Book Review: Forty Years in a Day

Historical Fiction

Date Published: 2/19/2013

Confession is good for the soul even after the soul has been claimed...

The story begins in Italy, 1900. After years of torment and neglect, Victoria and her four small children immigrate to Hell's Kitchen, New York, to escape her alcoholic, abusive husband. On the day they leave, he tragically dies, but she does not learn of his death for several years—a secret that puts many lives on hold.

Quickly, they realize America's streets are not paved with gold, and the limits of human faith and stamina are tested time and time again. Poverty, illness, death, kidnapping, and the reign of organized crime are just some of the crosses they bear.

Victoria's eldest son, Vincenzo, is the sole surviving member of the family and shares a gut-wrenching account of their lives with his daughter during a visit to Ellis Island on his ninetieth birthday. He explains how the lives of he and his siblings have been secretly intertwined with an infamous Irish mob boss and ends his unsettling disclosure with a monumental request that leaves Clare speechless.​

Forty Years in a Day is layered with the struggles and successes of each family member and defines the character of an era. Follow the Montanaro family through several decades, and stand in the shoes of a past generation.

My Review:

This is one of those stories in which you can enjoy if you are someone who likes Historical stories, know about the early 1900's, or have a grandparent who has told you many stories of their pasts. 

It really read to me like I was listening to a story from my grandma's point of view. I loved the way the authors were able to create such a vivid recount of those times and create a story in which is so multi-dimensional with many characters and views.

This one will definitely keep you reading til the very end. A great Historical Novel.