Book Review: Siena, My Love

Reviewed by Melissa Suggitt

A heartwarming—and at times heartbreaking—story of love, loss, and second chances

Do you remember what it feels like to fall in love? To chase a dream? To find yourself?

Set against a backdrop of a beautiful Tuscan winery and villa, a loving home in New York, and eventually, venues around the world, this novel at its core is a journey of growing up. The story follows Michael Ventura as he becomes an international success, despite devastating blows, all while holding onto the kind and gentle soul he’s always been.

As a child, American-born Michael would go back to Siena, Italy with his mother to visit his grandfather at his winery. One morning, a ten-year-old Michael is exploring the rows and rows of grapes, when he has a confusing altercation with an Italian girl close to his age; both are unable to understand the foreign language being spoken to them and think the other is trespassing, so they threaten each other with the police. 

When their parents find out what happened they laugh and explain the misunderstanding. Realizing the potential for a playmate their own age, from that moment on, Michael has a new best friend: Sophia.

Over the course of a few summers, Michael and Sophia become inseparable, navigating the waters of adolescence and an evolving and changing friendship, each working to learn a new language so that each year, they are closer than before. Suddenly, tragedy strikes Michael and life takes him in an unexpected direction. Losing touch, Michael moves on from those summers in Italy, chasing a dream and finding himself thrown into a life in the spotlight, riding a high he didn’t know could exist.

Until an incident with his grandfather calls him back to the vineyard in Italy.

Separated by years and many memories, will Michael and Sophia be able to find their way back to each other?

Siena, My Love brings the reader on a journey from a child to an awkward teen to young man to heartthrob adult crooner. Michael’s success feels like our own success; we root for him to become a star and win the love of his life. This book balances joy and tragedy, love and loss, the past and the future, in a way that leaves you feeling wistful for youth and reinvigorated to follow your dreams. 

Author Tom Bisogno reminds us that the best things in life are love and family, not fame and fortune, and to hold on to who you are no matter where life takes you.

As the novel progresses, the more time spent with Michael’s first-person perspective, the more you can’t help but feel his sadness, anger, joy, love, and hope. The romantic tone of the book adds softness and comfort, while the intricate details of the narrative are interwoven with touching dialogue and beautifully described scenery. 

If you love the Michael Bublés and Harry Connick Jrs of the world, as well as Rat Pack-era love songs, then you’ll enjoy this book. 

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Genre: Literary & General Fiction / Romance

Print Length: 218 pages

ISBN: 978-1639884650

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