Reader E-mails
- I finished your wonderful book this week and I have been sighing with pleasure over what an accomplishment it is. It’s really a very, very fine novel — feedback you must have gotten thru the academic process, of course, but I really wanted to let you know some of the things that I appreciated about it. It’s really quite complex, so many threads and stories, and with the short chapter format, I got the sense of layers being added to a painting brush-stroke by brush-stroke, or of a large mosaic being completed, small tile by small tile. Its structure is really very successful — mimics the growing awareness we have over our lifetimes, and also the fragmentary way we learn stories in our families, as stories and events are partially disclosed and divulged, as we partially disclose and divulge experiences to people in our families. There is such an intense dramatic build-up, brilliant pacing, and so many mysterious events that are gradually explained to us / discovered, through the narrator, starting with those letters of dread about returning to Calabria. Licia’s voice, by the way, is wonderful — full of both self-knowledge and self-doubt, perplexity and the sharpness needed to survive a lot of pain. There are so many poignant, heartbreaking moments in the book, in Licia’s life, in Aquilonia and Canada, yet it’s not the least bit over-the-top. That’s not an easy accomplishment. I was especially touched by the Alarico/Miriam-Suor Assunta/Federico part of the story, and its roots in the anti-Semitism of the war and the early Fifties. The many brilliant connections — when we learn about how the box of books came to be in the grandfather’s home is just one example of this kind of heartbreak. But there are many others. And, Lina, the writing is fantastic, too! There are a lot of beautiful sections of writing, places where I stopped and admired just what you were doing with the words. And I am still curious about your whole process, how you moved from the illustrated poems you were writing earlier to the novel this became. Congratulations — I hope you and your novel and your publisher get LOTS of attention and kudos! You deserve it. I was so glad to see how packed your launch was and how much fun everyone was having at it! Hooray! And I hope you’re having a great summer! More hugs, Maureen [Maureen Hynes is the author of 'Harm's Way,' 2001, Brick Books]
- I’m writing to let you know that I’ve read your novel. Dear Lina, I’ve enjoyed it very much. I guess, being Calabrese makes me somewhat partial. I liked the way you’ve devised it. It seems to add to the narrative’s flow. I seemed to have picked up different types of diction in the voice of Licia according to time and place, age and location or plain circumstances making it even more realistic to a reader like me whose linguistic abilities have undergone constant, notable change (quite a challenge). I also liked how you managed to end each section in quite a surprising note. I’m glad you didn’t elaborate on the rape event, it was so unexpected and hurtful even with your remarkably gentle approach. Lina, you have mentioned twice your nonno to me, when we first met and later by email. Your nonno’s love of language seems to have gone in your novel by way of Licia’s nonno’s character.This, and also, the fact that you and the “heroine” in the novel were likely of same ages when you immigrated beg me to ask: How much of the content of this story is biographical? Especially because it is your first novel…not that it would detract anything from the captivating story line. I’m just curious! The other character in the story with whom I identified is Alarico. Alarico is the other hero. A “whole person” in spite of his intense sufferings due to his up-bringing. He is the only other “authentic person” in the story. All the other character only managed to survive while Alarico and Licia managed to live, to become living examples of a life well lived in spite of their adversities. Of course, Saverio is another example of a lesser magnitude and the poor, young man, Levi. All the other characters, although real, are weaker and damaged by life’s vicissitudes in/by different degrees. Licia’s mother ethically admirable – Licia’s father, arguably, morally driven – His father, Licia’s grandfather, an unfortunate soul, whose pride often tempers his morality and ethicality – Pia and Maddalena are tragic survivors for different reasons. All in all, a good cross-section of characters well developed within one or two specific cultures. A realistic, believable story by a writer whose sincerity of spirit and honesty of means transpire, throughout. xo Alvaro [Alvaro Tortora is the author of 'Paradise Marshes,' 2007]
- I just want to say that I read your book. It is absolutely stunning. I honestly couldn’t talk for a few hours afterwards, while I was digesting it. It is so intimate, I am sure that publishing it came with a lot of personal risk. It is written so beautifully that I am going to be proud to have met you when you win the Giller prize. Congratulations, Kerry
- I loved your stories and the colourful language you used to paint your vivid pictures of the old country and the new world. Great job. Love, Lewis
- I finished reading your book last week and have been meaning to write you since. It was just amazing. I dragged it out because I didn’t want to finish it too quickly. I LOVE your writing style. The back and forth in time made the moments so real, better than written as a memory, and then bringing it all together at the end. It was wonderful… Love, Cindy
- I loved your book! When is the next one?! I couldn’t write you until I read it through twice, just to make sure it was really that great. And it was! I just know I will be able to say, “I knew her when…” Wow, and congratulations!! Love, Susan
- Only last night I started to read “The Demons of Aquilonia” and I couldn’t put the book down till 3am. I was very moved right at the beginning when I read “The question of loss is complicated because there are many things I gave up willingly, and parts of myself that I willed to disappear.” I had to stop many times while reading your story to reflect on my own story of being from two different places. I was deeply moved by your book. You wrote a powerful story in an incredibly sensitive way.The ‘family tree” and the map of Aquilonia are such a great idea!!! Cheers, Grazyna
- First of all I am so Proud You !! I visited your site ….it left me with teary eyes ….the filmette is fabulous…it draws the viewer into it …wanting them to see more …to see what’s on the other end of the water …. I am sure once viewers see the filmette …they would want to read ‘Demons’ instantly … like I do ..!!! I will share your site with my family & friends. Love ya, Shalini
