02/23/2024
Another 5-star review for Sortino Decisions. Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite
Sortino Decisions: The Consequences of Life and Death by Thomas S Dimauro begins with the kidnapping of a teenage boy, then transitions to the backstory of the main character, Vincenzo Sortino, who was born into a Sicilian Mafia dynasty. He moves to the US for an education and transforms from a reserved youth into a respected executive. Despite his accomplishments, he carries the weight of his family's violent legacy, haunted by survivor's guilt. Embodying the American Dream with Sicilian roots, he is forced to come to terms with the delicate balance between wealth and familial bonds. However, as he enters retirement, an old vendetta threatens his safety and that of his loved ones. Through trials, he grasps the complexities of familial ties, striving to maintain cohesion in grave adversity and putting a heritage that is both enriching and burdensome into the shaping of his life's journey.
Thomas S. Dimauro's Sortino Decisions threads a human interest story into a family drama thriller that starts against the backdrop of Italy's tumultuous Risorgimento era, a piece of real historical context and cultural significance that I did not know anything about. Dimauro's writing is packed with exhaustive research on Sicilian culture and traditions, coming across as a lived experience that takes us across the Atlantic Ocean. I frequently felt like I shared the room due to Dimauro's rich descriptions of events like Sunday dinners and familial bonds, with deeper themes of identity and belonging. We do know that a young member of the Sortino family is captured immediately, and in due course, the reason why and its aftermath are slowly revealed. Dimauro's adept storytelling keeps the plot engaging and moving forward, making Sortino Decisions a really good read with true historical depth and emotional resonance. Very highly recommended.
As a young teenager, Vincenzo is sent to live with his mother’s sister to get an American education. He carried the tragic and violent death of his family with him and perhaps has a lingering survivor’s guilt. Ever the curious teen, he grows to be an ambitious twenty-something. Still, he is conn...