Inheritance

I picked this up on a whim and I am very glad I did. What a lovely book! A compact read that is impossible to put down, it is a compassionate look at people and life. You care deeply for its characters and their humanity. The writing is beautiful, never didactic or moralising, which I appreciate in a book. I look forward to more books from Natalie Danford.

This is a delightful story that Natalie Danford has given us. The journey both across the miles and across the years is enticing, characters most believable. I read a review of this book many months ago and finally rewarded myself with the book. It would make a good movie as well, as we will probably see in the future.

Though easily read in a day or two, I slowed my pace to savor every word. Luigi and Olivia lept off the page and I traveled with them to the United States and then back to Italy. For anyone who has ever wondered what life was like for their immigrant parent, this story provides insight.

A first rate novel about memory and social/cultural isolation. The parts set in Italy are excellent, as are the scenes of Luigi's strange experiences as an Italian immigrant first exploring the US.

I have just finished reading "Inheritance" by Natalie Danford. A small book but a gem. I think it may be the finest literary book I have had the pleasure to read in over ten years. I read many books. I consider myself an avid reader. This one I happened to see a small review in the L.A Times and it seemed interesting. What an understatement. I believe this is a first novel for this outstanding writer. I sure hope she decides to continue. This book is disturbing, with a deep and well described characters and a rich story plot. The love of a daughter for her dying father, the horror of Alzheimer's and its deterioration of the mind of a human being. The plight of a Jewish family in a small town in Italy in the second world war, all lead up to a mystery, a romance and intrigue. The story jumps constantly back and forth in time, but through a prose so rich and clear and so well written you are never lost, nor wonder where in time you are. I cannot rave enough about this gem of a novel. Thank you Ms Danford wherever you are for this pleasure. PLEASE continue to write.