There’s just something about the genre of historical fiction that’s so magical and alluring. Going back to a different era and reading about how people lived back then has a charm of its own.
When this genre comes into the hands of a capable writer, it becomes even more interesting, especially if the writer is as talented as Adriana Trigiani.
Having been in the field of writing for over two decades now, this Italian American author has delved into several genres, and one of the examples of her creations of historical fiction is The Shoemaker’s Wife.
Told through the central theme of familial bonds and is set amidst gorgeous landscapes. This novel grips a reader’s attention from the beginning and refuses to let go till the last page.
In this article, we will discuss the novel’s summary along with certain other aspects of the story. Let’s get right into it.
| Title | The Shoemaker's Wife |
|---|---|
| Author | Adriana Trigiani |
| Publication Year | 2012 |
| Genre | Historical Fiction, Romance, Domestic Fiction |
| Setting | Italian Alps, New York City |
| Protagonist | Enza Ravanelli |
| Antagonist | Fate, Circumstances |
| Themes | Immigration, Love, Resilience |
| Plot Summary | The story follows the life of Enza Ravanelli, a young Italian seamstress, as she meets Ciro Lazzari, an apprentice shoemaker, in the Italian Alps in the early 1900s. They develop a deep connection, but their lives take different paths when Ciro immigrates to America and Enza stays in Italy. |
| Major Characters | Enza Ravanelli, Ciro Lazzari |
| Literary Significance | The Shoemaker's Wife" is celebrated for its portrayal of the immigrant experience, vivid historical backdrop, and its poignant themes of love and resilience. Trigiani's evocative writing style and meticulous research bring the settings and time periods to life, immersing readers in Enza's struggles and triumphs. The novel has resonated with readers, becoming a New York Times bestseller. |
The Shoemaker’s Wife is primarily the love story of the characters Enza Ravanelli and Ciro Lazzari. The readers get to know in the beginning of the novel that Ciro’s father has passed away mysteriously in the United States.
Following this incident, he is sent to a convent along with his brother, Eduardo. Their mother, Caterina, tells them that she will return in the spring to take them back with her, but she never does. Instead, she stays in a monastery and ceases all forms of contact with her kids.
Ciro and his brother have a tough time adjusting to the convent’s religious ways, especially after losing their mother in such a strange way soon after their father’s demise.
At the convent, Ciro catches a priest making out with a girl he fancies, and when he informs the nuns about it, the man is sent away by the priest, Don Gregorio. Ciro begins his apprenticeship at the store of a shoemaker in the neighborhood of Little Italy and learns a lot about the craft.
Meanwhile, Enza is in America as well, residing in Hoboken, New Jersey. Enza and Ciro meet each other in Little Italy, and that’s where their love story begins. However, the two are separated when Ciro goes away for military service during the First World War.
While Ciro is gone, Enza becomes a costume designer and moves from Hoboken to Manhattan with her roommate and friend. Ciro eventually returns, and the two reunite, get married, have a family, and finally get to enjoy marital and familial bliss.
Due to the injuries, he suffered during his time in the military, Ciro is struck with cancer and dies, leaving behind a heartbroken Enza. However, his warmth and love continue to live on in his wife’s and children’s hearts.
Spanning across several decades and set against multiple backdrops, Trigiani creates a love story that starts off in a simple manner but becomes extraordinary due to its power of perseverance.
Review of The Shoemaker’s Wife
The Shoemaker’s Wife is a perfect presence in the rows of family sagas crafted by Trigiani. Stripping the story of all sorts of pretenses, she makes this particular book mainly about the great love shared between the characters of Ciro and Enza.
As the readers make their way through the story, the conviction with which Trigiani writes makes them believe that the star-crossed lovers can indeed find their way back to one another amidst all the trials and tribulations.
One of the most attractive things about the novel is that it isn’t just a love story, but also an ode to food, family, and the significance of friendship. Trigiani excels at creating a visual picture through her words.
The details provided are all so vivid that a reader feels they’re present while the characters are attempting to migrate from one place to another, almost as if they can touch the materialistic pleasures being described by the author.
Trigiani also knows what it’s like for individuals of the current generation to depend on unknown elements for the outcome of their future, which is she provides ample control to her characters. As we watch them succeed and shape their lives, we feel a virtual sense of accomplishment and pride.
Characters In The Novel “The Shoemaker’s Wife”
The characters in the novel are well-created and have intriguing journeys. Listed below are some of the characters you will come across in this story:
1. Enza Ravanelli
Enza is the female protagonist of the novel. She works hard to make her living as a dressmaker and survive in the United States.
2. Ciro Lazzari
Ciro is the male protagonist of the novel. Even though he loses his father and his mother leaves him and his brother, he makes a good life for himself and also joins the military later on.
3. Caterina
Caterina is Ciro’s mother. She abandons her children after leaving them at a convent and never contacts them again.
4. Remo Zanetti
Remo is a shoemaker in Little Italy. He takes Ciro in as an apprentice.
Quotes
The Shoemaker’s Wife is filled with many memorable quotes. Some of them are as follows:
“Women move through the world never knowing their power.”
“I’ve learned one important lesson in my life, and I’m going to share it with you. Don’t worry about bad things that haven’t happened yet. It will save you a lot of anxiety.”
“A practical girl never pines; she takes action.”
“For a woman, love is the highest dream, and if a man promises to build a ladder tall enough to reach it, she believes him, hikes up her skirt, and follows him to the stars.”
“Moments are history. If you have enough of them, they become a story.”
“When you lose someone, they take a bigger place in your heart, not a smaller one. Every day it grows, because you don’t stop loving them. You wish you could talk to them. You need their advice. But life doesn’t always give us what we need, and it’s difficult.”
“Sometimes we get our hearts broken, only to have the right person come along to mend them.”
“If a man walks in beauty, he will create, and when he creates, he prospers.”
Conclusion
Adriana Trigiani is truly a master of her craft. She knows exactly how to develop every single story in a manner that keeps the readers guessing till the last minute.
The writer emphasizes the significance of strong family ties amidst hurdles and hardships. Trigiani’s own family experiences play a major role in shaping this particular aspect of the story, especially with the angle of immigrant families moving to the United States.
If you’re a reader hoping to try out historical fiction, then this book will serve as a great starting point for that purpose.
