Sicilian Splendors by John Keahey

Sicilian Splendors: Discovering the Secret Places That Speak to the Heart by John Keahey --304 pages

The author is a retired journalist from the U.S. who spends several months a year exploring Sicily, and this is his second book on the island. Several small towns and villages are described along with the history of the island and its relationship with mainland Italy. The main focus of the book is the people who have their own culture, but are welcoming to tourists and recent immigrants from Africa. The author provides very useful information for those planning a trip to the region. 

Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline

 

Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline-408 pages

Franco dreams of owning his own plantation instead of toiling for someone else and getting nowhere.  He would do anything for the Baron he works for.  One day the baron asks him to kidnap a little boy named Dante; unknowingly setting into motion the making of the world's first Mafia family.  A book that takes you to the early history of Sicily and the rigid class system that ruled at the time.  It gives us a glimpse into a horrible madhouse where Dante is held for many years.  Gratefully there are also good people that come to his aid...but they find him too late for his family. 

Lots of characters and family dynamics.  Violence, corruption and heartbreak.  A good read, I give it 4 out of  5 stars.