Falling Through the New World

This novel in stories acquaints us four generations of an Italian/Italian-American family through the twists and turns of everyday life and as they adapt to catastrophes both personal, societal, and global. These are stories of heartbreak and resilience, love and family. I loved it from the first page. It's a beautiful book. I will seek out more writing by this author. 5 stars.

All of my grandparents were born in Italy so I love reading about Italian and Italian American families. I always feel a connection, an appreciation, an understanding of who these people are in some way. Whenever I read about people coming through Ellis Island, I can’t help but wonder what my grandparents’ experience might have been like.

The delirium of the Spanish flu , the war and what we now call ptsd, loss, marriage and separation while a husband goes to America to make a way for the wife and the prayers, the many prayers , the devotion to the Catholic beliefs are here at once in the beginning of this novel. A hope for a better future in America, but not everything can be escaped - death, adultery , the stock market crash . The three generations of women that follow try to understand their parents and grandparents history, and beliefs . When they do, they honor them. It’s as much about the old world as the new. This is described as a novel in stories, moving from one generation to another, but to me it just felt like a novel. I wish it had been longer and that there had been more time spent on how each generation made its way. The writing is excellent .

I received a copy of this book from Gold Lake Press through NetGalley

This novel recounts generations of a family battling many hardships beginning in the WWI era. The parts set in Italy were especially touching to me. It portrays the immigrant story that many will relate to. The story ebbs and flows between what is real and not in a poetic way. The characters are realistic with their flaws and shortcomings. Loved the spiritualness that bound it together.

I really enjoyed reading this. It had that historical field that I really enjoyed. I I love the use of italian american family and that we get to see four generations throughout this book. Cynthia Reeves does a great job in telling the story and making sure everything fit perfectly together.
I'm glad I got to see how when you emigrate to another country, you adopt adopt into other cultures and how you shape your own.
The characters were what I was expecting. And I really enjoyed getting to know each generation in this story.