Set in Florida of the early 1900's, this is the story of Angelina Pirrello, a teenager who is the daughter of Sicilian immigrants, and where the old traditions are very important.

She is bright and ambitious, and wants to chart her own path in life. Her mother dies in childbirth (child #7), leaving Angelina devastated. She works, for a while, in a cigar factory. She learns that the Mafia has a stranglehold on her community, women do not have the right to vote, and her strict, Sicilian father arranges a marriage to a man Angelina totally dislikes. Angelina makes a gutsy move to take back her destiny, but it comes with huge consequences.

Here is some really good writing. This story has laughter, love, tears and uncertainty. It is a very good snapshot of immigrant life a century ago. This is very much worth reading. ( )