The Florios of Sicily

The many lives of Italy's most infamous family, the Florios, are depicted in this big, sweeping worldwide bestseller, from their lowly beginnings as shopkeepers to their ascent to become the uncrowned kings of Sicily.

Vincenzo, who lost his father when he was eight years old, establishes an empire from Palermo's docks. Vincenzo gives up family and love in order to build his little spice shop into a trading empire because he is driven by an unquenchable desire to climb beyond his level and by an aristocracy that despises him. Florio's name quickly inspires both respect and terror. The family's men are philanderers, intransigent, conceited, and driven by their emotions. In order to start over in Sicily, Paolo cunningly battles his way out of an earthquake-ravaged Bagnara. In order to realize his destiny as the leader of a commercial empire, Ignazio II rejects his one true love.The Florio women, not to be outdone by the males, boldly assert their right to a life free from the constraints imposed by loving moms, seductive mistresses, or hurt spouses. Despite being merely a mistress, Giula is incredibly clever and charms both politicians and businessmen. Born a bastard, Angelina forges her own path independent of her father's desires.

The rise and fall of a family in this grand yet personal story of passion, power, and retribution speaks to the common yearning to transcend our birth characteristics.