The Good Left Undone: A Novel Adriana Trigiani
In Adriana Trigiani's "The Good Left Undone," an instant New York Times bestseller, readers are enveloped in the multigenerational saga of the Cabrelli family. At its heart is Matelda, the family's resilient matriarch, determined to unearth a deeply held secret about her mother's forbidden love before her own time fades.
Trigiani paints a vivid tapestry of Tuscan landscapes and intricate family dynamics. Matelda's mother, Domenica, traverses wartime Italy, encountering love, heartbreak, and the longing for home amidst the tumult of World War II. From Viareggio to Marseille, Scotland, and wartime Liverpool, Domenica's journey illuminates the struggles of Italian Scots unjustly detained.
A century later, Matelda's daughter, Anina, and granddaughter, Matelda, grapple with echoes of the past and questions of identity. As Matelda's life draws to a close, the converging timelines yield unexpected connections, leading to revelations that reshape the family's narrative and offer a path to reconciliation.
Trigiani's narrative is lauded for its rich exploration of familial bonds, the enduring power of storytelling, and its immersive portrayal of Italy's landscapes and wartime tribulations. "The Good Left Undone" is a poignant testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the timeless allure of family lore.