Heather’s Bookshelf: The Land of the Living
Author: Timothy Crellin
Released: 02/25/25
Genre: Historical Fiction
“Tommaso had worked in vain to make them presentable for her arrival. Staring by candlelight at the roofing nails sticking through the boards less than three feet above, he lay awake while his wife slept, holding her in his arms on the canvas cot and going over and over his plans for their lives, the house they would live in, the children, the sons, who would be Americans and grow up to live in a way no one from back home could imagine.”
“The Land of the Living” begins in the early 20th century and follows Tommaso Amorelli, a young Sicilian who makes the challenging decision of immigrating to America in hopes of a better life for himself and his wife, Angela.
Surviving the harrowing journey and joining his cousin, Carlo, as a fisherman in Gloucester, Massachusetts, he’s soon joined by his wife. The young couple face the fierce winters, prejudices, language barriers, and personal loss while trying to find their way.
The Great War brings a new set of challenges as Tommaso and Carlo fear they will be deported or worse if they don’t willingly join the military service. Against Angela’s wishes, they enlist and it’s not long before tragedy strikes. Meanwhile, Angela’s learns she’s pregnant and faces her uncertain future.
Will Angela survive all the challenges thrown her way? How will their futures be formed by their pasts? What unforeseen consequences will occur decades down the road?
Trigger Warning: violence, death, miscarriage, racism, prejudice, adult language, sexual situations
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. A historical fiction occurring over most of the 20th century between Sicily and the East Coast of the USA. It’s a tumultuous time (to say the least) and many of the events occur during or around wartime. There’s definite consequences of war and the effect it has on the characters within the story are far reaching. However, I would not characterize this as a “war story”. It’s a story about the characters- the three generations and how decisions and trauma get passed down. It’s about the determination of Angela and Tommaso to make a better life for themselves and their families - no matter the cost. The book is told through several POVs- mostly through Angela, Tommaso, and their family. Each main character has clear motivations, fears, and goals. It’s clearly written by someone who has either researched extensively or has lived parts of the book. The language, slang, and concerns of each generation evolve in a way that feels natural. You feel for these characters and when they feel pain, you feel pain. It’s a compelling, emotional, and thought-provoking story, expertly crafted and told in a way that pulls everything together with a sense of destiny. Well worth the read.
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A historical fiction with three generations of family facing countless challenges of 20th century America. Compelling and relatable characters and highlight this emotional and well-written tale.
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Check out my interview with Timothy Crellin
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