Thought-provoking Historical Fiction Based on True Events
"All feet are different, every single one has its own shape. You need to indulge your feet, otherwise all of life is suffering." The Children's Train by Viola Ardone
This historical fiction novel, translated from the original Italian by Clarissa Botsford, could be read as rather simplistic, but knowing it was based on true events brings complex layers of meaning.
In 1946, parents in post-World War II southern Italy, who struggled to provide for themselves and their families, were given the option to send their young children via train to northern Italy to stay with families who were willing and able to provide food, clothing, and shelter for several months. Rumors of the actual conditions (abuse and neglect) and destination (Russia) abounded, but many parents sent their children off with nothing more than prayers and tears.
Because this novel has been compared to Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, I braced myself to read about the terrible conditions these children encountered when they reached their temporary northern homes. Seven-year-old Amerigo, our main character, is the last to be collected at the train station, a bad omen. However, after some initial adjustment issues, Amerigo flourishes under the care of Derna, her sister Rosa, and Rosa's family. For the first time in his young life, Amerigo has a father figure, brothers, a room and possessions of his own, and plenty of food. Two gifts he receives from Rosa's husband Alcide change the course of his life.
However, this arrangement is temporary, and soon it's time for the children to return to their families in Naples. Transitioning back to life with his mother Antonietta, whose situation has improved very little in the months Amerigo was gone, is difficult. It seems unfair that a young child must live with his cold and emotionally unavailable mother in harsh poverty when he has known life in a warm, caring, and prosperous family. The tension of between his obligation to his mother as her only living relative vs. his desire to have a better childhood and future is palpable and resolves in a surprising way.
The final portion of the novel takes place in 1994 and sheds light on Amerigo's decisions and their consequences. He wrestles with many emotions and reconnects with people from his past. To share more would spoil the reading experience for others.
A theme consistent throughout the novel is shoes - young Amerigo plays a game, adding and subtracting points while looking at the condition of others' shoes; his trade in Naples was to be with a cobbler; and often his ill-fitting shoes and the resulting pain and blisters is mentioned, both as a child and an adult. The quote at the beginning of this review provides some insight into this theme.
I'll continue to think about this novel for quite some time, the hallmark of a powerful book. Book clubs can find much to discuss in its 288 pages.
This historical fiction novel, translated from the original Italian by Clarissa Botsford, could be read as rather simplistic, but knowing it was based on true events brings complex layers of meaning.
In 1946, parents in post-World War II southern Italy, who struggled to provide for themselves and their families, were given the option to send their young children via train to northern Italy to stay with families who were willing and able to provide food, clothing, and shelter for several months. Rumors of the actual conditions (abuse and neglect) and destination (Russia) abounded, but many parents sent their children off with nothing more than prayers and tears.
Because this novel has been compared to Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, I braced myself to read about the terrible conditions these children encountered when they reached their temporary northern homes. Seven-year-old Amerigo, our main character, is the last to be collected at the train station, a bad omen. However, after some initial adjustment issues, Amerigo flourishes under the care of Derna, her sister Rosa, and Rosa's family. For the first time in his young life, Amerigo has a father figure, brothers, a room and possessions of his own, and plenty of food. Two gifts he receives from Rosa's husband Alcide change the course of his life.
However, this arrangement is temporary, and soon it's time for the children to return to their families in Naples. Transitioning back to life with his mother Antonietta, whose situation has improved very little in the months Amerigo was gone, is difficult. It seems unfair that a young child must live with his cold and emotionally unavailable mother in harsh poverty when he has known life in a warm, caring, and prosperous family. The tension of between his obligation to his mother as her only living relative vs. his desire to have a better childhood and future is palpable and resolves in a surprising way.
The final portion of the novel takes place in 1994 and sheds light on Amerigo's decisions and their consequences. He wrestles with many emotions and reconnects with people from his past. To share more would spoil the reading experience for others.
A theme consistent throughout the novel is shoes - young Amerigo plays a game, adding and subtracting points while looking at the condition of others' shoes; his trade in Naples was to be with a cobbler; and often his ill-fitting shoes and the resulting pain and blisters is mentioned, both as a child and an adult. The quote at the beginning of this review provides some insight into this theme.
I'll continue to think about this novel for quite some time, the hallmark of a powerful book. Book clubs can find much to discuss in its 288 pages.