Have you ever wondered what it might be like to live at the beginning of the 20th century? A time when the Victorian corsets were being done away with, immigration into the United States was at its highest, and anarchists across Europe and the U.S. were assassinating political leaders in hopes of bringing about a more socialist society. What would it have been like to work for the rich and famous in a dressmaker's shop, all the while struggling in the tenements just to survive?
Fort Bragg, California is home to the Lost Coast Historical Patterns Company. This store is the place to buy authentic turn-of-the-century patterns for garments that would have been worn by the ladies who visited Madame Fortier's gown shop. "Who is Madame Fortier," you ask? She is the shop owner where three Italian immigrant girls work in Siri Mitchell's new historical novel, A Heart Most Worthy.
Book Info
Title: A Heart Most Worthy
Author: Siri Mitchell
Publisher: Bethany House (March, 2011)
ISBN: 0764207954
List Price: $14.99
Although this story is set in the North End of Boston, it could just as easily have taken place in northern California Italian communities like North Beach, San Francisco; Spaghetti Hill in Monterey, or East Napa in the community known as Little Itlay. The story focuses on three young women who work on the third floor of Madame Fortier's gown shop. Julietta Giordano is an embroiderer, Luciana Conti is a beader, and Annamaria Rossi is a smocker. The story begins in 1918 shortly before the outbreak of the Spanish Flu that would ultimately claim the lives of 50 - 100 million people worldwide.
Each of the girls lives are similar and yet different. Each has arrived in America with family in hopes of a better life, however they each have their own ideas about how that will eventually happen. Julietta is ready to take matters into her own hands, Annamaria is resigned to the fate of caring for her parents as is the tradition of the oldest daughter, and Luciana just wants to keep her and her grandmother alive.
Siri Mitchell is an amazing author. She does what so many authors strive to do with varying amounts of success. She is able to write an entertaining and relevant historical novel that is historically accurate on several levels. The Italian immigrants who came to America at this time didn't even consider themselves "Italian;" they considered themselves "Roman," or "Sicilian," or "Avellinesi." This is all portrayed accurately. The author also deals with religion and spirituality in a realistic way. It would be out of place and incorrect for these Italian immigrants to be worshipping at a Methodist or Baptist church; they attended Mass and went to confession. They took part in special days like Saint Zita's Feast Day and nobody talked to Sicilians...usually!
If you enjoy historical fiction with a dash of romance, a sprinkling of political upheaval, and a bit of mystery thrown in, Siri Mitchell's A Heart Most Worthy is a book to add to your reading list. It can be purchased online from Bethany House, Christian Book, and Berean Christian Stores. It can also be purchased at bookstores around the country like these located in northern California.
Crosspointe Christian Books & Gifts
646 Plumas St
Yuba City, CA 95991-4434
Serendipity Bible House
760 Madison St
Fairfield, CA 94533-5730
Western Christian Books & Cafe
1618 Franklin St
Oakland, CA 94612-2806
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