The Patron Saint of Second Chances
Fiction
Atria Books
April 12, 2022
Advance reader copy
304
Free from publisher
Vacuum repairman and self-appointed mayor of Prometto, Italy (population 212) Signor Speranza has a problem: unless he can come up with 70,000 euros to fix the town’s pipes, the water commission will shut off the water to the village and all its residents will be forced to disperse. So in a bid to boost tourism—and revenue—he spreads a harmless rumor that movie star Dante Rinaldi will be filming his next project nearby.
Unfortunately, the plan works a little too well, and soon everyone in town wants to be a part of the fictional film—the village butcher will throw in some money if Speranza can find roles for his fifteen enormous sons, Speranza’s wistfully adrift daughter reveals an unexpected interest in stage makeup, and his hapless assistant Smilzo volunteers a screenplay that’s not so secretly based on his undying love for the film’s leading lady. To his surprise—and considerable consternation, Speranza realizes that the only way to keep up the ruse is to make the movie for real.
As the entire town becomes involved (even the village priest invests!) Signor Speranza starts to think he might be able to pull this off. But what happens when Dante Rinaldi doesn’t show up? Or worse, what if he does?
My review:
3.5 stars
Need a lighthearted book that is not a romance, one that will make you laugh and root for the characters as though they are real friends and neighbors? You've got to pick up this little gem! This poor old guy (my favorite to read about), the mayor to a population of 212, has to come up with money to save his town. Upon visiting a prosperous neighboring village he gets the idea to plant a rumor about a beloved actor coming to make a movie. The story takes off from there, with him trying to stay ahead of the snowballing effects this has on the townspeople. The way that he and his partner deal with the ever increasing lies put forth is delightful to read about. The interactions amongst the townspeople was endearing, even the curmudgeons get in on the act. I did find the actors involvement a bit too farcical, but the ending was just what I was hoping for.
I highly recommend this sweet story that will make you chuckle at the antics, while also wanting to visit these fictional characters in Italy. Such a refreshing story!
