5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great first novel!, March 3, 2004
This review is from: Antonio's Wife: A Novel (Hardcover)
ANTONIO'S WIFE by Jacqueline Dejohn
Here is the debut novel by Jacqueline DeJohn, ANTONIO'S WIFE. It takes us into the world of early 1900's New York and the world of Italian Opera, the poverty that was part of life for the newly settled immigrants, and the hatred that was too apparent between the Irish and the Italians. In this story, Opera diva Francesca Frascatti is in search of her long lost daughter Maria, now known to the world as Mina DiGianni, and when Mina finds herself in the employ of this opera diva, it is destiny.
Cesca and her "lover" Dante work together to find her daughter, and when Mina becomes Cesca's assistant, there are clues that make Cesca think this is indeed her daughter. Mina does not know that her mother is still alive, because she was told years ago that her mother had died from illness.
Meanwhile, Mina is married to an abusive Italian man named Antonio, but because of the laws she is afraid to leave him or do anything to upset him. She receives no love from him, as he treats her like his property and spends most of his time in the arms of another woman, Kathleen, the owner of an Irish pub where Antonio spends most of his time.
The plot line is thick with turns and surprises, as Cesca and Dante follow the clues to the missing daughter. They are trying to beat the clock, since Mina's grandfather Emilio, a rich and powerful man from Italy, is also on the trail, hoping to find Mina first. It is a race to the finish, with each chapter more and more exciting. What happens at the very end may or may not surprise the reader, but nevertheless, will keep the readers guessing.
DeJohn's theme for ANTONIO'S WIFE is "destino"... and it is the destiny for this young girl to travel to America to seek her fate. Or is it? Do we have a choice in what our destiny will be? Or are we all doomed to be held to our destiny and what life has to offer. Mina truly did believe in her destiny, and she accepted it no matter how life treated her. Dejohn hopes it is her destiny to find out what really happened to her own grandmother and great grandmother, whose lives inspired this novel. This reader highly recommends this first novel by Jacqueline Dejohn, and is looking forward to new novels yet to come.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding first-time author... deliciously well written., March 2, 2004
This review is from: Antonio's Wife: A Novel (Hardcover)
ANTONIO'S WIFE: A Novel by first-time Author Jacqueline DeJohn... pre-published edition 2004
A reader becomes hooked within the first pages of ANTONIO'S WIFE by the author's writing style, relishing the mixture of dialect & style of "performance" assigned to each character. The reader is transported to another era in time, revealing human frailties of heartache, sacrifice, evil, deceit, betrayal, greed, weakness, revenge, abuse... transformed to love, joy, strength, happiness, devotion, forgiveness, freedom, a realization of dreams and a successful "destino".
Some say "don't judge a book by its cover"... I say, "don't judge a book by its first pages"!
The setting for ANTONIO'S WIFE is the early 1900's, the opera world, a Diva - Francesca ('Cesca') Frascatti travels to America in search of daughter Maria Grazia, regretfully abandoned in Italy, & longing to find her daughter to make amends. Francesca is portrayed as talented, very strong, resilient, "huffy" and rude at times... also revealed is the Diva's kind & warm-hearted nature - an opposer of prejudice & discrimination, Cesca shows support of her friend, a black ring-fighter Jack Johnson and his white fiancée.
Mina DiGianni, ANTONIO'S WIFE, lace maker by profession, accepts employment as the Diva's dresser, revealing a loving Diva Francesca through the warmth & kindness shown Mina & becoming her protectress.
Detective Dante Romano, under a veil of secrecy, poses as Cesca's lover to assist in the search for the Diva's daughter. Dante portrays a trusting, carefree caretaker with a determined nature, and supposed role as an adventurous Romeo & pursuer of women.
With tribulations in her home life, Mina faces an abusive husband Antonio DiGianni, and carries secrets of her life in Italy. Mina is somewhat shy, apprehensive, assuming, but astute and discerning. Upon accepting the offer of employment with the Diva, & meeting Dante for the first time, Mina is instantly attracted to him. 'But choices are made, one pays a price' is Mina's belief. Seeking assistance in making her decision to leave her marriage bears no answers; priests only offer platitudes... "be meek, Mina", they say. Mina still holds in her heart -- 'hope in facing the past & embracing the future'.
Kathleen, bar-owner and Antonio's mistress, is feisty, competitive, resilient, & resourceful, albeit tough, wanton & ruthless. Cast-player Mario is cheated out of his would-be marriage to Mina by maneuverings of Antonio, but Mario remains a faithful friend to Antonio, with inner longings and friendship in his love for Mina.
Don Emilio is a man of mystery; his appearance in America is a threat to the status quo; he is known by Francesca Frascatti via her former life in Italy. Emilio is wealthy, ruthless and demanding, inclusive of a mixture of wanting to do the right thing according to his beliefs, while protecting what he is seeking.
AUTHOR Jacqueline DeJohn is a talented writer! Bene, Ms. DeJohn! Written with energy, ANTONIO'S WIFE is poetic, philosophical, heartwarming, endearing, with exceptional use and placement of words, a strong premise, plot & character representations are combined in a descriptive time period. The author shows keenness in her selection of story style -- with vivid flashbacks to Italy and forward again to America.
Some readers' expectations of a story is a "catch" of his/her attention immediately, with a few words or actions promising suspense. There are writers who intentionally grab your attention beginning immediately with an event/action - then there are those who gently coax the reader with just enough beginning interest to entice the reader to continue with the book, as well as discovering a treasured read. The latter is author Jacqueline DeJohn! DeJohn's technique of pacing the introduction of central male & female characters connected with life in Italy, attributes this read with a great deal of promise.
My compliments to the author, Jacqueline DeJohn,for an extraordinary writing - ANTONIO'S WIFE: A Novel. This reader finds the following words especially beautifully expressed in the Acknowledgments section, Ms. DeJohn states: "Finally, if you, the reader are moved to write or create. . . trust that you have all the ingredients you need to start your own minestrone. I promise spice will be provided along the way and destino will do the rest." This statement gives readers and would-be writers encouragement! Gracie, Ms. DeJohn for I am such a reader.
In the content of the book it is written & worthy of note: "The most important element for a happy life is not money or fame, but love. Love shared, no matter what the relationship, is the catalyst that transforms a barren existence and fills an empty heart."
ANTONIO'S WIFE is to be savored like a fine-aged wine. This reader looks forward to future writings by author Jacqueline DeJohn. Writing is your "destino!" Buona Fortuna, Andiomio, Ms. DeJohn! Best wishes for continued success - I look forward to your next writing.
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