Sofia's Tune ~ Review

Sofia's Tune
Ellis Island #3
By Cindy Thomson

The past is best left to the past - that's what Sofia's family believes and the secrets of the past are destroying her Mamma's mind.  A tragedy kept hidden for 19 years has shaped the Falcone family, following them from their old life in Italy to their new life in New York.  And when an old photograph is discovered new questions arise - plaguing Sofia with what ifs.

But 1903 New York is not the land of promise many had dreamed of as Antonio Baggio has discovered.  His father was dead and there are questions that no one seems willing or able to answer about his death.

When Sofia and Antonio's quests bring them together little do they realize the changes that will result. Both in their own lives and in lives of those around them.

Sofia's a world quite different from our own - one doesn't share their problems with every stranger who happens by.  In fact problems and troubles were not even discussed with family and close friends.  So when Sofia was brought into the world outside of Little Italy asking for help from those who lived in Hawkins House and were associated with Mrs. Hawkins and the Benevolents. But sometimes we have to ask for help, it isn't a sign of weakness, insufficiency, or a betrayal.  And when Sofia admits that she needs help her world begins to change for the better and she truly starts to become an American by adding what she was being offered to what she already was.

Those who read the previous Ellis Island books will be delighted to know that Annie and Grace are in this book as well - though they are supporting characters.  But it is nice to see how their lives have progressed.  You can read Sofia's Tune as a standalone book but if you want a well rounded awareness of Annie, Grace, Mrs Hawkins take time to read Grace's Pictures and Annie's Stories. This book, unlike the previous two, focuses on the Italian immigrant community rather than the Irish community.  Who knew that the region of Italy one was from was so important in how one was accepted or rejected among the immigrants.

And one last observation don't you just love the cover - Luigi is the dog and he plays a fairly important part throughout the whole book. (And for those who want to know - he makes it through the whole book)

I was provided an advance proof of this book by the author in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:
In Sofia's Tune, we meet Sofia Falcone, a young woman who has been living in New York only a short time when she is stunned to discover a family secret, one that soon sends her beloved mother into a mental institution. Scrambling to keep her job and care for her mother, Sofia is convinced confronting the past will heal all wounds, but her old world Italian family wants to keep the past in the past. 

During this time, she encounters Antonio, a Vaudeville pianist with a street-smart dog, seeking to discover why his father was mysteriously killed. Their crossed paths uncover a frightening underworld in Little Italy. Bringing the truth to light may cost Sofia's mother's sanity, Antonio's career, and the livelihoods of countless immigrants. Change is on the horizon, but it may not bring what they expect.