As devoted readers of Adriana Trigiani’s New York Times bestselling novels know, this “seemingly effortless storyteller” (Boston Globe) frequently draws inspiration from her own family history, in particular from the lives of her two remarkable grandmothers, who have found their way into all Trigiani’s cherished novels. In Don’t Sing at the Table, this much-beloved writer has gathered their estimable life lessons, revealing how her grandmothers’ simple values have shaped her own life, sharing the experiences, humor, and wisdom of her beloved mentors to delight readers of all ages.

Lucia Spada Bonicelli (Lucy) and Yolanda Perin Trigiani (Viola) lived through the twentieth century from beginning to end as working women who juggled careers and motherhood. From the factory line to the family table, Lucy and Viola, the very definition of modern women, cut a path for their granddaughter by demonstrating moxie and pluck in their fearless approach to life, love, and overcoming obstacles.

Lucy’s and Viola’s traditions and spiritual fortitude will encourage you to hold on to the values that make life rich and beautiful. Their entrepreneurial spirit will inspire you to take risks and reap the rewards. And their remarkable resilience in the face of tragedy will be a source of strength and comfort.

Trigiani visits the past to seek answers to the essential questions that define the challenges women face today at work and at home. This is a primer, grand-mother to granddaughter, filled with everyday wisdom and life lessons that are truly “tiramisu for the soul” (The Examiner), handed down with care and built to last.

Lucy and Viola were trailblazers of their time. Modern women in a world that was changing faster than most could imagine. In Trigiani’s newest release Don’t Sing at the Table she tells the stories of these two incredible grandmothers that influenced her life. Both from different parts of Italy and transplanted to the United States just in time for the industrial age of factories and US made products. Both Lucy and Viola in their own respects were women of fierce passion and fulfilled lives.

In a matter of pages I was completely drawn in to the story of Viola and Lucy. I’ve never read anything by Adriana Trigiani, but after reading the stories of her grandmothers I want to pick up all of her books. In the past I’ve never been able to find the appeal in lengthy memoirs or even biographies of others, but Trigiani’s telling of the lives of her grandmothers was something completely different. These women were incredible! Both fierce in the way they lived their lives, though they were both quite different. Each was equally compelling and I’ve learned so much in the span of a few days spent reading about their lives.

One of the things I learned through the course of my reading was that Trigiani’s love for these two incredible women could not be categorized. There was no winner between the two grandmothers. Each had qualities that she incorporates into her life everyday and they’ve influenced many of the choices she’s made. Viola was forward thinking, a powerful woman in the world and at home. Lucy was strong and independent despite the loss of her husband early in life. And so much more from each.

Don’t Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers was such a wonderful read. From the beginning, which starts out as a telling of Viola and Lucy’s incredible (but separate) lives, to the end, which transforms into a summation of tips and advice garnered from them. This was a completely enjoyable read, maybe especially because I’m no longer very close with my grandmother’s but do remember them somewhat in this same light. I’d absolutely recommend this story to anyone looking for an enjoyable read about passionate women and the ways in which you can incorporate their lives into your own.

I’d like to thank the publisher, HarperCollins, for sending me a copy of this book for review!

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