Rococo

A Novel

By: Adriana Trigiani

Narrated by: Stephen Hoye

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • One small Italian American town in America gets the makeover it never expected in this “eccentric, unpredictable, entertaining” (The Boston Globe) novel from the author of the beloved Big Stone Gap series

“An artfully designed tale [with] characters so lively they bounce off the page [and] wit so subtle that even the best jokes seem effortless.”—People

Bartolomeo di Crespi is the acclaimed interior decorator—not to mention the most eligible bachelor—in Our Lady of Fatima, New Jersey. From the dazzling shores of the Garden State to the legendary fabric houses of New York City, from the prickly purveyors of fine art in London to the Mediterranean coast of Italy, Bartolomeo is on a mission to bring talent, sophistication, and his aesthetic vision to his hometown. So when the renovation of the local church is scheduled, he assumes there is only one man to oversee the job.

Recruiting an artist and a stained-glass artisan to help with the project—two handsome men who create romantic mayhem among Bartolomeo’s sister, his erstwhile fiancée, and all the other lovelorn ladies of OLOF—Bartolomeo struggles to create art while remaining the steadfast linchpin of the volatile di Crespi clan. Together, Bartolomeo and his team will do more than blow the dust off the old Fatima frescoes—they will turn the town upside down, challenge the faithful, and restore hope where there once was none.

©2005 Adriana Trigiani (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A veritable crazy quilt of quirky Italian Americans . . .Trigiani weaves all [the] subplots together with wonderful ease.”—Entertainment Weekly

“[Trigiani] delivers charming, dependably satisfying books that you know will be stuffed with quirky but likable characters. . . . Throughout this fast-paced, abundantly charming novel, Trigiani focuses on the things that really matter: family, faith and home. Especially home. It is a deeply rewarding book that should make her legions of fans very happy indeed.”—BookPage

“A feel-good story . . . manages to soothe, in part because of its cozy design talk, and in part because of the likable, competent B.”—Publishers Weekly

Wonderful! Great entertainment

This was a very well written book. I stayed interested and laughed often. Would highly recommend.

enjoyable characters

What made the experience of listening to Rococo the most enjoyable?

I really enjoyed the voice of the narrator, especially with "B" 's voice. He added to my vision of this character and helped me visualize him in my mind's eye.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Rococo?

I didn't really find that there were ups and downs in this book… just a solid flow from beginning to end. I enjoyed visualizing the various descriptions of decor including the various parts of the church that "B" was commissioned to renovate.

What about Stephen Hoye’s performance did you like?

I found that Mr. Hoye's voice was particularly good for "B" (Bartolomeo)

Who was the most memorable character of Rococo and why?

I would have to say that "B" was the most memorable character… a consummate decorator inside and out. HE was someone I would enjoy meeting and talking to… and I would probably hire him to decorate for me!

Any additional comments?

I really like Adriana Trigiani's characters and stories. This one was a bit different from others I have read in that there was no burning romance. But one was always left wondering if B would become involved… whether with a man or woman. His sexuality was never developed in the book so we did not know if he was gay or not, not that this would matter or affect the story in any way. A very enjoyable read.

Loved it

I was thoroughly entertained on my daily commute. It made me laugh. Adriana has again written a winner!

One of the funniest you will ever read

I absolutely loved this book, the reader and the story. I couldn’t stop listening to it.

An Ode to Family

Trigiani always makes you want be part of the family she is writing about and this book is no different. But this one also makes you appreciate your own crazy family as well and understand their value in your life.

A fun book. Great characters.

I listen while I drive to work and around town. I fell in love with the perfect ordinariness of the characters. They are like family and friends in my own life...totally relatable.

My favorite

This is my third time doing this book on tape. It is my all time favorite book on tape. I love the characters and the way they come to life I see parts of my own Italian/Roman Catholic upbringing and recommend it to everyone who enjoys books on tape. You will laugh and you may even cry a little. Enjoy with a plate of spaghetti or not

A book to keep you company

This book has no actual plot, so don't read it expecting one. It is charming though, and entertaining, with observations on family and community life. Recipes and descriptions of furnishing are scattered throughout as you follow the saga of the church renovation and the lives that surround it. If you want a little warmth and comfort in your life at the moment, you will find this a companionable read. If you want tension, self-discovery, murder or mystery, then perhaps wait on this one until you are ready for it.

I loved this book!

I loved this book and this author, every book she writes is terrific. Her books have funny characters and there are funny little quips throughout the book.

Delightful listening experience

Bartolomeo deCrespi - New Jersey interior decorator, devoted brother and uncle, Italian-American, devout Catholic - dreams of restoring his beloved church, Our Lady of Fatima. The narration by Stephen Hoye was perfect in conveying the heart and soul of this man, his family, and his community. The depiction of religious faith was appealing without being either contentious or evangelical - unusual in today's opinionated culture. Light-hearted entertainment at its best.