What Makes a Child Lucky

In a timeless moment in rural Sicily, a boy experiences the brutal killing of his best friend and is kidnapped by the murderers. No child should have to know evil so intimately, and yet once he does, what will save him?

His salvation lies in the cycles of the seasons, the sturdy earth and its gifts of lentils and wild asparagus in a time of starvation, the animal sense that enables one to anticipate the whims and impulses of others, and, most important, familiarity with the Ancient Grandmother, who knows the entire play of good and evil. If he can trust her—the gang's cook, a fierce woman of great practical wisdom and humanity—he will escape the grip of perpetual violence. Or so we learn from the beguiling old couple who narrate this story.

Uniting the most ancient forms of storytelling with a modern sensibility, Gioia Timpanelli's work is a national treasure—a joy to read, clear and resonant and satisfying.

A luminous story of danger and survival.

Library Journal

Based on a Sicilian folktale, this story investigates what makes someone lucky. Joseph, the youngest son in a poor, rural Sicilian family, is envied by his older brothers. When Pasquale, the wine seller, is killed on the highway while bringing his wine back to town, the mayor wants to send a message to the robbers, and Joseph's brothers volunteer him for the task. Led by the tough Gino, the gang members are hostile to Joseph, but he is protected by Mmalculata, the cook, who takes him in as her helper. He soon learns to avoid the rest of the gang while discovering all he can from Mmalculata about cooking and wild herbs. American Book Award winner Timpanelli (Sometimes the Soul ) uses her storytelling background-she's presented literature and poetry on NPR, PBS, and in workshops and seminars-to create a flowing narrative that recognizes the rhythms of nature and how being in touch with them can protect one from surrounding troubles. This short tale is a good addition to larger collections.-Josh Cohen, Mid-Hudson Lib. Syst., Poughkeepsie, NY

Gioia Timpanelli has performed and presented world literature and poetry for NPR, PBS, and groups and conferences nationwide and internationally. Her first book of fiction, Sometimes the Soul, won the American Book Award. She lives in Woodstock, New York.