Review: Unforgettable and brilliantly written
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 24, 2012
How wonderful it was to get back into Ms. Giacoletto's *voice* in her recent historical novel, Chicago's Headmistress. Having read all of this author's books, I've found each new story better than the last. Ms. Giacoletto has a unique command of both the English and the Italian languages, adding many fine details to bring her characters and settings to life.While following the main character, Giulietta Bracca, from her tragic beginning as the daughter of a prostitute in Italy, through her trials and triumphs after sailing to America, I wanted to weep at times at the violence in her chosen profession, and at other times laugh at the subtle and not-so-subtle humor, while cheering this bigger-than-life character on as she came into her own as a shrewd, calculating madam of her own brothel. The Chicago setting was ideal. And, as to be expected in a book about prostitution, there were indeed naughty sex scenes. But it's rare to find a talented writer who can pen such intimate details without becoming vulgar. I was especially pleased to become reacquainted with the Baggio brothers, two characters from Giacoletto's previous novel, The Family Angel.I highly recommend this book, as well as Ms. Giacoletto's other family sagas. In my opinion, Chicago's Headmistress absolutely deserves the five stars, and more. I would not be surprised to someday find this book on the NY Times Bestseller list, it's that good. More from this author, please!