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http://www.goodreadingmagazine.com.au/book_details.cfm?book=6233
ANTONINO’S NICHE: ISBN 9780975806906
Antonino’s Niche by Letizia De Rosa is the true and
compelling story of a migrant’s life and how his early years shaped
and affected his ability to find his niche in life. This skillfully written
narrative is set against “an authentic historical, social and cultural
background …. where you will learn more than from many histories or
sociologies ….”Dr S Torre – Senior English Lecturer James
Cook University was commissioned to review this narrative by Arts Nexus.
The book has been described by readers as: “a realistic insight into
life in Italy, its romanticism and traditions. It is like taking a stroll
through the streets of Sorrento with its sights and sounds and falling in
love with the character of Antonino.” Many readers have commented
on how Antonino’s Niche shows the skillful ability of a daughter come
writer to write about her father with a reserved, objective yet passionate
manner which leaves the reader wondering about Letizia’s relationship
with her father and wanting to find out more.
BOOKCLUB QUESTIONS:
1. What was Antonino’s feeling towards the
war?
2. How did he see his role and why?
3. Did his new role reflect his character?
4. Discuss the effects of war on young men who do not go to war.
5. Share your opinion of the circumstances which lead to his character
developing as a young man.
6. What effect did death have on him?
7. Whose death affected him the most significantly?
8. Did he ever grow close to his daughter? Why or why not?
9. What does the last chapter tell you of his relationship with his wife
and other women?
10. What does it tell you of his relationship with his daughter?
11. Why did Letizia write this book given what you have read and can tell
of her as a person through her books?
12. Why did she choose the title Antonino’s Niche?
13. Why did she not write more about his life in Australia?
CONVERSATIONS WITH MY MOTHER:
ISBN 9780975806913
Conversations with My Mother is Letizia De Rosa’s
second book written from the heart, for the discerning reader. It has
been described as “a gem, an inspirational and thought-provoking
book - not just for women, but a ‘must read’ for men. It shows
Letizia’s quirky sense of humour and thought-provoking style which
leaves you refreshed, wanting more and wanting to connect more with others.”
(ABC Listener)
Letizia addresses life issues and through her mother’s voice presents
the first book in a series of books which are motivational and insightful
books meant to refresh, strengthen and validate the human spirit.
The sequel - Conversations with My Heart soon to be released.
BOOKCLUB QUESTIONS:
1. What makes a place a home?
2. What is the pedestal and what does the author mean by it?
3. What sort of relationship did the mother have with the father?
4. Which wisdom stands out as the most prevalent in your reflection?
5. Why is conversation important?
6. Why is community important?
7. Discuss how changes in the world are bringing about shifts in how we
communicate to one another and to whom.
8. Explain what relationship you think the author had with her mother?
What she values in relationship or sees as important?
9. How much is Conversation with My Mother the writer’s work and
how much are the mother’s wisdoms?
10. Why is this book difficult to read? Or were you able to read in between
the lines to capture more?
11. Would the writer have been limited in using her mother’s voice?
12. What makes this book special?
13. What philosophies does the author want us to remember?
14. What sort of person would write this book? Why?
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