The Madonna of Pisano
Book 1 in The Italian Chronicles Trilogy
A young woman, a priest, and a secret that keeps them bitterly bound to each other …
“Looking for a good Christian novel to delight your mind and refresh your soul? You have just found an unbelievable book you cannot put down! This compelling, mystery novel will fill your mind and soul with the need for Christian forgiveness in a hard-to-believe situation. May booksellers and book lovers alike discover a wonderful book to exceed all expectations! “~ Peggie Bohanon
Title: The Madonna of Pisano
Author: MaryAnn Diorio
Summary
A horrifying encounter drags soon-to-be-married Maria Landro into the shocking world of religious corruption and an unrelenting village code of honor that threatenes to rob her of everything she holds dear. Shunned by the very people who should have embraced her, she withdraws into the confines of Bella Terra, her family’s farm, and remains there for several years . . until she is forced to leave to ensure the formal education of her son. In a desperate attempt to protect her child from vicious tongues and malicious hate-mongers and her family farm from bankruptcy, Maria determines to week vengeance against the one who ruined her life. But when Luca Tonetta enters her life, she learns a powerful lesson about forgiveness and grace.
Discussion Questions for The Madonna of Pisano
ENDORSEMENTS
Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2016
Verified Purchase
I thoroughly enjoyed this intense and unique story. The author, MaryAnn Diorio delivers on the promise contained in the early pages. That is, while the circumstances are similar to recent events in the Catholic Church, an extra twist is added through the historical period in which it takes place.
Maria Landro, the oldest daughter in her family, is responsible by default for running their once thriving farm, Bella Terra. Previously, she had taken a position as housekeeper at the parish rectory where Father Don Franco lived. One day, while she is cleaning his bedroom, he assaults her, and threatens her and her family if she should tell. Soon after, she finds herself pregnant. Her reputation is ruined as gossip in the village rages against her, and the farm suffers because no one wants to do business with that kind of woman.
Six years later, Maria’s son, Nico, must attend the very school where Don Franco is the teacher, as he had been for years. At the same time, Maria needs to find work in order to keep the beautiful Bella Terra in the family. The only problem is, no one wants to hire her. Except, the handsome, kind tailor, Luca Tonetta.
At first, Luca doesn’t know what to believe about Maria’s reputation, but is hesitant to brand her the same way the rest of the village people do. Because she seems to be honest, hard-working, and demure, he becomes convinced that she isn’t what people say. As the two become closer, and Luca becomes attached to Nico, Luca realizes his association with Maria could ruin his business reputation. He becomes determined to find out the truth at all cost.
The story touches on multiple spiritual aspects, such as, forgiveness, redemption and faith. The description of Italian scenery steals the reader’s breath. Kudos for the satisfying and unexpected ending. I highly recommend this book! ~ Deborah Piccurelli, Scriptwriter (Used by permission)
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2017
– Patti Jo Moore (Used by permission)
Dwight Barker
“If you want to be transported back in time to Sicily in the 1860’s and be drawn into a young woman’s plight in the culture of the time, then you must read Doctor MaryAnn Diorio’s, The Madonna of Pisano, the story of betrayal, love, scheming, and finally forgiveness. The author’s apt ability to portray the emotions of Maria, Luca, her love, and priest, Don Franco, are truly enthralling. Also, the author’s skill in describing the landscapes, Mediterranean Sea, weather, sounds, and smells are truly captivating. I had to adjust my day to allow time to learn the outcome of this emotional drama. This book will captivate your heartstrings! “How to Live Forever” at the back of the book reflects MaryAnn’s desire for the reader. Her book has been a blessing to me.” – Dwight Barker (Used by permission)
Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2019
I recently came upon Marianne Diorio’s Trilogy and was immediately captivated with her first book” The Madonna of Pisano.” Her impressive style of writing brings the characters to the reader as dynamic, realistic people experiencing a number of emotions, from laughter to hope to sadness. Throughout the book, a theme of forgiveness permeates the pages. One can easily picture oneself existing during this period of the late nineteenth century in Sicily. The chronicle begins a story of a young girl traumatized only to experience many different emotions during her encounters in Sicily, and later in America. . Learning that the story continues in two more books, “A Sicilian Farewell” and “Return to Bella Terra” was so important so that this reader could fully appreciate the full story and life of Maria, her son Nico and the other family members. . Diorio weaves into the novel a spiritual undertone making it all the more authentic sounding. I would certainly recommend that one purchase the three novels and enjoy the read. You will not be disappointed! – Carlo Melini, M.D., F.A.A.P. (Used by permission).
Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2018
This novel was a very excellent read and I look forward to the next two novels in “The Italian Chronicles”.
Maria Landro is shunned by the village of people that she believed in due to a sin she did not commit. She is forced to her confines of her beloved family farm “Bella Terra”. She learns to trust and forgive. Maria learns that her son and her can be loved.
The author writes from her heart and draws you in to every word she has written. – Gee Dixon, Avid Reader of Fiction (Used by permission).
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