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

- Lives of the Saints by Nino Ricci is the first book in a trilogy, followed by In a Glass House and Where She Has Gone, which together trace the life and journey of the protagonist, Vittorio Innocente.
- The book won several prestigious awards, including the Governor General's Award for Fiction in Canada, reflecting its critical acclaim and the impact of Ricci's storytelling.
- Nino Ricci, the author of Lives of the Saints, drew upon his own Italian-Canadian heritage and experiences for inspiration in crafting the novel's setting and themes.

**Vittorio Innocente**  
A curious, quiet boy who lives with his mother in Valle de Sole on his grandfather’s property and feels a distant connection to his father, who left for America. Initially uninterested in school, he becomes closer to his teacher and gains interest in learning.

**Cristina Innocente**  
Vittorio’s independent and strong-willed mother, who stands out from the villagers due to her questioning of religiosity and traditional norms, living under the same roof as her son and father.

**Vittorio’s Grandfather**  
The town’s former mayor, known as lu podesta, who values traditional ideals and acts as a significant, yet not warmly affectionate, figure in Vittorio’s life.

**Vittorio's Teacher (la maestra)**  
A dedicated and religious schoolteacher who takes a personal interest in Vittorio’s education, encouraging his academic growth by spending extra time with him and introducing him to the Lives of the Saints.

**Fabrizio**  
Vittorio’s only and best friend, slightly older and more confident, who shares his time and mischief with Vittorio despite facing hardship and violence at home.

Nino Ricci

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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

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Essay Topics

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Lives of the Saints

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