My January read for #RWYOiC. I found this a mostly good read if slow-moving and at times boring. The story was intriguing enough, though it wasn’t until the third or so chapter that I felt compelled to keep picking it up.

It follows a young boy in a small Italian town who is now trying to deal with rumours of his mother’s infidelity while he goes about his usual life with chores and school and town events. His father has moved overseas to America and is working on sending money so his family can eventually join him. It’s a curious look at this little town in the 1960s, filled with superstitions and busybodies, farming and family life.

To be honest, I’m not sure why this book caught the eye of so many literary awards but the story is interesting enough as a little day in the life of these people in Italy.