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Reviewed by Chad Richins for Readers' Favorite
Becoming Mariella by Janet Constantino is a heartwarming story about Mariella Russo, a young woman from Sicily eager to find her path and break free from her family's expectations. She feels the weight of her mother Yolanda's dreams, who is excited at the thought of Mariella marrying Matteo, a charming young man from a well-respected, wealthy family. It’s a journey of self-discovery, love, and the struggle to find one’s voice amid family traditions. Torn between her love for Matteo and her fear of losing her independence, Mariella rebels against her family’s wishes. She escapes to San Francisco, where she finds herself in a whirlwind of new experiences, friendships, and love that force her to redefine her identity and confront her fears. As Mariella navigates her relationships with her mother and Matteo, she embarks on a heartfelt journey filled with love, personal freedom, and the strong bonds of family. She grows and discovers more about herself, learning to balance her dreams with her roots and the people she loves most.
I absolutely loved Becoming Mariella. It’s such a captivating and emotional story that tackles the tough balance between family loyalty and finding your path. Mariella's struggles felt real and relatable, and I was impressed with how the author brought her inner conflicts to life. The pacing was just right, mixing those intense, reflective moments with exciting twists in her journey, which kept me hooked the whole time. The characters, particularly Mariella and her mother, are well-developed, with each interaction revealing layers of cultural and generational tension. Mariella’s evolving relationship with Matteo adds an emotional complexity that enriches the narrative, showing love as both a comfort and a challenge to her dreams. The themes of identity, family expectations, and the quest for self really shine in this book, making it a journey that feels personal yet relatable. The author has a wonderful way of bringing both Sicily and San Francisco to life with such vibrant detail, making the settings just as engaging as the characters. Becoming Mariella is a touching and thought-provoking read that had me reflecting on the beautiful balance between who we are and our roots. You might just find it as inspiring as I did.
