One would think that establishing a nursery wouldn’t incur any opposition but unfortunately for Francesca, there are many Chionoti who don’t want her accomplishing her assignment. Having the people of Santa Chionia remain backwards and uneducated benefits a small group of elites who aren’t going to allow Francesca to crash their party. Especially not a young American woman who doesn’t know the ways and customs of the village. As an outsider, Francesca has a multitude of problems dealing and just communicating with the Chionoti. She doesn’t know who to trust; people she believed to be enemies are really allies, and some of her “friends” are really her detractors. Not only does Francesca have to cope with contentious townsfolk, but quite often she is her own worst enemy. Francesca is stubborn, impetuous, rash, reckless, temperamental, and naïve, all traits which cause her to end up in hot water more than once. She’s also kindhearted, loving, sensitive, passionate, making her a completely endearing character. In spite of her many flaws and impulsive behavior, it’s difficult to not be behind her 100%.
As if Francesca didn’t already have a herculean task setting up a nursery school not everyone desires, she ends up taking on the role of amateur detective. A flood unearths a human skeleton that had been buried underneath the post office. One woman believes that the remains belong to her missing son, while another woman believes that it’s her unaccounted for husband. Both of these women beg Francesca to help them ascertain what happened to their loved ones. Suffice it to say, many of the townspeople don’t appreciate Francesca’s poking around. Francesca also has to make difficult decisions regarding how involved she wants to become with the other issues happening around her, such as domestic abuse, extortion, and thievery. As Francesca realizes that her life may be in danger, she’s torn between her desire to complete her mission, and wanting to escape with her life. As the story progressed and the suspense continued to build, it's easy to become anxious about Francesca’s well being.
The author has done a marvelous creating a sense of place. Santa Chionia is a picturesque town that for all of its beauty, contains much ugliness and vileness. It was horrifying to hear about such barbaric traditions as fuitina and "rehabilitating marriage.” She also excels in creating fascinating and memorable characters.
I was torn between wanting to see how the story was going to end, and not wanting to end my time in the world of Francesca and Santa Chionia. I usually don’t care for sequels but I would love for the author to revisit Santa Chionia, maybe have Francesca become an advisor to another idealistic young woman who attempts to bring an improved quality of life to the children in this town where the people in power will do all that they can to maintain the status quo, thwarting progress at all costs.
I highly recommend getting lost in Santa Chionia, you might never want to come back.
Reviewed by Christina Crocker
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