Official Review: The Greatest Treason by Fiorentino Ferri

Please use this forum to discuss historical fiction books. Common definitions define historical fiction as novels written at least 25-50 years after the book's setting.
Forum rules
Authors and publishers are not able to post replies in the review topics.
User avatar
Julie Green
Posts: 582
Joined: 31 May 2018, 17:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 45
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-julie-green.html
Latest Review: Fate Line by Marc J. Seifer

Official Review: The Greatest Treason by Fiorentino Ferri

Post by Julie Green »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Greatest Treason" by Fiorentino Ferri.]
Book Cover
3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review


Travelling from Scotland, Giovanni Bartolomeo hopes to start a new life in his father's ancestral village in the tranquil setting of rural Italy. Giovanni's family history is anything but tranquil, however. Giovanni's sister, Lucrezia, was murdered by rampaging soldiers during the war and, due to the manner of her death, Lucrezia is being considered as a possible case for beatification. After spending time studying at a seminary, Giovanni takes up the role of parish priest at Collaquila, an impoverished village in the mountains.

All goes well until Giovanni comes to blows with Raffaele Staffieri, a local resident who has also spent time in Scotland, and who had clashed with Giovanni's father during the war. Enter Father Fiachre Fahy from Ireland, tasked by the Cardinal to investigate whether Lucrezia is worthy of being put forward for canonisation.

The Greatest Treason by Fiorentino Ferri is beautifully told. The language is rich, colourful and textured. In one scene, we bump into a herd of tintinnabulating goats as our hero Giovanni enters the village of Collaquila. Elsewhere, we meet a monk described as smelling of onions and mothballs. However, my favourite scene in the book revolves around a celebratory dinner party; its description is an absolute triumph of storytelling. We can see the huge banqueting table with legs that are a source of sustenance to woodworm and local gossips. We can hear the garrulous guests conversing about the quality of the wine being served and we can almost taste the mounds of gnocchi as they are being brought to the table. Furthermore, we are made privy to the thoughts of tactile pleasures on the minds of some of the less scrupled guests.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. While I appreciated the beauty of the descriptions, I would have enjoyed the book more with the benefit of a family tree. It was challenging to follow the links between the various families and to decipher the trail of their historical connections. The intricacies of Catholic catechism posed yet another barrier to clarity. On a more basic level, my lack of familiarity with Italian names may have been another reason for my inability to follow what was happening. Whatever the reason, I had to focus quite diligently in order not to lose the thread of the plot. There are also a few too many grammatical errors for the book to warrant a four star rating.

This book will appeal to readers of historical fiction. It will also appeal to people who enjoy reading stories about different cultures and religions. It is not a light read, but it is certainly worthwhile for those wishing to put in the effort.

******
The Greatest Treason
View: on Bookshelves

Like Julie Green's review? Post a comment saying so!
User avatar
Debjani Ghosh
Posts: 670
Joined: 18 May 2018, 05:51
Favorite Book: The Lord Of The Rings
Currently Reading: The Evacuees
Bookshelf Size: 86
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-debjani-ghosh.html
Latest Review: Days of the Giants by RJ Petrella

Post by Debjani Ghosh »

It is not a light read, but it is certainly worthwhile for those wishing to put in the effort.
I do not shy away from books that warrant a challenge to read but if the effort goes into keeping track of who is who rather than getting immersed in the plot, then it becomes cumbersome for me. Hence, I will skip this one. Thanks for the honest review!
Kajori Sheryl Paul
Official Reviewer Representative
Posts: 2632
Joined: 10 Aug 2018, 15:10
Currently Reading: Noah's Quest
Bookshelf Size: 959
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kajori-sheryl-paul.html
Latest Review: Not Fishy Enough by Briton Kolber

Post by Kajori Sheryl Paul »

This seems like a challenging read. However, the historical premise and the myriad flavours depicted in the book wins me over.

Thank you for the amazing review.
User avatar
Julie Green
Posts: 582
Joined: 31 May 2018, 17:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 45
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-julie-green.html
Latest Review: Fate Line by Marc J. Seifer

Post by Julie Green »

Debjani Ghosh wrote: 19 Sep 2018, 23:09
It is not a light read, but it is certainly worthwhile for those wishing to put in the effort.
I do not shy away from books that warrant a challenge to read but if the effort goes into keeping track of who is who rather than getting immersed in the plot, then it becomes cumbersome for me. Hence, I will skip this one. Thanks for the honest review!
Yes it was just a bit distracting keeping track of the names. Thanks for commenting.
User avatar
Julie Green
Posts: 582
Joined: 31 May 2018, 17:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 45
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-julie-green.html
Latest Review: Fate Line by Marc J. Seifer

Post by Julie Green »

Kajori50 wrote: 20 Sep 2018, 14:46 This seems like a challenging read. However, the historical premise and the myriad flavours depicted in the book wins me over.

Thank you for the amazing review.
Ah thanks for your kind comments. Yes, it's challenging but actually quite a rewarding read.
User avatar
CommMayo
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 1648
Joined: 22 Oct 2017, 14:19
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 80
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-commmayo.html
Latest Review: Changed by Vicki Stiefel
Reading Device: B00G2Y4WNY

Post by CommMayo »

I think I would be lost with all of the Catholic-ness of the book, but it does sound like a really interesting premise.
jcoad
Posts: 514
Joined: 28 Jun 2018, 12:28
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 19
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-jcoad.html
Latest Review: True Blue Friend by Roy DeMauro

Post by jcoad »

I think "tintinnabulating" may be illegal in 3 countries. I like the concept of the book and the settings as I love to read about other countries and cultures. Sounds like it may be a bit confusing in places. I think I will read this one. Thanks for the great review!
User avatar
FictionLover
Posts: 602
Joined: 16 May 2018, 20:50
Favorite Book: If life stinks get your head outta your buts
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 149
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-fictionlover.html
Latest Review: Winning the War on Cancer by Sylvie Beljanski
Reading Device: B00HCNHDN0

Post by FictionLover »

The Greatest Treason by Fiorentino Ferri is beautifully told. The language is rich, colourful and textured. In one scene, we bump into a herd of tintinnabulating goats as our hero Giovanni enters the village of Collaquila. Elsewhere, we meet a monk described as smelling of onions and mothballs. However, my favourite scene in the book revolves around a celebratory dinner party; its description is an absolute triumph of storytelling.
I love that, "a triumph of story telling". I will have to put it on my shelf for a vacation read.

:tiphat:
"I love reading another reader’s list of favorites. Even when I find I do not share their tastes or predilections, I am provoked to compare, contrast, and contradict. It is a most healthy exercise, and one altogether fruitful." T.S. Eliot
User avatar
LaurenHaupt
Posts: 929
Joined: 28 Apr 2018, 20:19
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 41
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-laurenhaupt.html
Latest Review: Heartaches 3 by H.M. Irwing

Post by LaurenHaupt »

I like the plot. I love that there is so much detail in the book. I'll keep this story in mind. Thank you for the review.
:techie-studyingbrown:
User avatar
Julie Green
Posts: 582
Joined: 31 May 2018, 17:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 45
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-julie-green.html
Latest Review: Fate Line by Marc J. Seifer

Post by Julie Green »

CommMayo wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 14:38 I think I would be lost with all of the Catholic-ness of the book, but it does sound like a really interesting premise.
Yes, it was a bit opaque in places but a very good read. Thanks for your comment.
User avatar
Julie Green
Posts: 582
Joined: 31 May 2018, 17:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 45
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-julie-green.html
Latest Review: Fate Line by Marc J. Seifer

Post by Julie Green »

jcoad wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 14:44 I think "tintinnabulating" may be illegal in 3 countries. I like the concept of the book and the settings as I love to read about other countries and cultures. Sounds like it may be a bit confusing in places. I think I will read this one. Thanks for the great review!
I did not know that! I love reading about different cultures too and this book fits that bill. Thanks for commenting.
User avatar
Julie Green
Posts: 582
Joined: 31 May 2018, 17:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 45
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-julie-green.html
Latest Review: Fate Line by Marc J. Seifer

Post by Julie Green »

FictionLover wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 20:26
The Greatest Treason by Fiorentino Ferri is beautifully told. The language is rich, colourful and textured. In one scene, we bump into a herd of tintinnabulating goats as our hero Giovanni enters the village of Collaquila. Elsewhere, we meet a monk described as smelling of onions and mothballs. However, my favourite scene in the book revolves around a celebratory dinner party; its description is an absolute triumph of storytelling.
I love that, "a triumph of story telling". I will have to put it on my shelf for a vacation read.

:tiphat:
Thank you! :D
User avatar
Julie Green
Posts: 582
Joined: 31 May 2018, 17:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 45
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-julie-green.html
Latest Review: Fate Line by Marc J. Seifer

Post by Julie Green »

LaurenHaupt wrote: 21 Sep 2018, 22:08 I like the plot. I love that there is so much detail in the book. I'll keep this story in mind. Thank you for the review.
Thanks for your comment! :D
User avatar
Dusamae
Posts: 266
Joined: 09 Jun 2018, 10:20
Favorite Book: End of the Last Great Kingdom
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 116
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-dusamae.html
Latest Review: The Sparrow by Denna M. Davis

Post by Dusamae »

I love some historical fiction books and from your review, this is probably one I would like. I love good descriptions in a book and other reading about other cultures.
User avatar
Julie Green
Posts: 582
Joined: 31 May 2018, 17:36
Currently Reading:
Bookshelf Size: 45
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-julie-green.html
Latest Review: Fate Line by Marc J. Seifer

Post by Julie Green »

Dusamae wrote: 23 Sep 2018, 12:53 I love some historical fiction books and from your review, this is probably one I would like. I love good descriptions in a book and other reading about other cultures.
It is quite a rewarding book to read, and certainly an interesting insight into Italian rural societies. Thank you for commenting.
Post Reply

Return to “Historical Fiction”