"Taylini: A Family Saga" is the recently published debut novel by talented new author and screenwriter Marguerite Ashton. The Taylini's are an Italian family who struggle to keep their family together, while having to endure emotional and physical pain as they accept the ups and downs that come along with the mafia life they have chosen.
Aurora, CO (PRWEB) March 20, 2005 -- Taylini: A Family Saga" is the recently published debut novel by talented new author and screenwriter Marguerite Ashton.
Nora Taylini struggles to keep her family together, while her husband fights with his rival Dons. Knowing that he was once best friends with Don Meroni and Don Lamano, Nora feels pressured to maintain her dignity and not exact revenge in the old mafia fashion. By focusing her attention on their children and strategizing ways to keep the Taylini dynasty alive, she throws the family into a tail spin.
Nora and Santino Taylini, stand by one another as they fight to defend their familys good name. A family, who once was defined, endures emotional and physical pain as they accept the ups and downs that come along with the mafia life they have chosen.
Sonny and Bobby, the two older sons, fight with their parents to keep the women they love, Rachel and Renee, who are labeled "not suitable" in their lives!
Rebecca and Dante are the most rebellious of the children. Family frustration and obligatory duties clash and a personal fight boils to the surface. Spilling over, that leads, to unspeakable consequences. However, there is Bella, the baby of the family. She does her parents proud by marrying the man they have chosen, assuming everything will be perfect.
As the family gets caught up in a family war with their enemies, they must decide what is more important, power or family.
A sampling of the reviews:
The public rewards 'Taylini: A Family Saga"
The public has rewarded 'Taylini: A Family Saga." Marguerite Ashton's book is indeed among the books most sold in the USA in this moment. Although it is the first book of the American author, it was published in the USA last autumn. In fact, the story of the 'Famiglia Mafiosa," narrated in the novel, receives a special recognition: that of its public [Italian] who is confronted with the Italian story out of the pen of an American author.
The story of Nora and Santino Tavlini, from Sicily, Palermo, hits the reader, mostly when it talks about the 5 children of the couple and the mafiosi dynamics of the Island.
'Taylini: A Family Saga' is a drama that takes you precisely inside the life of a mafiosa family, according to the book review of Sherry Moore of Shadows of the Past. In this well-written story, the reader is taken not only into the internal family problems, but also in their struggles. I recommend this novel."
However, what has impacted many readers -- and many are the testimonies expressed through the internet – is that is not a violent story, but the novel even introduces the dynamic of love of the two young Italian-American 'padrini" for two women who do not belong to the families of the organized crime. In other words, business and family are interlaced.
'Their lives are complicated not only for their biological membership/belonging in a family that tries to keep the family together, but also for the logic of the mafia family that seeks to keep in control the lives of their own members and dictate their choices," according to the review of Shirley Roe of All Books Review.
Even the book's internet forum seems to have much success: Readers write their own comments, talking about some particular anecdote that has hit them. The signatures in the guest book, sensible to the argument, highlight the presence of Italian-Americans. However, not only the names highlight their presence, but also some comments about belonging to a community with Italian origins that look for books dealing with Italian related arguments as part of their own origins.
Nora and Santino Taylini live in Palermo with their five children. Their lives are complicated by their "mafia" upbringing and their sense of commitment, not only to their biological family, but to their "mafia family."
Typical overbearing parents, they struggle to control the destiny of their children. Sonny and Bobby are determined to choose their own wives, while Rebecca and Bella allow Nora to pick their lifelong mates. Spatterings of "mafia" life including the Dons, the bodyguards and the irate "mafia" wives add color to the story.
Shirley Roe, All Books Review
‘Taylini: A Family Saga is a fast-paced drama that takes you right into a mafia family. In this well written story, the reader is taken deep into not only the strong family ties, but also the struggles this family must endure. This is a great story and is highly recommended. Sherry Moore, Shadows of the Past
‘I was a bit skeptical at first to buy the book, seeing a mafia book listed under fiction. But I am glad I did. Ms. Ashton took the time to explain in detail the situation her characters experienced. I also enjoy the fact that there was not a lot of violence. Of course there is revenge in the mafia fashion, but she kept it to a minimum. What caught my eye was Don Taylini and his wife have this relationship involving business and family. They understand one another. All five children bring their own little drama to the book, except for two, Bobby and Sonny. They are both fighting for the same thing, to be with the women they love, which I might add Don Taylini and Nora staunchly disapprove of. The book was suggested by a friend at work, and I thought it would be a yawner. It did the opposite. At the end of each chapter, she left cliff hangers that made you want to continue to the next chapter.
Tim Taylor-Avid Book Reader
Marguerite Ashton was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She will be attending Denver University next year to continue with her law studies, and plans to become an attorney. Writing fiction is one of her favorite things to do, and acting has always been of interest to her as well. Last year she signed with Big Fish Talent located in Colorado. When not writing or acting, Marguerite dives into her favorite interests, including yoga, weights, volleyball and ballet. During her down time, she loves to watch a good baseball game or listen to classical and jazz music. Marguerite is currently basking in the excitement of her newly released book. Her second book, Traci's Story, will be released in the summer of 2005. Ms. Ashton currently resides in Aurora, Colorado.
For updated information on reviews, and the current status of the screen play on Taylini: A Family Saga, visit Ms. Ashton's website, http://www.publishedauthors.net/margueriteashton/
"Taylini: A Family Saga" is available for purchase through the following booksellers: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com)
Tattered Cover Book Stores (Colorado) http://www.tatteredcover.com
Title: "Taylini: A Family Saga"
Author: Marguerite Ashton
Publication Date: August 1, 2004
Retail Price: $19.95
ISBN: 1413733107
Format: Trade Paperback, 156 pages
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