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Loading... Rococo : a novel (original 2005; edition 2005)by Adriana Trigiani
Work detailsRococo by Adriana Trigiani (2005)
None.  Limelite | Dec 21, 2012 |  Fun to read, but not as wonderful as all of her other novels. I thought the narrator was a woman for several pages. Still worth reading since she is such a fun author. (  ) flame8 | Nov 7, 2010 | This was my first Trigiani, and I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for more of her books. It tells the story of one Bartolomeo di Crespi, interior designer extraordinaire of coastal New Jersey. In between brief flirtations with beautiful women of the design world and dealing with the dramas of his boisterous Italian-American extended family, Bartolomeo manages to secure the job he has always dreamed about: the renovation of his beloved local church, Our Lady of Fatima. However, it soon becomes apparent that there will be huge obstacles to overcome in the quest to turn this old Gothic building into a heavenly haven, and Bartolomeo must bring together all the people he loves and learn a few lessons along the way in order to fulfil his dream. The novel is, quite simply, delicious. It drips with colour and texture, fabrics and furniture, and our charismatic narrator's knowledge and passion for his work infuses every page. The characters are larger than life, and the dialogue within the feisty family just sparkles. I looked forward to returning to the book each time I had to set it aside, and thoroughly enjoyed savouring each and every moment I was reading it. I can't wait to see what else Trigiani has to offer! (  )2  elliepotten | May 27, 2010 | Very enjoyable book about the (non-gay, still single, committed Catholic) designer B, in the 1970s, his friends, his family and his desire to decorate the local church........."may you never get what you wish for" is always a good rule to live by, as he gets the chance, and then the trouble really starts nordie | May 15, 2010 | this is a laugh-out-loud funny book...i listened to the audio and the reader is perfect. ( ) bettyjo | Jul 17, 2009 | no reviews | add a review
References to this work on external resources.
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LibraryThing AuthorAdriana Trigiani is a LibraryThing Author, an author who lists their personal library on LibraryThing.
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Wikipedia in English
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Bartolomeo di Crespi, aka “B,” is a devoutly Catholic, forthy-something, New Jersey decorator of Italian descent who experiences trials and travails as he renovates his parish church, Our Lady of Fatima in the 1970s. He is mordanat and has a critics eye, but the was he is written makes him "sound" androgenous, if not downright feminine.
Still the story is humorous, well written, with sharply drawn heartwarming characters. "Rococ" is a novel that radiates a strong sense of this large Italian-American family. It overflows with characters and thei lives: B's sister (Toot), his nephew, his in-laws, their relationships ups and downs, and the misdirected hopes of a marriage between him and Capri Mandelbaum, a life-long family friend, whose mother, Aurelia, tries to manipulate the “couple.”
This novel is full of human understanding, compassion, decorating detail, and recipes. Reading about these people is like reading about what your friends are doing. I had a strong feeling of inclusion in spite of not being Italian nor RC. B is not quite believable as a man, and is never described as gay, just happily single. But the reader fails to suspend disbelief – how could he be anything else?
Good diversion. I seem to be seeking this kind of reading material out in face of the first half of the year spent reading “weightier tomes.” Think I’ll try some more unknown writers just to see what it gets me. And maybe more of Adriana Trigiani's writing as well. (