The Inheritance

by Marianne Perry

The Inheritance tells the story of a family disintegrating from conflicting loyalties in 1900 Calabria, Itlay. The region was subject to earthquakes and tsunamis; the land was harsh and poverty the norm. Superstition clashed with religion and a class system ruled the people. Calabria is the perfect backdrop for the tragedy the unfolds in The Inheritance.

Caterina is an atypical woman, and The Inheritance chronicles her life from birth to young womanhood. Born with an inheritance of loss into a society that has predetermined what she can and cannot do, she vows to live a life of her choosing. Caterina refuses to allow the limits of her gender, the constraints of her class and the demands imposed by those in power to stand in her way. Caterina remains steadfast in her commitment to become the woman she imagines. Her decisions ignite conflicts and fuel a chain of events that result in dire consequences for all whose path she crosses.

Genres: Historical Fiction

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2012

About the author

Family, genealogical research to solve family mysteries and travel are my priorities. I am a member of The Canadian Authors Association and The Ontario Genealogical Society. I have published non-fiction genealogical articles for North American magazines and The Ontario Genealogical Society, served as Project Director and writer for our city’s celebratory HomeComing coffee-table book. I have written a second novel, a mystery/suspense and am currently in the midst of the publication process. When a girl, I fell in love with The National Geographic Magazine and dreamt of seeing the world. To date, I have explored every continent and travelled to: Antarctica, India, China, Japan, Iceland, Africa, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand and Russia. Life is a gift and I hope you find joy in my words. Thank you.

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perry introduces us to Anna, a strong, intelligent and independent female. In all fairness Perry's female characters all possess a streak of independence and strength. Where Anna leaves off, Caterina carries the baton. Wonderful descriptions of the surroundings, food, colorful intoxicating garden, the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.

The narrative was extremely monotonous, with far too many characters - a few served as anchors others were more fillers, still there were entirely too many players causing a distraction. You'll find yourself loving and loathing the parties presented. I felt character development was lacking - majority of the individuals behaviors were described as opposed to their personalities and thought processes. A noticeable drag along with unmistakable repetitiveness haunted the plot throughout.

I felt the writing was stiff and stilted, a bit clunky as well. Perry has potential she just needs to relax and find her flow. She writes with intent lacking a softness about the edges.

A forbidden love taking place on Italy's Calabrian coast circa 1900's with plenty of characters, a squeaker of an ending vamping up and pulling the reader in to await the next installment in what looks to be a series or connecting storyline. Ambitious effort requiring heavy alterations.

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Inheritance tells the story of not only one but two women, Anna and Caterina. Anna is at the birth of Caterina, assisting in the birth and does all she can to keep Caterina's mother alive but she dies in childbirth. Even though Caterina's mother was a servant, Anna keeps Caterina in her life and she grows up with Anna's influence.
There is a tragedy when Caterina and Lorenzo, Anna's youngest son, are children, a terrible storm engulfs the area and Caterina's father is lost. Another servant disappears and her body is found in the ocean. It is claimed by Anna's husband Santo that she drowned and Anna's oldest sons tried to save her but failed. This story seems kind of sketchy and the reader does find out that it was no accident, but Anna never really finds out what happened but she has her suspicions. 
Santo, in my opinion is a real jerk, but I guess a lot of men were like that in the early 1900's. He treated his wife and youngest son with distain, all Anna wants is her husband to be the man she married. But her job was to have and raise children, keep the house and keep quiet. 
Caterina is very close to Lorenzo, they do everything together and and eventually there is an infatuation. Of course Santo would never allow Lorenzo to marry a servant and he lets it known that Lorenzo is to continue his studies to become a lawyer, as he states "they need one in the family". Santo gets involved with what I think of as the "mob", is never home and his coldness to his wife and son continue to get worse.
Lorenzo does go away to school and does not see his mother for 4 years, his father would not allow him to see Anna. Anna had suffered a series of strokes and her health has declined considerably during Lorenzo's absence. Caterina has assisted in Anna's care and when Lorenzo does come home he vows to stay and help take care of her.
Time goes on and Lorenzo and Caterina fall in love, against Santo's wishes the local priest secretly marries them. The ending kind of surprised me but I think that it set the story up for the next book, as I am sure there will be, or at least I hope so because it was kind of a cliffhanger. The Inheritance refers to the tragedy that has befallen Caterina, never knowing her mother and losing her father in the storm. I think living in this time was very difficult, especially when the women had no say in their own lives, even the rich. Husbands are rarely faithful, children grow up and move away or die at a young age. This is definitely a story of tragedy, loss and secrets that ruin many lives.
I felt the author was very knowledgeable about Italy and her ancestors. I enjoyed the story and I do look forward to the next one, I want to know what happens with Lorenzo and Caterina!
 

[Kathleen Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Inheritance tells the story of not only one but two women, Anna and Caterina. Anna is at the birth of Caterina, assisting in the birth and does all she can to keep Caterina's mother alive but she dies in childbirth. Even though Caterina's mother was a servant, Anna keeps Caterina in her life and she grows up with Anna's influence.

There is a tragedy when Caterina and Lorenzo, Anna's youngest son, are children, a terrible storm engulfs the area and Caterina's father is lost. Another servant disappears and her body is found in the ocean. It is claimed by Anna's husband Santo that she drowned and Anna's oldest sons tried to save her but failed. This story seems kind of sketchy and the reader does find out that it was no accident, but Anna never really finds out what happened but she has her suspicions. 

Santo, in my opinion is a real jerk, but I guess a lot of men were like that in the early 1900's. He treated his wife and youngest son with distain, all Anna wants is her husband to be the man she married. But her job was to have and raise children, keep the house and keep quiet. 

Caterina is very close to Lorenzo, they do everything together and and eventually there is an infatuation. Of course Santo would never allow Lorenzo to marry a servant and he lets it known that Lorenzo is to continue his studies to become a lawyer, as he states "they need one in the family". Santo gets involved with what I think of as the "mob", is never home and his coldness to his wife and son continue to get worse.

Lorenzo does go away to school and does not see his mother for 4 years, his father would not allow him to see Anna. Anna had suffered a series of strokes and her health has declined considerably during Lorenzo's absence. Caterina has assisted in Anna's care and when Lorenzo does come home he vows to stay and help take care of her.

Time goes on and Lorenzo and Anna fall in love, against Santo's wishes the local priest secretly marries them. The ending kind of surprised me but I think that it set the story up for the next book, as I am sure there will be, or at least I hope so because it was kind of a cliffhanger. The Inheritance refers to the tragedy that has befallen Caterina, never knowing her mother and losing her father in the storm. I think living in this time was very difficult, especially when the women had no say in their own lives, even the rich. Husbands are rarely faithful, children grow up and move away or die at a young age. This is definitely a story of tragedy, loss and secrets that ruin many lives.

I felt the author was very knowledgeable about Italy and her ancestors. I enjoyed the story and I do look forward to the next one, I want to know what happens with Lorenzo and Caterina!

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marianne Perry in her new book, “The Inheritance” published by iUniverse introduces us to Caterina.

From the back cover: The Inheritance tells the story of a family disintegrating from conflicting loyalties in Calabria, Italy. Set during the period 1897 to 1913, the region was subject to earthquakes and tsunamis; the land harsh and poverty the norm. Superstition clashed with religion and a class system ruled the people. Calabria is the perfect backdrop for the tragedy that unfolds in The Inheritance.

Caterina is an atypical woman, and The Inheritance chronicles her life from birth to young womanhood. Born with an inheritance of loss into a society that has predetermined what she can and cannot do, she vows to live a life of her choosing. Caterina refuses to allow the limits of her gender, the constraints of her class and the demands imposed by those in power to stand in her way. Caterina remains steadfast in her commitment to become the woman she imagines. Her decisions ignite conflicts and fuel a chain of events that result in dire consequences for all whose path she crosses

The book is divided into two parts: Part One: 1897-1909 Calabria, Italy and Part Two: Summer 1913 Calabria, Italy. The focus is on two women: Anna, married to Santo, with whom she births three sons, and Caterina, the servant. Not only is this a fascinating study of Italy in the 1900’s it is also a study of women and how they were treated and expected to behave as well as Society and servants. This is a historical novel. There is quite a lot going on within these pages. At times it does feel like a soap opera. Ms. Perry has provided us with characters that live and breathe on these pages and we really get involved with their lives. There is even a bit of a cliffhanger ending. All in all a very interesting read.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Italy Book Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Remy G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical romance opens with a map of its setting, which starts in Italy in 1890, of the southern part of the country’s “boot” known as Calabria, with several cities indicated. The preface indicates the author’s heritage as part of a Canadian-Italian family, and denotes her interest in genealogy. Part One of the story occurs in Calabria, Italy, from 1897 to 1901, and commences with Padre Valentine praying that Nella’s labor pains in her upcoming delivery will be minimal. Tragedy strikes after Nella’s childbirth as she dies, although the infant, named Caterina, survives.

Five years prior to the first chapter, Anna, when she was twenty-one, inherited money from her deceased college professor father, and is married to Santo, attending births such as that which resulted in Nella’s demise. Caterina’s father, Eduardo, aims to get a new cottage since he believes that his daughter, who has turned two, deserves her own bedroom. The novel reveals some backstory on the real events of the time, for instance, a group of Sicilians in the 1860s being exiled from their homeland for inciting an insurrection, and moving to the mainland to form an organization called Ndrangheta, whose aim is to control Italian politics in the south.

Part Two takes place in 1913 in the summer, still in Italy, with Caterina and Lorenzo forming a relationship, the latter dealing with an ailing mother, with a little side-story in the form of Caterina taming a wolf, the supposed symbolic animal of Italy with the historical note that Rome’s founder Romulus was saved by a she-wolf. Overall, this is an enjoyable historical romance that those who typically enjoy books in the genre will most likely appreciate, ending with a bibliography of the author’s research not to mention discussion questions for participants in book groups, and earns this reviewer’s seal of approval.

[Sandra Olshaski · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a beautiful, evocative book cover. The author "snapped the cover photo on a 2004 research trip to Calabria, Italy. The image is key to the story." I was captured upon reading those lines.

The novel is set in 1900's Calabria, Italy. It is essentially the story of two women, Anna and Caterina. A bond begins to form between them when Caterina's mother dies in childbirth. Anna becomes "Mamma Anna" to her, much to the disapproval of Anna's husband. She is married to Santo, a cold, unloving man who is grooming his two older sons "in the family business" aka the mob. I experienced a growing sense of unease as these sons are estranged from their mother, groomed for crime, developing cruel, violent natures. Anna is powerless to prevent it as she is merely wife and mother, having no real influence in the family, except on her youngest son, Lorenzo, a dreamy, artistic boy, for whom Santo has little regard. Meanwhile Caterina grows up under the influence of Anna, despite being a servant, developing a close bond of which Santo disapproves. The inevitable happens as Caterina and Lorenzo become childhood friends which friendship develops into strong love as they mature and secretly marry. The patriarch, Santo, highly disapproves of this union resulting in sad consequences to all concerned. I found myself both loving and intensely disliking the main characters.

The author has done extensive research about Calabria from where she traces her ancestry. That is reflected in her descriptions of food, surroundings, as well as the aftermath of the earthquake of 1908 in Calabria and Sicily. I love the Italian words inserted in the text, which add to the authenticity of the story.

This novel is about treachery, family secrets, and loss, but also about the redeeming power of both maternal and romantic love. It is a good read.

[LAWonder10 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel, Inspired by actual events, is an interesting beginning of a new series of two key Italian family's heritage.Originating with the very different circumstances between two families - Caterina Romano's and Lorenzo Marino's- an unlikely friendship develops and grows through the years. However, how could they be able to remain so in adulthood?

Reflecting the life in times past, in Italy, the times and changes take place in a negative way.This is a tale about the various types of characteristics in mankind - good and evil - and the effect it has on individual lives which get caught up in between virtue and vise. The various characteristics of friendship, loyalty, trust, acceptance, deception, betrayal, and many more in ensuing years of individual's lives, are well defined within the pages of this novel.

The characters will become actual beings to the reader causing the reader to be caught up in a variety of emotional situations. The visuality of the various scenes surrounding each event will be quite clear. This is an intriguing beginning to this new series.

The book cover - taken from an actual photo - captures the true splendor of the village in Italy where the story begins. It is a perfect cover for this tale. The title is fitting but not necessarily the best chosen.

I enjoyed the basic story line. The events which occurred steadily kept the reader's interest... It never dragged. However, I did not feel it flowed well in the first half of the book, and at times I felt confused of who the individuals were. I feel a brief introduction of various characters before adding him/her into the plot would have been more effective and helpful.

With the ending at a crux, the reader will be eager to read the next book of the series.

*This book was sent to me in exchange for an HONEST review, of which I have given.

[Debra Schoenberger · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a time where women were meant to be decorative and to stay at home and raise children, Anna is a compassionate, strong-willed woman who endeavours to help those less fortunate than herself. The inheritance she brings to her marriage allows her husband to expand his business activities. However, early on in their marriage her husband Santo, begins to lead another life apart from her. He soon removes her two oldest sons from her care to “follow in the family business”. Anna is left with her youngest son, Lorenzo, who is very unlike his other brothers in that his artistic sensibilities allow him to aborb the beauty in the world around him.

Anna’s protegee, an orphan and servant girl, Caterina, develop a close-knit bond that Santo, Anna’s husband disapproves of. Lorenzo, as he matures into a young man begins to understand how different he is from his father and brothers. This leads to conflict in several of the storylines in this plot and keeps you interested until the end of the book.

I found the writing to be a bit choppy and sometimes I was a little confused as to the identity of the secondary characters in this book. I love cliffhangers but I found the ending to be a little “abrupt”. Is it possible that there is a sequel to this book?

A quick and easy read with villains, saints and a good-natured chef.

[Marilyn Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of historical fiction. This isn't because I don't love learning about different times, but because it is such a difficult genre to be really good at. Author Marianne Perry is one of those great exceptions. As a second general Canadian/Italian, her family's ancestry has fueled a deep interest in Italy and she has followed that up with five visits to the country. She is also a serious lover of genealogy. Between the two, the author has managed to bring a true sense for the area and for what is was like to be a woman of means in this place and time.

Women role models are so important and offering a character who manages to live a life true to her desires at the turn of the century is a great read. In The Inheritance we find a young wife who must live her life in accordance with the dictates of her husband. Her control of her inheritance, her sons and the obligations she must fulfill are defined by his wishes. Yet she finds a way to honour and touch the lives of the servants and villagers that surround her. The closing pages do not offer us a Hollywood movie ending, it rings true to its times. BUT, it does open the door to several story lines that could prove interesting sequels.

Well written and a true eye-opener on how far women have come in terms of control over their lives, their future and their money. I can't wait to read more by this author.

[A Holland Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed reading it. I liked that the cover of this book was a picture that the author took herself. You can tell the author did her research when writing this book as it shows in her writing. The author took me on a tour of Italy and when reading this book I really felt as if I was in Italy following along on the journey. There is history and romance in this book two things which I enjoy and like when they are together in one book. Even though there this is a romance book it is not your typical romance novel it is more real to life which is something that to me makes this book stand out. There are many different characters in this book and each of them were described very well. I really liked Caterina the best of course since we learn so much about her in this story. There are some added features to this book that I thought were nice starting with a map at the beginning and ending with discussion questions as well as the bibliography telling what books the author used in her research. The author also throws in some Italian words throughout the story which was nice. I always like when an author does this as it makes the story feel more real to me. I am looking forward to more books by this author.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Calabria and spanning the period from the late 1890s to the beginning of the twentieth century, this story depicts the lives of Anna and Caterina. Anna is married to Santo, a rich businessman who seems to treat his wife with disdain most of the time, and Caterina becomes entwined in Anna’s life after her mother dies in childbirth and Anna becomes almost a surrogate mother.

The descriptions of Italy are superb and well-researched so it came as no surprise to learn that the author is Canadian of Italian origin. The characters of the two protagonists are well developed and portrayed with great sympathy. On the other hand I found the men generally to be a little too one-dimensional. Moreover, there were numerous secondary characters that I had difficulty following and seemed to add little to the overall story. I think that is why the narrative started to flag a little in the middle. Having said that, I did enjoy the story and the love story element is just right. There were a few typos and grammatical errors though fortunately they didn’t spoil my enjoyment too much. It does mean that what is a good story could become a really good story with some sensitive editing as there is a lot of potential in the book.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Marianne Perry has written a devastatingly heart wrenching story in her novel The Inheritance. Set with the back drop of Italy, this story discusses the themes of power, hatred, hurt, betrayal, happiness, and love. The many characters in this novel will tear at your heart strings as you discover the many different relationships of them in the story, some beautiful and some complicated. From page one, readers will be drawn into the experiences and emotions of the characters in this Italian historical fiction novel. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy historical fiction, as well as Italy and its culture.

Genre: historical fiction; Italian fiction
Publisher: iUniverse
Publication date: November 28, 2012
Number of pages: 280

A review copy of this novel was provided by Italy Book Tours.