Tears of Monterini

Yacobo Levi and Angelo Ghione are best friends from Monterini, Italy, in 1921. Their children grow up and fall in love, but when the 1938 racial laws are passed, their love thrives amidst fear and uncertainty. When war is declared on Bella's wedding day, the peaceful village is torn apart, and the Levis are displaced and fighting for their lives. The Tears of Monterini is a story of love and betrayal, loyalty and friendship, inspired by true events in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 06 August 2020
Publisher: RedDoor Press

In 1921, in the picturesque village of Monterini, Italy, two lifelong friends, Yacobo Levi and Angelo Ghione, lived side by side. Yacobo, an intellectual dreamer, worked in the family bookshop, while Angelo, a contadino, made exceptional wine by singing to the grapes. Their Jewish and Catholic families, who had been neighbors for generations, coexisted harmoniously amidst a backdrop of village communal life, Etruscan tales, and the rise of Benito Mussolini. Born on the same day, their children, Bella and Rico, grew up together and fell deeply in love. Their bond was strengthened by the fear and uncertainty that accompanied the passing of the 1938 racial laws. Despite the challenges that life threw their way, their love flourished, and Angelo even suggested they marry. However, the intricacies of their relationship and underlying tensions simmer beneath the surface of love and friendship.

However, their lives were turned upside down when Angelo discovered their liaison. He proposed that they marry, hoping to alleviate the complications and tensions that had arisen. But life was far from simple, and the Levis found themselves navigating a complex web of emotions and relationships. As war was declared on the day of Bella's wedding to Michele, a fellow Jew, the peaceful village they had known for years was torn apart. The Levis, along with other Jewish families, were displaced and forced to fight for their lives. The horrors of the war took a toll on their family, and they faced unimaginable hardships. Despite the devastation, their love for each other remained strong, and they clung to the hope of a better future.

Years passed, and the village slowly began to rebuild. The Levis, along with other survivors, worked tirelessly to restore their lives and rebuild their community. But the scars of the war remained deep, and the memories of the past lingered. Bella and Rico, now grown adults, faced the challenges of rebuilding their own lives and finding their place in a world that had changed dramatically. They faced discrimination and prejudice, but their love for each other remained a source of strength and inspiration. They knew that life would never be the same again, but they were determined to make the most of it. They founded a family and built a life together, cherishing the memories of their past and the lessons they had learned. The Tears of Monterini is a story of love and betrayal, loyalty and friendship. Inspired by true events in Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, this beautifully written debut will appeal to readers interested in history, Italy, romance, family dynamics, and conflict.

Author Amanda has a passion for languages and literature. She studied Modern Languages at the University of East Anglia and later completed a PGCE at King's College London. Before turning her attention to writing, she had a successful career in International Advertising Sales. Currently, she teaches French and German at a secondary school in London. Amanda's love for Italy and its rich cultural heritage is evident in her writing. She spends a significant amount of time in Pitigliano, Italy, the setting for the Monterini of the title, allowing her to immerse herself in the local culture and atmosphere.

The Tears of Monterini is Amanda's first novel, and it marks the beginning of a promising literary career. Her writing is characterized by her vivid descriptions, intricate character development, and emotional depth. With her literary representation by Curtis Brown, Amanda is poised to reach a wider audience and continue to captivate readers with her storytelling. The Tears of Monterini is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the enduring spirit of humanity. It is a story that will touch the hearts of many and leave a lasting impression.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913062361