Peppino: A Nineteenth Century Medici

by Seth Coleman

Overview

Seth Coleman’s Peppino introduces readers to a young Italian boy who is destined for greatness but first must overcome grave obstacles in order to fulfill his potential. Born in nineteenth-century southern Italy, Peppino is the son of the baroness of Bologna. A member of the famous Medici family, one of the most prominent families in European history, the baroness expects her son to claim his role of baron and accept his rightful place among the aristocracy. However, the precocious Peppino rebels against his upper-class position, setting off on his own to fight for the common people.

Joining Peppino in the struggle are Nicola, a devout Christian peasant, and Abramo, a Hassidic Jew. Together all three risk their lives in order to lead a rebellion against the injustices of the Church and—more specifically—the local monsignor, who has evil ambitions of his own.

Pope Leo XIII is another warrior in the fight for the people’s rights. He had successfully fought off the mafia’s stranglehold on the country and as Pope worked tirelessly against class injustices. With his niece set to marry Peppino, the novel offers a unique glimpse into the personal life of an often-solitary figure, whom millions adore but only a handful really know.

Ultimately a story of good versus evil, religion versus God, and hypocrisy versus righteousness, Peppino examines history through the lens of the personal. Through his novel, Coleman offers readers a human story with breathtaking scope.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781400331475
Publisher:	Elm Hill
Publication date:	05/19/2020
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	1.00(w) x 1.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Seth Coleman graduated in 1973 with a degree in public relations and journalism from San Jose State University. Throughout his extensive career, Coleman worked in franchise marketing for corporations such as McDonald’s, Sonic, and PIP Printing. He started his own consulting company, Back on Track Marketing, in 1987 in order to work with both independent and franchise business owners. In addition to marketing, Coleman has written, produced, and directed television commercials for several well-known companies and organizations. Retired since 2006, Coleman has dedicated himself to a new career as a writer, beginning with the pulse-pounding thriller Critical Transfer. His most recent novel, Peppino, is now available as well. Coleman currently lives in Arizona.

Editorial Reviews

2013-09-13
Loosely based on true events from the author's ancestry, this historical novel tells the tale of Peppino, an upper-class troublemaker in a small Italian village who resents the restrictions of his highborn status and longs to fight for the common people. In late-19th-century Italy, the village of Brancaleone is divided by an imaginary line that keeps the poor from fraternizing with the rich. Teenage Peppino resents this division, which prevents him, a baroness' son, from being able to freely socialize with his peasant friend Emilio. He also resents the monsignor, the local head of the church; more corrupt than godly, he uses his position of power to manipulate the locals for his own gain. When Emilio enlists Peppino to help rescue local hero Nicola from being executed, Peppino finds his life finally veering off the narrow, upper-class path previously laid out for him. From fraternizing with outlaws, a stint at a monastery, being accused of murder and meeting Pope Leo XIII, Peppino's journey leads to much personal growth--and a few startling revelations. Often, the novel doesn't feel like a period piece, which is both good and bad. Much of the dialogue seems distractingly modern, yet Peppino's conversations with a Hasidic Jew named Abramo provide interesting insight into the era's attitudes toward religion. Coleman (Critical Transfer, 2013), who based the novel on his grandfather's exploits, jumps quickly from one action-packed event to another in fast-paced storytelling that's highly enjoyable. Despite Peppino's fascinating interactions, the baroness proves to be the most compelling character. Her complex relationship with Peppino and the mixture of love and resentment they seem to share are more intriguing than many of Peppino's exchanges with the more heroic characters of the story. A fast-moving historical tale of religious and class conflicts, told with a personal touch.

Kirkus Reviews