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The Road to Moresco
Win a free kindle copy of this book!
0 days and 19:23:24
50 copies available
U.S. only
At the turn of the 20th century, Maria-Luisa Moresco was not like most Italian women of her time. She was driven to achieve her professional aspirations when others looked for a happy and healthy family and a peaceful environment to call home. But when multiple tragedies struck – earthquakes and storms, unexpected deaths, World War II, broken relationships, even murders – she, and later her daughter Chiara, were forced to find a way forward despite their irreplaceable losses. Against the backdrop of a Europe in constant turmoil, their survival instincts, persistence, and resilience became their path forward. Discover more about these astounding, complicated, talented women in The Road to Moresco.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 3, 2023
Entertaining family saga, set against the background of world events, from early 20th century until present day, concentrating on two courageous and independent women, mother and daughter, the pianist Maria-Luisa and her daughter Chiara/Clara. I liked the author starting off with a thumbnail history of Italy. The story took us from Italy, to Poland, to Germany, then the U.S. Why was Arsenio not mentioned in the family tree? After all, he and Clara were married for 37 years. I thought his wisdom valuable and helped keep the volatile Clara on an even keel. And Mark--why was he only a question mark on the family tree? I thank LibraryThing for sending me a copy.
October 10, 2023
First of all, thank you LibraryThing for an arc of this wonderful novel! "The Road to Moresco" by Mark Jamilkowski is his debut novel, and I hope to read many more novels by this talented author in the future. Mr. Jamilkowski reminds me a lot of James Michener. The research as seen in the prologue, the maps included throughout the chapters, and how he connects historical events into the plot made this a truly engaging read. The plot follows the life of Maria-Luisa Moresco and her family. She is a strong-willed woman ahead of her time. She yearns for a life that involves independence from the traditional roles of women during the beginning of the 20th century. There are trials and tribulations throughout, as she and her family navigate the changing times. If you are a fan of well-written historical fiction, I would highly recommend that you add this novel to your tbr list!
September 21, 2023
This powerful narrative spotlights the lives of resilient female characters, immersing readers in their triumphs and tribulations. Each woman embodies a unique brand of courage and grace, interwoven to create a tapestry of female empowerment. After finishing this book, I felt a renewed sense of motivation and empowerment. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to revisit its pages!
October 9, 2023
Mark Jamilkowski’s debut novel, The Road to Moresco, is a fascinating tale that takes the reader on a journey through the trials and tribulations of the life of concert pianist Moresco.
The opening pages of this story encapsulate the memorable journey the reader is about to embark upon: "...This is a story about people, places and times, but mostly a story about family and the dynamics which influence actions and reactions…Like drips of water from snow melting on a mountain top, each event in turn becomes a drip collecting with the next to form a brook, then a stream, then a river, joining with the rainwater..."
On December 27, 1910, Francesca and Giuseppe Carnabuci are on their way home from religious festivities. They are excited for the New Year and the performances that will occur in celebration of ‘Mary.’ Shortly after they arrive home and prepare for bed, sometime in the wee hours of December 28th, they are awakened to a catastrophe with no warning. Walls cracked and the earth shook as a formidable earthquake ruptured the seabed under the Strait of Messina. Barely escaping their home with their lives intact, the Carnabuci’s stood outside in shock and watched their home crumble before them. In the coming days, the beautiful seaside town by the Strait of Messina would be nothing more than rubble, debris, and destruction. In the aftermath of the earthquake, Guiseppe chose Santa Teresa di Riva as their new home; a small town south from Messina along the coast of Sicily that was tucked up against the mountains and foothills of Mt. Etna. His hope was to rebuild the wonderful life the two had begun together. Soon Guiseppe would learn he was about to be a father and perhaps this was a sign that happiness would surround them in the coming months and years ahead. Sadly, tragedy would knock on their door again when Giuseppe is killed in WWI leaving behind his wife and their son, Marcello.
As the years go by and Marcello is now a young man, he leaves home to seek fortune and becomes Maria-Luisa Moresco’s lover. She is a striking Italian woman inherently driven to attain insurmountable heights in her professional career when those who surround her are more driven to achieve a happy family and a place to call home. Adamantly against the notion that Marcello decides to go off to war, it’s difficult to tell if she is more angry than distraught when she receives the news he is killed in Spain. What Marcello would never know is he fathered a beautiful baby girl (Chiara) to his lover Maria-Luisa. Over time, Maria-Luisa meets the accomplished violinist, Max Strub, and they eventually marry. However, Maria-Luisa feels her life and ambitions have been derailed because she has a child. She is an accomplished pianist in her own right and cannot accept the responsibility of motherhood over a career.
The complexities and layers of this story are difficult to capture in two short paragraphs. However, I commend Mark Jamilkowski for the fantastic job he did when it comes to the attention to detail. He applies great color to his character development in this rich body of work. He takes his time in building the momentum of the story in a ‘rags to riches’ fashion as much as he infuses the perils of Nazi Germany and Musellini’s dictatorial rein over Italy during this iconic period of time in history. There are wonderful nuggets of history that are woven into an intriguing story of musical accomplishment and the challenges of wanting to have it all as sacrifices are made to achieve that dream.
Quill Says: The Road to Moresco is a tantamount example of not only can you not have it all, but sometimes you can’t always get what you want either.
The opening pages of this story encapsulate the memorable journey the reader is about to embark upon: "...This is a story about people, places and times, but mostly a story about family and the dynamics which influence actions and reactions…Like drips of water from snow melting on a mountain top, each event in turn becomes a drip collecting with the next to form a brook, then a stream, then a river, joining with the rainwater..."
On December 27, 1910, Francesca and Giuseppe Carnabuci are on their way home from religious festivities. They are excited for the New Year and the performances that will occur in celebration of ‘Mary.’ Shortly after they arrive home and prepare for bed, sometime in the wee hours of December 28th, they are awakened to a catastrophe with no warning. Walls cracked and the earth shook as a formidable earthquake ruptured the seabed under the Strait of Messina. Barely escaping their home with their lives intact, the Carnabuci’s stood outside in shock and watched their home crumble before them. In the coming days, the beautiful seaside town by the Strait of Messina would be nothing more than rubble, debris, and destruction. In the aftermath of the earthquake, Guiseppe chose Santa Teresa di Riva as their new home; a small town south from Messina along the coast of Sicily that was tucked up against the mountains and foothills of Mt. Etna. His hope was to rebuild the wonderful life the two had begun together. Soon Guiseppe would learn he was about to be a father and perhaps this was a sign that happiness would surround them in the coming months and years ahead. Sadly, tragedy would knock on their door again when Giuseppe is killed in WWI leaving behind his wife and their son, Marcello.
As the years go by and Marcello is now a young man, he leaves home to seek fortune and becomes Maria-Luisa Moresco’s lover. She is a striking Italian woman inherently driven to attain insurmountable heights in her professional career when those who surround her are more driven to achieve a happy family and a place to call home. Adamantly against the notion that Marcello decides to go off to war, it’s difficult to tell if she is more angry than distraught when she receives the news he is killed in Spain. What Marcello would never know is he fathered a beautiful baby girl (Chiara) to his lover Maria-Luisa. Over time, Maria-Luisa meets the accomplished violinist, Max Strub, and they eventually marry. However, Maria-Luisa feels her life and ambitions have been derailed because she has a child. She is an accomplished pianist in her own right and cannot accept the responsibility of motherhood over a career.
The complexities and layers of this story are difficult to capture in two short paragraphs. However, I commend Mark Jamilkowski for the fantastic job he did when it comes to the attention to detail. He applies great color to his character development in this rich body of work. He takes his time in building the momentum of the story in a ‘rags to riches’ fashion as much as he infuses the perils of Nazi Germany and Musellini’s dictatorial rein over Italy during this iconic period of time in history. There are wonderful nuggets of history that are woven into an intriguing story of musical accomplishment and the challenges of wanting to have it all as sacrifices are made to achieve that dream.
Quill Says: The Road to Moresco is a tantamount example of not only can you not have it all, but sometimes you can’t always get what you want either.
December 8, 2023
Mark Jamilkowski's inaugural novel, The Road to Moresco, presents a sweeping narrative that spans over 150 years, intricately weaving the threads of global historical events with the intimate saga of an Italian family. The novel's canvas stretches from the mid-1800s in Sicily to contemporary Italy, tracing the Moresco family's odyssey across continents and generations. Jamilkowski blends historical fact with fiction, creating a richly detailed world where readers can vividly experience both the grandeur and the turmoil of the times.
The novel's strength lies in its complex and dynamic characters. It features a diverse ensemble, each navigating the turbulent waters of their personal and political realities. Particularly noteworthy are the novel's female characters. They are portrayed as formidable and resilient, actively shaping their destinies against the backdrop of societal constraints.
Jamilkowski's prose is evocative, painting each scene with such vivid imagery that readers feel transported into the heart of the story, experiencing its highs and lows alongside the characters. At the core of The Road to Moresco are themes of fascism, Nazism, and the ramifications of the Second World War. The narrative delves into the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship set against this tumultuous historical backdrop.
The story primarily focuses on Maria-Luisa Moresco, a determined pianist, as she juggles her career ambitions with the demands of family and motherhood, and her daughter, Chiara, who navigates her own complex path of love and duty. Their relationship, marked by love and conflict, mirrors the larger historical and cultural shifts of the era.
Jamilkowski's debut novel blends music, war, love, and family life. It all comes together in a resonant and powerful narrative. This book is an engaging read for those interested in the interplay of history, culture, politics, and personal stories within the grand tapestry of a family saga. Jamilkowski's work leaves an indelible mark, making The Road to Moresco a commendable addition to the genre.
The novel's strength lies in its complex and dynamic characters. It features a diverse ensemble, each navigating the turbulent waters of their personal and political realities. Particularly noteworthy are the novel's female characters. They are portrayed as formidable and resilient, actively shaping their destinies against the backdrop of societal constraints.
Jamilkowski's prose is evocative, painting each scene with such vivid imagery that readers feel transported into the heart of the story, experiencing its highs and lows alongside the characters. At the core of The Road to Moresco are themes of fascism, Nazism, and the ramifications of the Second World War. The narrative delves into the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship set against this tumultuous historical backdrop.
The story primarily focuses on Maria-Luisa Moresco, a determined pianist, as she juggles her career ambitions with the demands of family and motherhood, and her daughter, Chiara, who navigates her own complex path of love and duty. Their relationship, marked by love and conflict, mirrors the larger historical and cultural shifts of the era.
Jamilkowski's debut novel blends music, war, love, and family life. It all comes together in a resonant and powerful narrative. This book is an engaging read for those interested in the interplay of history, culture, politics, and personal stories within the grand tapestry of a family saga. Jamilkowski's work leaves an indelible mark, making The Road to Moresco a commendable addition to the genre.
March 3, 2024
I did not feel like this was historical fiction. It read more like a history book. I expected to find compelling characters but felt instead they were flat and did not engage me at all. The opening set the tone of the book, which was in no way absorbing and as I read further, I kept anticipating a change in pace, which never came. Many of the characters seemed to struggle with emotions resulting in intensely conflictive relationships. While the author made a good effort to help the reader better understand the characters, the dialogue seemed forced at times and did not propel the story forward. I appreciated the historical detail, was impressed with the research, and found the maps beneficial. I got this book as an Early Reviewer for LibraryThing. Thank you to LibraryThing and the author.
December 3, 2023
I got this book as an Early Reviewer for LibraryThing. I could not download the book and the author went to a lot of trouble to send me the book in another way.
Thank you again for that Mark.
The book tells the story of a family, starting in Italy and ending in America, from 1910 till about 2021.
To me the most interesting parts were the stories of living in Italy and Germany before and during World War II.
The style of the book was somewhat stilted. I can understand that: the writer has done a lot of research and it is always difficult to rewrite the found information.
Thank you again for that Mark.
The book tells the story of a family, starting in Italy and ending in America, from 1910 till about 2021.
To me the most interesting parts were the stories of living in Italy and Germany before and during World War II.
The style of the book was somewhat stilted. I can understand that: the writer has done a lot of research and it is always difficult to rewrite the found information.
October 11, 2023
I’m not a huge fan of nonfiction, especially biographies, but this one was pretty excellent! There was a lot of history, and there was love and loss and some truly heartbreaking moments. There were some great moments as well. I really enjoyed reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews