Inheritance by Natalie Danford

The truth is a complex, multifaceted thing difficult to understand and even more difficult to capture for close examination. Danford delves into the meaning of truth via the lens of parent-child relationships. The first is that of father-daughter. Here, the daughter, Olivia Bonocchio believes her father, Luigi, to have been a good, quiet man until she discovers a 49 year old deed to an Italian home in his effects. What she discovers when investigating the deed changes her understanding of World War II, of Italy's treatment of its Jews, and most importantly, of her father. Olivia's memory of her father becomes tainted with the knowledge of his actions half a century earlier. It is not until the second parent-child relationship is revealed, that of father-son, Olivia's grandfather to Luigi, that Olivia's view of her father is shifted again into a new and deeper understanding.

This is not my normal read but Danford swept me into the world she created with ease. She bridges the United States of the 1990's with the Italy of the 1940's. She explores the immigrant experience, the parent-child relationship, and the legacy of actions done and left undone. An excellent, thought-provoking book. Enjoy!