Winner of France's most prestigious literary prize, set in the unforgiving south of Italy, this is an epic tale of love, lies, and a family's disgrace.
Spanning five generations, the Scorta family saga begins in 1870 with Rocco Scorta Mascalzone, the bastard product of a rape and a notorious scoundrel. Burdened by a legacy of infamous crimes and forsaken loves, its lineage doomed to struggle, the Scortas nevertheless are blessed: with pride and a relentless faith in their own power. Their wealth lies in their memories and their collective belief in the pursuit of happiness.
In a narrative both lyrical and linear, Laurent Gaude interweaves a compelling story with a timeless message and the recollections of old Carmela as she delivers her final confession to the family priest, exposing the Scortas' most deeply buried secret.
Translated by Stephen Sartarelli and Sophie Hawkes.
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"I could feel the dry heat, smell the parched stones, hear the anguish and joy of the characters. A multi-generation story in which a curse is a blessing." — Ann (4 out of 5 stars)
"I could feel the dry heat, smell the parched stones, hear the anguish and joy of the characters. A multi-generation story in which a curse is a blessing."
" To read and read and read again !!!! "
" Really enjoyed this book! :) "
" This book is available as an audio book in the Halifax branch. It is the story of five generations of a family in a small village in southern Italy. It is also the recipient of a major literary prize in France. "
" If you like literary family epics, you'll like this book. It's full of amazing landscapes, the good, bad and ugly of human nature and also hope. "
" this is excellent!! I met the author is Arles and he autographed my book; i offered this book to all my friends (authographed) for christmas!! "
" Down the alley of the Buddenbrooks and the Forsythe Saga, but more concise and with a happy ending "
" In Nederlandse vertaling, maar die staat niet bij de edities "
" Se me ha quedado corto "
" An excellent saga of heartache and tragedy and Italian family unity; however, the writing is kind of melodramatic and the overall feeling is unsatisfying to me. "
" Very well done. I suspect there are many family tales such as this. "
" why is the official review talkinga bout Bejnamin, Mary and Kim?! what is that all about - nothing to do with The House of Scorta... "
" i must admit, i cried ... "
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