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Check It Out: The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano by Donna Frietas

This is Sarah Enright, with the Sioux City Public Library, and you’re listening to Check It Out.

Today I am recommending The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano by Donna Frietas, a truly original novel unlike anything I have ever read.

It begins with a seemingly simple argument about pre-natal vitamins, but it’s quickly revealed that Rose and Luke’s conflict runs much deeper. In fact, it’s really about deciding whether or not they are going to have children. Rose decided long ago that she never wanted to be a mother and Luke had always been on the same page. Then, he had a change of heart and hoped he could sway Rose as well. Now, she’s faced with either surrendering to her husband’s desire, which may be the only way to save their marriage, or dismissing his persuading to stay true to herself.

Though the premise of the plot seems straightforward, the author takes it to another level and recreates this crucial turning point nine different times, resulting in vastly different outcomes. The reader, witness to each of Rose’s reimagined lives, is privy to the results of her decisions as she transforms, faces consequences, becomes successful, suffers loss, experiences betrayal, and invites love into her life.

This book not only offers a wildly imaginative concept and unique plot, but it also tackles the somewhat taboo topic of a woman’s choice to become a mother. Along with that, it demonstrates that one choice is not necessarily superior over the other.

Although you may not find anything exactly like The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano by Donna Frietas, you will find it and other thought-provoking novels to check out at the Sioux City Public Library.

Support for Check It Out on Siouxland Public Media comes from Verde Outdoor Media.

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