The Good Left Undone

What a beautifully written book. It really captured the feel of Italy and being part of an Italian family. The characters are distinct and well crafted, and the story is beautiful. I truly loved this.

Very good book. The (based-on-a-true) story is worth five stars, but somehow the writing cruised between dry and sappy. 2024 was unintentionally the year of historical fiction for me (Faceless Old Woman, Babel, The Satanic Verses, The Sea and Poison, One Hundred Years of Solitude, All the Light We Cannot See), so I think my tastes are changing because I'd never though of myself as a fan of these generational tales.

When I really enjoy a book, I procrastinate finishing it. Alas, eventually I must come to know the ending. I put this one off as long as I could and I loved every minute. I miss it already!

The Good Left Undone is a touching story about family and lineage. Anina, the youngest of the Cabrelli women finds herself interested in her family history and seeks the stories her grandmother Matelda has to tell. These stories predominantly focus on her mother Domenica's life. 

I loved so much about this story, but my favorite part was the involvement of Catholicism. It's not often I read more mainstream books that paint such an authentic picture of living life while maintaining these traditions. I really appreciated the reverence. Secondly, the writing was beautiful and there were many thought-provoking passages that I need to go back and re-read. All in all, a wonderful book.