The Sicilian Inheritance

Analyze the story’s depiction of strong women who defy societal expectations. Analyze the character traits of Serafina, Sara, and Aunt Rosie. How do they challenge traditional gender roles in their respective times? What other characters upend social constructs?

Investigate the theme of sacrifice as it is threaded throughout the narrative. Assess the various characters’ sacrifices, like Serafina giving up her education or Sara closing her restaurant. How are these sacrifices depicted, and how do they influence the characters and the storyline? How are these sacrifices restored?

Explore the role of secrets and storytelling in the novel. How do hidden truths from the past influence the characters’ decisions and relationships? How do different characters share family history? Consider the impact of oral storytelling versus the chronicled versions of the story Sara gets from historical records and journals.

Analyze Giusy’s character and her role in Sara’s journey. Is she a trustworthy character? What motivates her decision to betray Sara to Nino? Does showing up with the knife redeem her betrayal? Explain your answer.

Discuss how both Serafina and Sara embody the dichotomous personalities of women, both strong and vulnerable, and independent yet duty-bound. How do they both navigate the tension between desire and obligation? Is the passage of time from the past to the present significant in the successful navigation of this tension?

How does Piazza use the Sicilian setting to enhance the storytelling and shape Sara’s journey? Trace the immersive sensory experience Sara has in Sicily and consider how that impacts her character development.

Analyze the alternating narrative structure of the contemporary and past timelines. How does the technique affect the reader’s understanding of the characters’ stories?

In what ways does the story address stereotypes surrounding Sicilian history and culture, particularly relating to the Mafia? How does she bring nuance to the discussion of organized crime?