The Weight of Salt

A Gripping Story of Love and Courage.

By: Sandra Montanino

Narrated by: Mary Ann Jacobs

Winner of the Southern California Writers Conference "Outstanding Fiction Award"

The Weight of Salt is a gripping story of love and courage. It is 1906, and 15-year-old Angelina Pirrello is devastated by an unexpected and startling event that will forever alter the course of her life.

Known as the Cigar Capital of the World, an influx of immigrants arrives in Ybor City, Florida, seeking work. The suffragettes are in an impassioned battle for women’s rights and the early mafia, known as the Black Hand, makes their presence known as they attempt to gain a stranglehold on Angelina’s Italian community.

Despite Angelina’s determination to improve her life, she is forced into menial labor. Believing her circumstances could not become more difficult, a raging fire erupts at her factory. It is at this moment of panic when she has a chance encounter with a young man who swiftly captures her heart.

But through a series of circumstances out of her control, her joy is shattered and further complicated when her strict, old-world Sicilian father, who instills rigid family traditions, announces he has arranged her marriage to a man she dislikes. Frantic, Angelina finds herself at a crossroads and must make a daring move, risking everything she has ever known.

©2021 Sandra Montanino (P)2023 Sandra Montanino

Wonderful story

I so enjoyed this book and now can’t wait for the next one. The characters and the were so real and the story line endearing. There was a little bit of everything. I felt for Angelina and was rooting for her through the entire book. I so loved what a strong woman she was. I look forward to finding out what happens next.

Immigrant Girl fights for self determination

Great book. Realistic characters both brave and flawed. A view of Italian culture that delights with wit and wisdom. The cultural historian in me is fully satisfied. The feminist in me wants to stand up and cheer. I can't wait for the next book. Excellent narrator.

Finding Love is one thing, keeping Love is the challenge!

"The Weight of Salt" is a historical novel that delves into the life of a young lady named Angelina, exploring her aspirations, desires, and dreams amidst the rich tapestry of Sicilian family bonds and traditions. Initially, I found myself wanting to put the book down following the tragic event involving Angelina's mother. However, my curiosity prevailed, and I am so glad it did – the journey was absolutely worthwhile.

Angelina, raised in a nurturing and loving environment, embodies the qualities of a devoted and caring daughter. Yet, after the tragedy, her world shifts dramatically as her father becomes strict and adamant about securing her future by insisting she marry a Sicilian man. Despite her persistent efforts to convince him to allow her to find true love and live as her parents once did, her pleas fall on deaf ears. Even the saying of one of her colleagues, "It's hard to appreciate what you've never seen, security is the Prize!" fails to sway her, as Angelina is determined to carve her own path, embrace her own mistakes, and savor genuine love.

I extend my heartfelt Bravo and Grazie to Sandra Montanino for crafting such a beautiful and well-narrated story. I enjoyed listening every chapter of this magnificent story.