An English widow outrages her late husband’s family by falling in love with and marrying an Italian peasant. They cut her off entirely and assume the care of her young daughter. The marriage turns out as unfortunately as might be expected. Lilia dies in giving birth to a son and the English Herritons make up their minds to get possession of this child also. Philip, the romantic brother-in-law who had once idealized everything Italian, and Harriet, the harsh, Puritanical sister-in-law go to Italy for that purpose. Miss Abbott, the English girl who had had a hand in the marriage, is there also. Their efforts end tragically. Philip falls in love with Miss Abbott, but learns that she, like Lilia, had been captivated by the handsome and indolent Gino.
“An odd and delightful piece of work.”
+ Booklist 17:32 O ’20
“Gino is irresistible as the embodiment of the Italian character and tradition, just as Philip the defeated is irrefutable as a Britton.” H. W. Boynton
+ Bookm 51:342 My ’20 260w
“If but one word were allowed to be said of this book and its people, it is ‘human.’”
+ Bookm 52:175 O ’20 120w + Dial 68:665 My ’20 60w
“The author knows his provincial Italy and the Italian character as well. The reader’s attention will be held to the end of this charming book.”
+ N Y Times 25:168 Ap 11 ’20 750w