Review of Escape to Catania

[ZCReviews]

Great review! A crime fiction book with insights into the culture and landscape of Sicily sounds like a great read. I'm glad the author incorporated Gina's emotional journey as she deals with the fallout from her failed marriage, rather than simply sidelining it in favor of action.

[Kshitija Sonawane]

There is a lot of noise around gangs of Sicily. I am really interested and want to know more about it. Thank you for letting me know about how to do it. Good review like always, Gerry.

[Susan Ledezma]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Escape to Catania" by Patrizia Lo Turco.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Do you want to know what it's like to be a cop in Catania, Sicily? Would a story describing Sicilian landscapes, culture, history, and language captivate you? Does the status of refugees in Sicily interest you? Are you curious about how Sicilian mafias function? If you answered yes to these questions, you should read Escape to Catania by Patrizia Lo Turco.

Gina, a policewoman living in mainland Italy, decided to leave her cheating husband and reconnect with her father’s roots in Catania, Sicily. Once she started working for the Catania police force, she found herself involved with issues related to finding a Cosa Nostra crime boss, protecting Nigerian women forced into prostitution by the Black Axe, and understanding the Sicilian way of living.

Lo Turco used a third-person narrative and conversation between characters to describe the plot. The characters included Gina's Sicilian grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and coworkers. Lo Turco's descriptions of Sicilian geography, culture, food, words, and family traditions brought me to Sicily. I found this aspect to be adventurous and enjoyable. The story was filled with suspense as Gina tried to locate the Cosa Nostra boss. Sadness and tension were ever-present as the reader was privy to Gina’s thoughts regarding her disappointing marriage. The plot featured twists and mysterious events. I learned about the workings of the Cosa Nostra and Nigerian mafias.

Even though this story cannot be described as an action-packed thriller, I enjoyed its realistic representation of what a police officer goes through while performing their daily duties. Also, I was educated about the social issues in Catania. Through Gina's discussions with coworkers, I discovered how the police struggle with these issues. The plot was realistic and flowed well. Sicilian traditions regarding women, marriage, and motherhood were questioned in Gina’s thoughts. I found her questions to be thought-provoking. I loved the Sicilian experience. This story was easy to read and professionally edited. I did not notice anything negative. Therefore, I gave this novel 5 out of 5 stars.

Some readers might be happy to know that Lo Turco did not create any vivid violent scenes in the story. There was a description of a dead body, but it was akin to reading about a murder in a newspaper.

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Escape to Catania
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This seems like an extremely interesting well written novel. I absolutely love novels with a hint of mystery to them and would absolutely be interested in reading this book. I see nothing that could potentially make me dislike this book. Thank you so much for the well written review!

[Julie Marie Basil]

This sounds like a very interesting and informative book for those who would like to know more about Sicily and what it is like to work in the police force. Thanks for another great review!

[Terry Kimble]

I love a story that takes me away to an unfamiliar destination and absorbs me in its culture. It sounds like this book details an intricate plot with compelling characters. Say no more, I'm in! Thanks, Gerry!

[Aleena Augustine]

This book seems incredibly interesting! I’m captivated by how Patrizia Lo Turco weaves Sicilian landscapes, culture, and history into the narrative. The blend of crime drama with personal exploration, including the struggle with organized crime and social issues, makes the book seem compelling.

[Jeff Kanda]

You've mentioned that the books seems realistic and I believe this makes the book even more interesting.
Thanks for the detailed review!

[williams Emerald]

Your review brilliantly captures the essence of "Escape to Catania," highlighting the vivid portrayal of Sicilian culture, geography, and social issues. Your emphasis on the realistic depiction of police work and the thoughtful exploration of Sicilian traditions adds depth to your analysis. The balance you’ve struck between the suspenseful plot and the educational aspects of the story is commendable. Your observation that the book was professionally edited, coupled with the absence of vivid violent scenes, provides a well-rounded perspective that will resonate with potential readers. Well done!

[Adina Lutinger]

Wow, this book seems really interesting! I love getting to know new places, cultures, and languages, and the adventures that Gina goes through in the book sound really interesting. Thank you very much for your great and interesting review!

[Elizabeth-Tush4Christ]

Having read many stories with male protagonists, especially in action-packed thrillers, I'm eager to dive into this one. Your thought-provoking questions have piqued my curiosity, suggesting there's much to learn from the novel. I'm also interested in seeing how it engages with the Nigerian context and exploring the role of police officers as they navigate various challenges. Overall, it promises to be an intriguing read. Thanks for the detailed analysis in your review—it definitely whetted my appetite for the book!

[Diana Lowery]

The next best thing to traveling is reading stories about places I want to visit. Thank you for such an informative review.

[Lorna Kimondo]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Escape to Catania by Patrizia Lo Turco. Your review captures the book's essence and highlights what makes it such a compelling read. It sounds like Escape to Catania offers a rich, immersive experience that goes beyond the typical crime thriller. Your review makes me want to pick it up and explore the streets of Catania through Gina's eyes.

[Jaituni Sanghavi]

This seems like a really wonderful book. Having read your awesome review, I am surely looking forward to read this one soon!

[Neha Panikar]

Love your review! I love how the novel has its mystery and thrill in the plot, at the same time exposing the traditions and way of life in Sicily. Would love to read this book someday!!

[Martina Sette]

I think this book offers a thrilling dive into Sicilian culture, crime, and personal rediscovery, blending rich descriptions with suspenseful twists in a captivating narrative. Great review!