pvtguy

Niki's summary of the painting's meaning was so very well done. Would that more ears would hear it and that the painting was real and could be observed! Very well written, sir. Tony

Gianni was not prepared to parent Sami - which is not to say he is not prepared to parent any child/teen. We'll see how it goes with Marco, but I suspect that things will be much better. I can see that in time he even establishes a better relationship with Sami as they will see each other in their small town. Sami for many other reasons did not attach to Gianni either. He's in a much better place for himself. In contrast to @clairvin, I do not fear for Marco.: Gianni already has a relationship with him and Marco feels safe with him. That is not to say that there will not be normal growth/maturational issues, but there is a better fit all around for both Sami and Marco. This has been a wonderful addition to the Ravello series! Thanks @James Carnarvon for this gift. , ,

Again, there is not an emoji that adequately represents my true feelings: I am so sorry that Niki was the recipient of such cold hatred throughout his childhood, but had that not happened, he would not be who he is now nor would he have met Inno! He has experienced many valleys in his short life...now it is time to build the mountain!

Such a lovely story! I love Marky!!! I couldn't keep up with him but he is so innocent and simply delightful. Roy is a keeper as a friend!!

I do understand your intent, but to denigrate all professional teachers of writing is an inaccurate portrayal. As a retired educator, I will say that good teachers can teach and encourage excellent writing. And to that end, when a writer also studies other writers and their skills of observation and description, that writer can also learn and improve their skills.

Noooooooo...there's too much to cover for only two chapters unless there's going to be a sequel....

At their mid-twenties, Gianni and Angelo both realize they are ill-prepared to be parents of a child of Sami's age, but their desire to help him outweighs their uncertainty. Every parent makes mistakes great and small daily - that's just part of growing into the job. Their lack of knowledge about the Muslim faith, traditions, etc., really are showing up but I do have a question: are they absolutely positive that Sami is Muslim? There are Christians to be found in Arab countries too. Simple questioning of Sami, as was suggested, about what he ate could have resolved this problem. Sami's destruction of the camera is simply reinforcement of his belief that Gianni doesn't like him. While spoken in anger and frustration at not being equal to everyone, it still rings of truth - at least his truth. So far, Reza has not been any help in any significant way. As stated above, this chapter held so many emotions, drama, but all in a very loving atmosphere. Looking forward to further developments.

Wow! This is one powerful chapter! Descriptive, full of emotion, just anger, and love!

"Lord, grant me patience....but I want it now!!!" That seems to be what I hear from Gianni at the moment. It takes a lot of time for a child who has been through what Sami has endured before trust can be fully gained once more (if ever, as Reza has pointed out). Love this story!

While I'm not sure I could even afford the cost of a meal aboard Lady Janice, my what a wonderful vicarious short vacation I had just reading this chapter! I will admit to tears of joy escaping my eyes when Janice was notified of the name of the ship! Hope each day brings more healing to you, Andre! I do so enjoy the talent you share with us in your story-telling. Tony

Ah..teenagers experiencing love and lust. These are good kids! It's wonderful to see their development.

I don't understand "Christians" who base more of their beliefs on selected verses of the "Old Testament" rather than the Gospel message of Jesus. Even more, excerpted verses from the Epistles which are essentially commentaries on how the writer interpreted the teachings of Jesus and the early believers. True Christianity must root itself in the direct teachings of Jesus. Many churches are more interested in preserving their particular identity.

No better word to describe this wonderful story than "wordsmithing"! Superb! I was vicariously observing every scene as though there! I wonder if Reza is somewhat reluctant only because he isn't truly practicing his religion any more. You do bring up the challenge of adopting a child from another ethnic background: how to honor and include that culture as much as possible while creating a family dynamic.

The positive is happening, but I wonder if Niki's father will somehow try to mess it up? I love how they are slowly establishing their own "home" and their relationship.

Growing up with my Italian immigrant grandfather and grandmother, I both heard the stories and witnessed the type of man my grandfather was and how he evolved as he got older. He followed the same pattern as his compatriot Italian friends, all of whom had been brought from Italy to work in the coal mines of West Virginia. Women were truly subservient to their husbands, but also provided great compassion and love to their children and grandchildren. I heard the stories of how the children, especially the sons, were raised. By today's standards, the fathers would be arrested for abuse in what was considered "normal" in those days. I have yet to read the entire Carnarvon collection, but it is on my "to do" list as my eyes hold out! Great writing, wonderful story telling, and inspirer of dreams of visiting Ravello!

Marco glanced up at him for a moment, his grey eyes uncharacteristically unguarded. “Did you…?” he began, but then he seemed to think the better of it and he tailed off. He turned away. “Ah… I’d better go. Arrivederci, signore.” “Gianni,” Gianni reminded him gently. I do believe Gianni meant to say "Marco"... Gianni is still young and inexperienced as far as parenting a child as old as Sami is - and especially understanding the depth of feeling Sami has but is unable to rationalize yet. I do hope that Reza is able to assist Sami, but Sami has to let go and love once again once he realizes he is not going to be abandoned by Gianni and Angelo. Great writing!!

I do foresee some help with Sami with Reza - at least I hope so. As is said, "it does take a village!" And they do live in quite the village!

I agree with the comments about Dion and James, but I am very impressed with James' mother! He doesn't yet fully realize the gift he has in her! I'm also so very glad that he has Mr. Wilbur with whom he feel so comfortable to talk. Everyone needs that type of friend/counselor.

In order not to repeat the comments already posted, I just want to say that what a delight it is to be back in Ravello and catch up with these two wonderful characters as they work through the challenge of parenting. And, they are doing so with an adopted child who has lots of baggage to work through. To see the doubts of Gianni is so relatable. Thank you for another installment in this wonderful series! Tony

Lots of ground covered in this chapter: we learn more about Don, the scenes with Alex are troubling as Robbie is pressured into drinking and smoking, and then the interactions both with Nathan and Rory. Robbie's life is never simple!

I'm eager to see the next steps...

Niki has a lot to learn about independence and responsibility and Inno is the proper teacher and assistant in this venture. I wonder if Niki will ever discover why his father hated his mother and him. And what about his brother? Will he do anything to help?

There are always levels in discipline...pushing is one thing...striking and drawing blood or injuring is much more serious. Having to sit in on discipline conferences over the course as a high school counselor for 28 years and 8 years as a Middle School counselor, I have dealt with Donovans before... what the principal did hopefully will teach true discipline: self-control through honest self-realization.

What a fascinating character Eliot is! Similar to people I grew up with! I never got involved in gambling of any kind - I won't even play the Lottery! - as my father lost a lot of money gambling and always hoping for that big day...

Niki's father is going to come into play at some moment...perhaps Herr Weber - or might it have been Raimund in the bushes - will have pictures to give to Niki's father. This chapter has given us all an emotional roller coaster ride but also was very educational! Great job.