The Florio, a powerful dynasty turned legend that left its mark on the history of Italy.
Ignazio and Paolo Florio arrived in Palermo in 1799 fleeing poverty and the earthquakes that shook their native land, in Calabria. Although the beginnings are not easy, in a short time the brothers manage to turn their spice shop into the best in the city.
Determined and tenacious, they expand the business with the silk they bring from England and will soon buy the lands and palaces of the ruined aristocracy. When Vincenzo, Paolo's son, takes the reins of Casa Florio, progress will already be unstoppable: with their own shipping company they will take Marsala from their wineries to the most exquisite palates in Europe and America.
In Palermo his rise is observed with astonishment, but also with envy and contempt. For decades they will continue to be seen as a family of "foreigners" whose "blood reeks of sweat." No one is able to understand the extent to which a burning desire for social success beats in the hearts of the Florio that will shape their lives for generations, for better and for worse.
The revelation novel of the year 2019 in Italy.
"I have been won over by this extraordinary story of the Florio, a family of humble merchants who became the uncrowned kings of Palermo in the XNUMXth century."
Ildefonso Falcones.
Reviews:
"A fascinating account of History in capital letters and the private and moral history of a legendary family."
Vanity Fair
«Written with delicacy and supported by extensive historical research. No one can escape the fascination of the Florio family saga. "
Gazzetta del Sud
«A family epic that you smell, touch, look at, before being read. […] A bittersweet fragrance that catapults the reader into an exciting story. […] The author's narrative talent turns the Florio epic -in itself fascinating- into a unique and irresistible experience, which is lived as a true adventure. "
L'Opinione
«This Sicilian family saga […] could be the beginning of a small phenomenon. […] The fact that thousands of readers like a story a bit like Gatopardo in the year of the Lord of 2019 […], is already news. […] It's a sign that sometimes betting on something a little different may not be a bad idea. "
The Comment
“I haven't read anything like this for a long time: great history and good literature. The vicissitudes and feelings are sustained in a solid, mature writing full of passion and grace. Stefania Auci has written a wonderful and unforgettable novel. »
Nadia Terranova
"Exciting and documented, it speaks of courage and ambition, feelings and curses and is the surprise of the season."
TTL - La Stampa
"Stories of love, dreams, betrayals and effort in a vibrant novel of life."
Marie Claire
«A visual writing that immerses us in places and in history, that does not fall into sentimentality, lucid and even ruthless. With echoes of the Gatopardo and the historical novels of Camilleri. »
Christian Family
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