The Good Left Undone

by Adriana Trigiani
The Good Left Undone cover
Good Books rating 4.27
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1279
  • Added: 2025-10-02
  • Updated: 2025-10-03
  • ISBN: 9780593183328
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 2022-04-26
  • Formats: 12
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £8.99

The Good Left Undone is a rich, immersive novel that spans a century, weaving together the lives of three generations of the Cabrelli family. Matelda, the family matriarch, reveals a long-held secret about her mother's love story, which takes us from the coastal town of Viareggio to the mystical beauty of Scotland and the dangers of wartime Liverpool. The novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the legacy of family, all set against the backdrop of historical events and personal struggles. As Matelda faces the end of her life, she shares her mother's journey with her daughter and granddaughter, revealing love, loss, and grief. The story intertwines past and present, leading to shocking revelations and ultimately redemption. Adriana Trigiani's masterful storytelling brings to life the beauty of Italy, the hardships of war, and the enduring love of family, making this a celebration of storytelling and the bonds that tie us together.

Reviews
She's Becoming Bookish · 2025-05-11
moving 4.50

The book is deeply moving and gorgeously written, leaving a lasting impression. It's a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts.

The reviewer found the book to be deeply moving and gorgeously written, with a lasting impact. They highlight it as a must-read for fans of historical fiction, praising its emotional depth and beautiful prose. The story's themes and characters are likely to resonate with readers long after finishing the book. The reviewer's enthusiasm suggests a strong appreciation for the author's ability to craft a compelling and memorable narrative.

Quick quotes

    The Good Left Undone is a deeply moving, gorgeously written novel that I'll be thinking about for a long time.

    It's a must-read for fans of historical fiction.

    The story's themes and characters are likely to resonate with readers long after finishing the book.

The Fallon Post · Allison · 2024-06-30
beautiful 4.30

The writing style is poetic and beautiful, with vivid descriptions of Tuscany that evoke a sense of travel.

Allison praises the author's poetic and beautiful writing style, particularly the vivid descriptions of Tuscany that had her ready to book a flight to Italy. They highlight the rich and immersive setting as a standout feature of the book. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the setting suggests a strong appreciation for the author's ability to create a vivid and engaging atmosphere.

Quick quotes

    Trigiani's writing style is poetic and beautiful, and the descriptions of Tuscany had me ready to board a flight to Italy immediately.

    The rich and immersive setting is a standout feature of the book.

    The author's ability to create a vivid and engaging atmosphere is highly praised.

Portobello Book Blog · 2022-05-18
satisfying 4.00

The book is a satisfying family saga and epic love story, praised for its evocative historical fiction.

The reviewer describes the book as a satisfying family saga and epic love story, highlighting its wonderfully evocative historical fiction. They appreciate the depth and richness of the narrative, which spans multiple generations and explores themes of love and family. The reviewer's positive tone indicates a high regard for the book's ability to immerse readers in its setting and characters.

Quick quotes

    The Good Left Undone is a satisfying family saga, an epic love story and such wonderfully evocative historical fiction.

    The depth and richness of the narrative span multiple generations.

    The book's ability to immerse readers in its setting and characters is highly praised.

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