Description
By Erica Colahan
Philadelphia, 1897—On the shores of the Delaware River, Italian Catholic Mary Paragano dreams of a happily ever after. However, when she defies her family and runs away to marry Jakob, a Jewish boy, her fairy tale takes an unexpected turn. Disowned by her father, abandoned by Jakob, and pursued by a jealous gangster, Mary’s life spirals into tragedy, culminating in accusations of attempting to harm her own children and a harrowing end in an asylum.
Philadelphia, present-day—Bella, Mary’s great-great-granddaughter, grapples with the aftermath of her recent divorce. Amidst her pain, a mysterious stranger named Sophie enters her life, claiming to be related to Jakob, the man who left Mary to her devastating fate over a century ago. Together, Bella andSophie unravel the layers of Mary’s haunting past, question the stories they’ve been told, and uncover the impact of these historical secrets on their modern-day lives. Based on the remarkable true story of the author’s great-great-grandmother, The Oystercatcher of Southwark takes readers on a poignant journey through the immigrant neighborhoods of South Philadelphia. This deftly-woven novel explores the profound love of a mother for her children and the redemptive hope that transcends time.
mgtnelson –
This is a fascinating book based on the life of the author’s great-great grandmother Mary. It’s not an easy book to read due to the challenges Mary went through in her life, but it’s worth reading. The dual timelines of the 1890s and the present day are handled well, and it’s amazing to find out which parts of the story what actually happened. I kept reading because I needed to find out how things turned out. Overall there is hope and redemption.
I received a complimentary copy this book from the publishers. I was not required to provide a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.