A captivating debut novel about the tangled fates of two best friends and daughters of the Italian mafia, and a coming-of-age story of twentieth-century Brooklyn itself. Two daughters. Two families. One inescapable fate.
Sofia Colicchio is a free spirit, loud and untamed. Antonia Russo is thoughtful, ever observing the world around her. Best friends since birth, they live in the shadow of their fathers’ unspoken community: the Family. Sunday dinners gather them each week to feast, discuss business, and renew the intoxicating bond borne of blood and love.
But the disappearance of Antonia’s father drives a whisper-thin wedge between the girls as they grow into women, wives, mothers, and leaders. And as they push against the boundaries of society’s expectations and fight to preserve their complex but life-sustaining friendship, one fateful night their loyalty to each other and the Family will be tested. Only one of them can pull the trigger before it’s too late.
For fans of Elena Ferrante and Maggie O’Farrell, The Family introduces a stunning new voice in literary fiction.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
A powerful tale holding true to the saying “you can’t pick your family but you can pick your friends.” Set against the dramatic backdrop of a new America and changing world, Antonia & Sofia’s friendship runs deep in blood. Loved the book and almost felt I was part of them. Brilliant debut. Danielle, VIC, 5 Stars
The Family by debut author Naomi Krupitsky is set against the backdrop of Brooklyn, New York. It’s the story of best friends Sofia and Antonia, and focuses on their lives from 1928 to 1948 as they grapple with the complications of growing up in the Mafia. They’re inextricably linked by their shared bond of the Family, and their desire to both fit in and escape its confines. When Antonia’s father disappears trying to escape, it haunts both girls throughout their lives, impacting them in ways they could never have anticipated. It’s hard not to reference The Sopranos or The Godfather when talking about this book, it’s a slow-burning story that focuses on the intricacies of family life, enduring friendships, love, loss and the all-consuming power of being part of the Mafia. I loved the relationship between Antonia and Sofia, it felt authentic and intimate. Their struggle to stay close even as they grew apart was captivating and had me breezing through the pages. But the most impressive thing about this book is Krupitsky’s writing. It’s lyrical, elegant, poetic and dynamic. There’s no doubt she’s a stunning new addition to the literary world — this book had the “wow” factor. Linda, QLD, 5 Stars
Family — the unit created by parents and children where love, trust and safety are assured. Unless your family is the Family, where the men are gangsters, the women are long-suffering and duty is everything. At page 26, I knew I was going to give this book five stars. The writing is exquisite. It’s like a word painting, the imagery is so vivid and evocative. If you enjoy literary fiction, this is a real treat. Spanning the 1920s to the 1940s, this historical fiction is written in present tense, giving it a sense of immediacy which serves the story beautifully. It follows Antonia and Sofia, best friends from birth. Their fathers are part of the Family. One wants a better life for his family, away from violence and crime. He tries to escape but pays the ultimate price. This changes Antonia and Sofia’s friendship forever, however their bond is unbreakable. Together they grow up, fall in love, marry and have children – all within the confines of the Family. They are forced to surrender control over their lives and resign themselves to the needs and expectations of their husbands, children and parents. The book simmers with the tension of power struggles, secrets and treachery, the heat gradually increasing in intensity until it reaches boiling point, when the women decide to take matters into their own hands. I encourage you to pull out your diary, flip forward to January 6 – the release date of this debut novel by Naomi Krupitsky – and write yourself a note to buy it. It has bestseller written all over it. Eynas, SA, 5 Stars
Thank you to Better Reading and Harper Collins for the great opportunity to review The Family by Naomi Krupitsky. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and was sucked in and living in New York in the 1920’s within the first few pages. The beautiful, descriptive way of writing Naomi uses instantly transports you so that you are seeing, smelling and experiencing life with the main characters like an additional family member. Over the course of the book we follow the two main characters, Antonia and Sofia, as they grow up together with separate families, go to school and create families of their own. As they grow up they learn that their fathers are part of what is known as “The Family”, who are gangsters and criminals that have control over much of New York, and trying to leave can lead to paying the ultimate price. Its a story of love, loss, resilience, personal growth, understanding and of course the importance of family. I felt I learnt so much about the Italian immigrants of New York in the period of the 1920’s to the 1950’s throughout this book, the history, family life and struggles. I really look forward to reading more books from this talented author. Stephanie, ACT, 5 Stars
The Family is a very well written book covering a particular area of NewYork during the 2nd World War controlled by ‘The Family’, originating for the most part from Sicily. The story follows two daughters from two families who grow up together and their loyalty to the Family and to each other. Although not really a genre that I have a great interest in, it was beautifully written and kept my interest throughout. Charleen, WA, 5 Stars
Stories about the Mafia in early 20th century Brooklyn are not ones I would normally be drawn to, but this novel by Naomi Krupitsky drew me in slowly. The Family revolves around the friendship of Sofia and Antonia whose fathers both work for the mob in Brooklyn. As time passes, the growing knowledge that they are “different” to other children draws them closer together, puberty and romantic relationships cause confusion and rifts, marriage and motherhood tests and strengthens the bond. The elephant in the room however is the “disappearance” of Antonia’s papa when she was eight, leaving her mother bitter and remote, and Antonia dreaming of escaping the mob family. Sofia also desires more than to be as her mother was before her. But duty, responsibilities, obligations and debt chain them all together in a complicated ritual of family gatherings, secret meetings, liaisons and betrayal. Love and guilt are driving factors. The tension is omnipresent and the ending seems preordained….but one is left wondering what next? The writing is thoughtful and considered, the characters are fleshed out so that we can empathise with or despise their motivations and actions. Lesley, QLD, 5 Stars
The Family is a story of friendship and family. Not just any family, The Family – Brooklyn’s Italian crime family – and what people will do to be part of it or escape from it. At its heart is the close bond between two young girls, Sofia and Antonia, as we follow them over the course of 20 years from 1928 to 1948 through love and loss, growing together and apart, wanting to fit in and wanting something different. The disappearance of Antonia’s father who had tried to escape The Family for a simpler life, hangs over the girls and influences their decisions throughout their lives. The Family is a beautifully written debut novel and is as atmospheric as an Elena Ferrante novel. Liz, WA, 5 Stars
Great read!!! I found it difficult at first to get into the book, but a few chapters in the book took off. We all know about The Family from the male point of view, but this book takes you into the female side of The Family. So interesting to read the thoughts of the woman behind the men in The Family; a different view of The Family is given. Very sad at times to hear the views of the women. The men are only out to improve their greatness and stronghold in society and the women just have to live with it all. The women’s side of it all is very revealing and tells us what they have to go through – the secrets, depths of despair – living with these men; not knowing whether their husband/son is going to come home or how injured he might be. Antonia’s story is very sad, after her father disappeared one night and never came home. The life her mum, Lina, lived after that is very sad. They both had to live with this horrible episode in their life and their struggles are very eye-opening. And then to think Antonia marries into The Family and has to go through it all again. Glenice, VIC, 5 Stars
Wow, not what I was expecting, it was better. 2 families, 2 little girls intertwined and joined together through loyalty, secrecy, fear, love and duty. Family is everything, even when you want to escape, it draws you back. Gai, NSW, 5 Stars
This book is the definition of a good old slow burn. Set back in the early 1900s, it builds on it’s core characters from childhood all the way though their adolescence and into parenthood. The complicated, fragile and tenuous relationships of the two main families are fascinating and they both draw strength from each other. The nature of the passing years builds the additive storyline further and further until the climatic and unexpected finale. This book is one you can’t put down. Diana, VIC, 5 Stars
I feel like a fly on the wall, the friendships and relationships are so real! Danelle, VIC, 4 Stars
For a debut novel this was great. It succinctly depicts the complex relationship of the daughters of 2 families, Sofia and Antonia growing up in Brooklyn. Both families are heavily involved in the Italian mafia and the girls have to navigate everything that this involves while maintaining their friendship as they mature into women. Gail, WA, 4 Stars
A story of the Family but essentially about two girls growing to womanhood and the bond they share. With New York of the 20s through to the 40s as the backdrop, this book delves into themes of love and loss, of WWII, the loneliness of immigration and how The Family can soon become a home. The Family is all around them and a part of them, yet they dream of escaping, or do they. This novel is a slow burn and will settle over you like a warm blanket, you’ll cherish the relationship between Antonia and Sofia and the bond that is stronger than The Family. Tammy, ACT, 4 Stars
What an emotional book from start to end. Really enjoyed all the characters in this one. Very grateful for the preview. Robbi, QLD, 4 Stars
Not one I would have normally chosen, but I found it to be an enjoyable read that flowed along nicely. The characters are well developed. I did find some of the almost metaphysical scenes difficult. Violence is more intimated rather than graphically described. Nice twist at the end. Kerrie, NSW, 4 Stars
A story that looks at the Mafia and challenges the definition of family. This story is based in the 60s and the focus is on two girls. I could feel the influence of The Sopranos, TV show, but with an ending I did not see coming. Themes included women working, and raising of children. It was a well written story which did not hide from the violence of the family and there is no escaping the family! I am looking forward to more by this author. Lisa, QLD, 4 Stars
Wow, what an interesting, capturing, thought provoking story. Well done to Naomi Krupitsky on an awesome book. You feel a part of the journey that these friends go through as they try to change the paths their families are leading. It’s easy to imagine in “now” circumstances as you read along. The struggles we go through in our lives trying to work out what, where, who and how we can live the life we dream of. Kate, QLD, 4 Stars
Antonia and Sofia are daughters of Italian immigrants; they are born into a Brooklyn crime ‘Family’ in the 1920’s. Shunned from friends outside the ‘family’ they are the closest of friends. They are destined to follow in the ‘family’ businesses until secrets are spilled and they must choose between their blood family and ‘THE FAMILY ‘. Krystine, VIC, 4 Stars
The Family was an interesting read. From the beginning there was a sense of impending doom. No matter what decisions the two friends made, their destinies seemed predetermined. The inevitable conflict between this destiny and their will to change it makes for a challenging plot and character development. Lina, VIC, 4 Stars
The Family by Naomi Krupitsky was an interesting read. The main characters are two girls, Sofia and Antonia, who live next door to each other and grow up together. Their fathers are part of the Family (think gangsters!) The story covers how they are treated by other school mates, how they feel about what their fathers are involved in, and the effects on their lives. It takes you to the other side of the criminal element. I found the story a little slow to get into, but it developed as I got involved in the characters. Fay, VIC, 4 Stars
What a beautifully written book. I sometimes found it difficult to reconcile the brutal Brooklyn Mafia side of the story with the inner lives of Antonia and Sofia. The book starts slowly, even a little long-windedly, but I was soon drawn in to the complicated relationships. There is a movie-like quality to the action – offset by the feeling that you are inside the girls’ thoughts. The characters are multi-dimensional, the location and history believable, and the dialogue and descriptions perfectly written. A bit of a feminist/girl power vibe, but, in the end, did anything change? Victoria, NSW, 4 Stars
This book surprised me with its involved emotions and we are given deep insights into the ‘mob’ in New York in the 1940’s and how being a part of this ‘family’ affects the lives of the two main characters, Sofia and Antonia. These girls share strong bonds that flick between their family, their duties, their loves and issues of trust. We are given deep insights into the minds of both these women and how their changing roles throughout the story affected their family ties. All the characters are compelling and the mix of emotions between them all is highly imaginative. The prologue really pulls you in. Who is it who gets shot and why? In the end though there’s a fine line between family and duty. So where do their loyalties lie? You don’t find out till the very end! Chris, VIC, 4 Stars
This book reads like a dream. A dream that infiltrates other peoples imaginations. It reads like poetry, in the form of a novel. The style of writing is so smooth it skips from one character to another so seamlessly it feels like watching a movie. And it’s hearty. How could it not be? Centered around mafia life the story follows the journey of two girls from girl-hood to woman-hood and it captures layer upon layer emotions, of hopes, of fears, of dreams, of secrets. Reading this I felt like I had a front row viewing to someone else’s family. But not just any family. THE Family. Completely absorbing. Utterly enthralling. Bellissimo. Belinda, VIC, 4 Stars
How do you escape the FAMILY! This is a gripping tale of Sofia and Antonia – two girls born into friendship and gangsters with no real hope of escape. Sofia is a free spirit, confident and full of attitude, where Antonia is more your wallflower, living in the shine of Sofia. Everything changes when the FAMILY decides that NO-body will be leaving the FAMILY ever – and Antonia’s father Carlos, disappears one night. Lina, swears she will have nothing more to do with the FAMILY no matter what happens. This event changes the course of both of the girls lives forever. Who will do what must be done to get out – what debts will need to be paid. A hard real story that takes you back to the late 20s through to the 40s of New York, told through the eyes of Italian immigrants. Times were tough, but people were tougher. Not a bad read, taking you through 20 years of family heartache and joy. Gritty and confronting, this book takes you on a personal journey, of highs and lows where you feel the characters spirits both break and exhilarate. Suzie, WA, 3 Stars
With a beautifully flowing lyrical first half and an interesting story of life long friendship, the frustrations of those friendships and the challenges of family expectation this book is a celebration of strong female characters in a world usually reserved for men. Scott, TAS, 3 Stars
It took me a while to get into this book but was keen to read it. The characters and the story all seemed very believable based on my knowledge of immigrant groups in New York in the 40s. It explores women as key figures in the book much the same as many inventions and instrumental moments in our history is driven by women. The story line was easy to follow and I liked how it concentrated on one character’s stance at a time. Overall an enjoyable read. Julie, VIC, 3 Stars
The Family by Naomi Krupitsky is a saga spanning twenty years set in Brooklyn. It follows the lives of two women, almost sisters, as they attempt to make their way as members of “The Family”. It’s a character-driven narrative based around Sofia and Antonia and the changing relationships they have with their mothers, as well as the men they love – fathers and husbands. The setting evokes sweltering New York summers when change and danger seem ever present – the atmosphere matching the mood accurately. The gangster stereotype runs through the text and it’s easy to picture the Friday afternoon meetings in the office as clearly as the Sunday night dinners. A number of voices run through the story which can lead to some confusion in the early parts of the book. The voices expanded beyond Sofia and Antonia to include their mothers, but sometimes they teased that Rosa and Lina had more to say before pulling back to re-focus on their daughters’ perspectives. It was interesting to get a fictional insight into the role the women of “The Family” played in the 1930s-40s. I would recommend The Family to anyone who enjoys a novel with strong female protagonists and historical fiction. Rebecca, VIC, 3 Stars
Was Sophio killed in the end or what?