Customer Reviews

The Miracles of Santo Fico

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The Miracles of Santo Fico is the sort of book you need to keep arund handy for those times when you are felling totally disaffected, alienated, disjointed--whatever--and in need of a humanity fix.

The story of the residents of an isolated, long forgotten Tuscan village, this book revolves around the return to the village of a native son, Leo Pizzolo, who departed years earlier under urgent, mysterious circumstances. As Leo begins to reintegrate himself into the local scene his return sparks a lot of unsettled introspection on the part of many Santo Fico residents relating to the history of the town and the circumstances of Leo's departure.

This is a sweet, gentle, warm stroll through the peaks and valleys of local village life and the bonds and relationships it fosters-and destroys.

Filled with lovingly drawn, genuinely interesting characters, redolent of the ambiance of the Tuscan countryside, infused with a sense of warmth and love of mankind, this is a book that will bring tears to your eyes and fill you with a sense of peace.

There aren't many books like this out there any more-relish this one.

Once this book gets going it's impossible to put it down. Great characters and entertaining story that sweeps to a surprising and touching finish. Very visual - it was as if I was watching a movie of this small Italian town with its quirky inhabitants.
Action, romance, suspense, humor, picturesque setting - it had it all. Best quick read in a while. I loved it and didn't want it to end.

What a wonderful book! My father told me I had to read it when I was visiting. He said I would find it moving and charming, and I did. It keeps you concerned (you like the characters and wish them well) and entertained (the author has a love of human nature and a deft turn of phrase) and, at the very end, may well make you cry. But they are joyous tears. I can't give this book a high enough rating. You will love it.

Having read all of the glowing reviews here at Amazon, I had to give this book a try. Could it really be as good as everyone seems to think? Turns out that most of the reviews fell short, as will mine. Quite simply, this is the best book that I have ever read.

The setting descriptions are magnificantly simple and appealing. The characterizations go far beyond depth; they issue personalities. And its continually evolving plot has superb flow.

It's as poignant as To Kill a Mockingbird, yet at times as laugh-out-loud funny as P.G. Wodehouse's best. In fact, the book's characters and their interplay is very much akin to Wodehouse, though not quite as heavy-handed.

I cannot recommend The Miracles of Santo Fico highly enough. You will enjoy reading it & then you'll enjoy sharing it with someone you care about.

What a delightful book to have found by chance at the library. I have a paticular fondness for all things Italian so the cover of this book jumped at me right away. What I found inside was a story that is immediately enchanting, funny, sweet, and nostalgic. The characters come to life and you find your self rooting for good outcomes for them all. I have about 10 pages left to read and I don't want the book to end! It's rare to find a book that's so engaging and well-written but without all the usual sex, vulgarity, and/or immorality that is usually found in today's reading. Well done!

This book was a joy! It was light, a bit funny, heartwarming and contained a lovely message about life. It reminded me of another of my favorite books, "A Bell for Adano", written 50 years ago by John Hersey.

I believe that the reviewers who take issue with the plausibility of some of the action are missing the point. They probably like heavier, more serious books. As one other reviewer says, this book is whimsical. I don't think the author intended to catalogue real-life activities. The story is fun with a message. If you want an enjoyable, feel-good, fun type of book, I highly recommend The Miracles of Santa Fico.

In "The Miracles of Santo Fico," D.L. Smith introduces readers to a quaint little Italian villa. Santo Fico used to attract many visitors who would come to witness a miracle for themselves. But nowadays the only visitors are those who stumble into town by accident. It has since become run down, holding only memories of what used to be.

After twenty years, Leo Pizzola has returned to Santo Fico from America in search of a way to get rich quick. No one seems to be happy to see him, except his long time friend Topo.

Everyone in Santo Fico has deep hidden secrets. Marta is a woman who has lost her faith in love. Her daughter, Carmen, is rebelling against her mother while Marta's other daughter, Nina, drifts gracefully through life blind.

Father Elio is haunted by his past and has lost his faith in the church. Leo has lost his faith in Santo Fico.

When a devastating earthquake turns the town upside down, Leo and Topo embark on a plan to create their own 'miracle' to try and restore the faith in themselves and all the townspeople of Santo Fico once again.

Regret and forgiveness play major parts throughout this novel. Long-kept secrets come to surface and changes begin to take place, perhaps even the biggest miracle anyone could ever expect.

"The Miracles of Santo Fico" is a whimsical and wholesome tale told from the point of view of many narrators.

Mama Mia! What a sparkling, refreshing, and endearing read.... I loved this book because in my "Mind's eye" I was taken back to those Siena colored Tuscan moments in time... aaahhh, The characters are a varied bunch but the author is so gifted in words that each one has been carved out his own heart and soul... from Leo to Topo, Nico to Nina.... They all come ALIVE in the pages of this WONDERFUL STORY OF LIFES GREATEST GIFTS... the power of LOVE!

I was blown away by this book. I found the story enchanting and I was instantly absorbed. This story captures all of the romance and beauty one could hope for in a novel. Excellent!

Whoever wrote the second review for this book ("Sue") is off her rocker. Her review is ludicrous. This was, without question, one of the best books I've ever read. It was cleverly funny, touched on the seriousness of life and had a perfect ending. What a beautiful combination of elements in a novel. I couldn't put it down. Don't waste another moment....get this book today!! You will want to share it with everyone you know!!