The Literary Journey of Adriana Trigiani: 

Adriana Trigiani is a master storyteller who has won the hearts of readers around the globe. Known for her compelling family sagas and vivid characters, her books continue to captivate audiences with their beautiful prose and touching narratives. This article aims to delve into the chronological order of Adriana Trigiani’s books, offering readers a guided path through her impressive repertoire.

The Big Stone Gap Series

Trigiani’s literary journey began with the Big Stone Gap series, a collection of books rooted in the heart of Appalachia, depicting the trials and triumphs of the protagonist, Ave Maria Mulligan.

• Big Stone Gap (2000): Trigiani’s debut novel introduces us to Ave Maria Mulligan, the town’s self-proclaimed spinster. The death of her mother and a surprising revelation turns her quiet life upside down;
• Big Cherry Holler (2001): This sequel continues the story of Ave Maria, now a mother and wife, grappling with the complexities of marriage and motherhood;
• Milk Glass Moon (2002): The third installment sees Ave Maria’s daughter grow up, making her question her choices and face new challenges;
• Home to Big Stone Gap (2006): The final book in the series sees Ave Maria facing empty-nest syndrome and reevaluating her life’s direction.

The Valentine Trilogy

Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s historic Greenwich Village, this trilogy explores the life of Valentine Roncalli, the apprentice to her grandmother, an expert shoemaker.

• Very Valentine (2009): Valentine struggles to save her family’s business while balancing her complicated love life;
• Brava, Valentine (2010): The sequel sees Valentine juggling the demands of her business, her upcoming wedding, and a surprising new family secret;
• The Supreme Macaroni Company (2013): The final book of the trilogy finds Valentine facing marital difficulties while trying to expand her business globally.

Standalone Novels

Trigiani has also written several standalone novels:

• Lucia, Lucia (2003): Set in 1950s Manhattan, Lucia Sartori, an ambitious woman, must choose between her career and love;
• The Queen of the Big Time (2004): This is the coming-of-age story of an Italian-American girl in a small Pennsylvania town, her loves, and her heartbreaking losses;
• Rococo (2005): Bartolomeo di Crespi, an interior decorator, dreams of transforming the local church with his extravagant designs, while navigating family dynamics and romantic entanglements;
• All the Stars in the Heavens (2015): A historical novel about the glamorous golden age of Hollywood, centered on young actress Loretta Young;
• Kiss Carlo (2017): This novel set in post-war Philadelphia tells the story of Nicky Castone, a cab driver stuck between his loyal ties to family and his dreams;
• Tony’s Wife (2018): A poignant love story set during the big band era, tracing the relationship between Chi Chi and Saverio, two ambitious musicians.

Young Adult Novels

Trigiani has also penned a series for younger readers: The Viola Series.

• Viola in Reel Life (2009): The series begins with Viola being sent to boarding school, away from her home in Brooklyn;
• Viola in the Spotlight (2011): In this sequel, Viola returns home for the summer, reuniting with her friends and discovering more about her family’s past.

Conclusion

Adriana Trigiani’s books, filled with charm, wit, and heart, offer readers a delightful exploration into diverse characters’ lives. Whether you choose to follow Ave Maria through her life in Big Stone Gap or join Valentine Roncalli in her shoemaking adventures in Greenwich Village, there’s a Trigiani book for everyone. Embarking on the journey through her books in order will enrich your reading experience and provide an in-depth understanding of her storytelling style.

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