the confusion is from the fact you're listening to a 110-year-old tell her story. After all, at that age you wouldn't expect to get the sequence of events all lined up. And while that might be a justification of the structure, it still was confusing as a reader.
There were aspects of the book I liked. For one, Lucia was only a few years older than my mom, and while they had radically different childhood, it is interesting to read events that Lucia when through and think of how my mom my have dealt with something similar.
This is a long book, which in my opinion is most often a good thing. Except so much of Lucia's childhood is unhappy and depressing, you couldn't help but feel a like the mood rubbed off on you as a reader, especially reading so many pages with the same thing. That isn't to say I don't enjoy depressing stories. Except most of the time the point of reading such a tale is to see a character triumph over their situation. Instead here, we never really see Lucia triumph since this is only her telling of the early years of her life.
The book does end abruptly, and I'm definitely left curious as to what else happens in Lucia's life. Except while I'm curious, I don't believe I'm curious enough to want to read a sequel.
Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 8, 2013
***Warning! This review contains spoilers!****
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...which is good because those are the only kind of reviews I give.
The Tale of Lucia Grandi is an emotional roller coaster ride through one woman's life. The author, Susan Speranza, did a wonderful job writing this book. The words rolled off the pages, fluid and easy, immediately pulling me off of my couch and throwing me straight into the 1950's.
When Lucia was a little girl conquering dirt mounds and riding her bike; I traveled back to my own childhood where I built forts in the woods and soared through the wind and the streets on my bike.
When Lucia was being bullied by her peers, I was racing home from the bus stop, trying to dodge rocks and snow balls being thrown at me. While Lucia learned how to forge her mother's name on her test papers to prevent her parents finding out about her games; I sat at my kitchen table doing homework and resenting my sister for her good grades and television privleges.
But with all of the innocent, care-free moments of childhood, came the bitter taste of reality. I squirmed on my couch, clutching a pillow when Lucia was being violently beaten by her father (fortunately this is something I cannot relate too). I cried with her when her beloved grandfather died and I felt betrayed when her parents cast her out of their home. But as Lucia drove away from her emotionally barren childhood home, I felt the sun shine on her, carrying with each ray, hope and a chance to start over in a world that might finally bring her love.
I wish, with all of the lonely, heart-breaking moments Lucia had endured, there would have been one more chapter at the end showing something really amazing and wonderful happening to her. Something so powerful it would make her parents and siblings stop dead in their tracks, look back, and realize they screwed up.
Susan Speranza
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review...which is good because those are the only kind of reviews I give.
The Tale of Lucia Grandi is an emotional roller coaster ride through one woman's life. The author, Susan Speranza, did a wonderful job writing this book. The words rolled off the pages, fluid and easy, immediately pulling me off of my couch and throwing me straight into the 1950's.
When Lucia was a little girl conquering dirt mounds and riding her bike; I traveled back to my own childhood where I built forts in the woods and soared through the wind and the streets on my bike.
When Lucia was being bullied by her peers, I was racing home from the bus stop, trying to dodge rocks and snow balls being thrown at me. While Lucia learned how to forge her mother's name on her test papers to prevent her parents finding out about her games; I sat at my kitchen table doing homework and resenting my sister for her good grades and television privleges.
But with all of the innocent, care-free moments of childhood, came the bitter taste of reality. I squirmed on my couch, clutching a pillow when Lucia was being violently beaten by her father (fortunately this is something I cannot relate too). I cried with her when her beloved grandfather died and I felt betrayed when her parents cast her out of their home. But as Lucia drove away from her emotionally barren childhood home, I felt the sun shine on her, carrying with each ray, hope and a chance to start over in a world that might finally bring her love.
I wish, with all of the lonely, heart-breaking moments Lucia had endured, there would have been one more chapter at the end showing something really amazing and wonderful happening to her. Something so powerful it would make her parents and siblings stop dead in their tracks, look back, and realize they screwed up.
Susan Speranza
June 6, 2013
Tale of Lucia Grandi
by
Susan Speranza
The Tale of Lucia Grandi, the Early Years
When an old woman is asked to tell the story of her life, she tells is an intense and poignant tale about growing up in and surviving an irrational, warring suburban family during the 1950s and 60s. The narrative is told from Lucia’s perspective as the second child where she and her siblings are caught in the middle of a lifelong war between her mother, Ruth, an overbearing, unhappy homemaker, and her father, Leonard, a manipulative, sometimes violent New York City cop. Lucia is the silent, thoughtful eyewitness to her parents’ constant and sometimes life-threatening battle.
The story is told as a memoir; each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia’s life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her siblings. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman, she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.
This timeless story of one woman’s courageous attempt to come to terms with her past and the troubled family that dominated it is powerfully and poignantly told.
This is a good serious read with a story that keeps you reading until the very end and characters you can connect with. It's an emotional book with an amazing story. Well worth reading. It's not my usual type of book but I enjoyed it alot. This is the first book I've read by this author & I'm interested in reading more.
I rate this book 4 stars
Jennifer W
complimentary book given for a free review. juliesbookreview.blogspot.com
June 5, 2013
Tale of Lucia Grandi
by
Susan Speranza
The Tale of Lucia Grandi, the Early Years
When an old woman is asked to tell the story of her life, she tells is an intense and poignant tale about growing up in and surviving an irrational, warring suburban family during the 1950s and 60s. The narrative is told from Lucia’s perspective as the second child where she and her siblings are caught in the middle of a lifelong war between her mother, Ruth, an overbearing, unhappy homemaker, and her father, Leonard, a manipulative, sometimes violent New York City cop. Lucia is the silent, thoughtful eyewitness to her parents’ constant and sometimes life-threatening battle.
The story is told as a memoir; each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia’s life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her siblings. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman, she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.
This timeless story of one woman’s courageous attempt to come to terms with her past and the troubled family that dominated it is powerfully and poignantly told.
This is a good serious read with a story that keeps you reading until the very end and characters you can connect with. It's an emotional book with an amazing story. Well worth reading. It's not my usual type of book but I enjoyed it alot. This is the first book I've read by this author & I'm interested in reading more.
by
Susan Speranza
The Tale of Lucia Grandi, the Early Years
When an old woman is asked to tell the story of her life, she tells is an intense and poignant tale about growing up in and surviving an irrational, warring suburban family during the 1950s and 60s. The narrative is told from Lucia’s perspective as the second child where she and her siblings are caught in the middle of a lifelong war between her mother, Ruth, an overbearing, unhappy homemaker, and her father, Leonard, a manipulative, sometimes violent New York City cop. Lucia is the silent, thoughtful eyewitness to her parents’ constant and sometimes life-threatening battle.
The story is told as a memoir; each chapter describes a particular incident in Lucia’s life which shows the constant struggle between her parents and the perverse effect it has on her and her siblings. From her complicated and unwanted birth, to her witnessing a suicide at age 3, to her stint as a runaway at age 14, the story progresses to the final crisis where as a young woman, she is turned out of her house and banished from her family forever.
This timeless story of one woman’s courageous attempt to come to terms with her past and the troubled family that dominated it is powerfully and poignantly told.
This is a good serious read with a story that keeps you reading until the very end and characters you can connect with. It's an emotional book with an amazing story. Well worth reading. It's not my usual type of book but I enjoyed it alot. This is the first book I've read by this author & I'm interested in reading more.
Read
December 30, 2012I received this book for an exchange for a honest unbiased review.
Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years by Susan Speranza
This is the first book I have read by this author. I personally don't read many fiction biographies, because they normally aren't the genre I typically read. This book is very thought stimulating in the fact that it shows what I normally take for granted each and everyday; a loving home and family. It also shows you that all mean words and hatred has negative influences on the person receiving them. Even though this is not my type of typical read, I enjoyed it and teared at the end about Bernard. It drew some emotions in me about the in justice that some people go through just to grow up. This makes me think that we as a society need to become more anchors like Bernard and help our young that go through this. This book is very well written and the story encourages all sorts of emotions through a kind of roller-coaster at times.
The story is about a 110 year old women in a nursing home visited by a young woman who asks her to tell her her life story. We are shown through vivid descriptions from Lucia's perspective the life of her family and how it came to be. How she survived through the help of her one anchor her grandfather Bernard. She is the family black sheep even though she had no choice in that matter. She grows through the journey of her life and the many abuses that follow. I give this book a 4 star review.
Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years by Susan Speranza
This is the first book I have read by this author. I personally don't read many fiction biographies, because they normally aren't the genre I typically read. This book is very thought stimulating in the fact that it shows what I normally take for granted each and everyday; a loving home and family. It also shows you that all mean words and hatred has negative influences on the person receiving them. Even though this is not my type of typical read, I enjoyed it and teared at the end about Bernard. It drew some emotions in me about the in justice that some people go through just to grow up. This makes me think that we as a society need to become more anchors like Bernard and help our young that go through this. This book is very well written and the story encourages all sorts of emotions through a kind of roller-coaster at times.
The story is about a 110 year old women in a nursing home visited by a young woman who asks her to tell her her life story. We are shown through vivid descriptions from Lucia's perspective the life of her family and how it came to be. How she survived through the help of her one anchor her grandfather Bernard. She is the family black sheep even though she had no choice in that matter. She grows through the journey of her life and the many abuses that follow. I give this book a 4 star review.
February 6, 2013
I fell in love with this book from the moment I read the prologue. Lucia has lived a full live at 110 years old. The fact that she can even accurately remember her age surprised me. But at 110 she has her full wits about her. Life was very different all those years ago - I remember spending hours with my grandmother and great-grandmother reminiscing about some of those old memories and often the discussions led to stories of one form of abuse or another. This book had its share of abuse stories and so many sad memories.
This book is full of history, strong characters, and just a full web of stories that make up the early years in the life of a 110 year old woman. My favorite character was Bernard and his passing broke my heart. I could feel Lucia's despair and pain. My least favorite character was easily Ruth. Sadly situations like this did exist and do exist. They shouldn't - but they do. I give this book 4 stars and look forward to finding out more about Lucia's Life.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is full of history, strong characters, and just a full web of stories that make up the early years in the life of a 110 year old woman. My favorite character was Bernard and his passing broke my heart. I could feel Lucia's despair and pain. My least favorite character was easily Ruth. Sadly situations like this did exist and do exist. They shouldn't - but they do. I give this book 4 stars and look forward to finding out more about Lucia's Life.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2013
It's pretty rare for me to step outside of my genres. Before I started writing, there wasn't a single book outside of my chosen genre. I read the world, but now...I don't know. I read fantasy to see what other authors are doing and what the market's like.
This was a great step outside of my normal box.
This was such a touching story! It reminded me that inside this cold, cold chest, there really is a heart. LOL!! Okay, so I'm not that bad! However, this book really was very touching. I really loved this line:
The world has all but forgotten me, like some continuing drama from which I had been excused, the world went on without me.
Lucia tells the story of her life, from the perspective of someone who's lived it. It's a very candid retelling. In a world where human interaction isn't always a daily occurance, and when the highlight of our day is when a Facebook post receives a lot of likes and comments, this tail reminded me what it meant to be human.
A very good read!
This was a great step outside of my normal box.
This was such a touching story! It reminded me that inside this cold, cold chest, there really is a heart. LOL!! Okay, so I'm not that bad! However, this book really was very touching. I really loved this line:
The world has all but forgotten me, like some continuing drama from which I had been excused, the world went on without me.
Lucia tells the story of her life, from the perspective of someone who's lived it. It's a very candid retelling. In a world where human interaction isn't always a daily occurance, and when the highlight of our day is when a Facebook post receives a lot of likes and comments, this tail reminded me what it meant to be human.
A very good read!
January 3, 2013
The cycle of abuse is a real thing. Early in the book everyone had grown up with some sort of abuse. I felt bad for all of them.
My heart broke time and time again for Lucia. I can't imagine growing up with the daily emotional abuse she went through. I can't imagine living my life every with the amount of hate her parents had. Emotional abuse really does stay with you for a very long time, and ruins your own self worth.
I loved to read about the change of the country while she was growing up, and how it effected her as well.
This story flowed beautifully and found myself getting lost in the world of Lucia and see what ended up happening to her. I gave this book a 4 only because of the ending.. I would of loved to know how her life turned out after leaving her parents home.
My heart broke time and time again for Lucia. I can't imagine growing up with the daily emotional abuse she went through. I can't imagine living my life every with the amount of hate her parents had. Emotional abuse really does stay with you for a very long time, and ruins your own self worth.
I loved to read about the change of the country while she was growing up, and how it effected her as well.
This story flowed beautifully and found myself getting lost in the world of Lucia and see what ended up happening to her. I gave this book a 4 only because of the ending.. I would of loved to know how her life turned out after leaving her parents home.
January 11, 2013
Veering off course from my usual kind of book genre I read The Tale of Lucia Grandi: The Early Years. It difficult for me to read but I still was spellbound by the ebb and flow of this story. A woman writing her dissertation seeks out Lucia and asks her to tell her story. Lucia was born into unfortunate circumstances. She endured physical and emotional abuse, though hard to read at times, it’s worth sticking to the book. Her mother was not pleased with her existence which was made known loud and clear. It’s lengthy but it needed to be to fully express the fantastic history she lives though and the essence of the character. A fantastically written book. The author truly captures the feel of the characters and it translates eloquently to the page.
January 15, 2013
Lucia Grandi is a lady in a nursing home with the blessing age of 110, a young girl that is there to write an interview. They hook up and Lucia starts telling about her life. It is a long book but I loved every moment of it,I just wanted to take her away from her so called parents, they were so cruel, they shouldn't have kids...... I loved her grandfather, he reminded me of mine, I so wanted to give Lucia some honest love, she deserved, I so felt for her. This book is totally worth your time and I can't wait to read more from Susan.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review
I received a copy of this book for a honest review
December 28, 2012
This book got me from the start. Lucia now an elderly woman was asked if she would do an interview by a young woman and this book is filled with different memoirs of Lucia’s life.
Lucia has an awful childhood and it was sometimes difficult to read. Her family were awful to her.
She was an unwanted child. It really was heartbreaking. There was some happy times though and I did enjoy reading it.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Lucia has an awful childhood and it was sometimes difficult to read. Her family were awful to her.
She was an unwanted child. It really was heartbreaking. There was some happy times though and I did enjoy reading it.
I would definitely recommend this book.
January 3, 2013
The Tale of Lucia Grandi was a heart wrenching story. I felt sorry for Lucia and all the negativity she had to grow up around but she found strength in one family member and herself. This book tells the story of Lucia's life even giving the background of her parents and her grandparents. It weaves a tale of how parents' actions make children who they become from one generation to another. The book was well written and I will look for other books by Susan Speranza.
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