Nino Ricci's Lives of the Saints masterfully depicts rural Italian life through evocative prose and rich character development. Reviewers commend the novel's atmospheric setting and compelling storyline, though some find its pacing sluggish. Ricci's exploration of themes like faith, identity, and tradition resonates powerfully, despite occasional narrative lulls.

Readers who would enjoy Lives of the Saints by Nino Ricci are those who appreciate intricate family sagas set against rich, historical backdrops. Fans of Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend will likely find this powerful story of culture and identity captivating.

Lives of the Saints by Nino Ricci follows the young Vittorio Innocente as he grows up in the impoverished small town of Valle del Sole in Southern Italy. His life changes dramatically after his mother, Cristina, is bitten by a snake and becomes pregnant by an unknown man. Facing ostracism and shame from their community, they decide to emigrate to Canada, but tragedy strikes during their voyage. The book contains descriptions of domestic violence, bullying, and death.

Melancholic / Mysterious / Contemplative / Bittersweet

Nino Ricci

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

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Lives of the Saints Summary

Background

Lives of the Saints Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Lives of the Saints Chapters 1-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-13

Lives of the Saints Chapters 7-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-20

Lives of the Saints Chapters 14-20 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 21-26

Lives of the Saints Chapters 21-26 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 27-33

Lives of the Saints Chapters 27-33 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Lives of the Saints Character Analysis

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Themes

Lives of the Saints Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Lives of the Saints Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Lives of the Saints Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Lives of the Saints Essay Topics

Lives of the Saints

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Lives of the Saints?

Reading Age

Book Details