Secrets in Translation
Fitzroy Books / Regal House Publishing, October 2018
Hardcover, paperback, epub
Young adult / Adult

In this celebration of Italian life and culture, seventeen-year-old Alessandra returns for the summer to Italy, where she grew up. Pressured by her parents into babysitting a rebellious twelve year old—ruining holiday plans with newfound American friends—Alessandra resigns herself to a tedious summer in Positano. Her babysitting gig, however, turns out to be anything but boring! Not only does Alessandra fall for the handsome son of the Bertolucci family, renowned for their limoncello production, but when a body mysteriously turns up on the beach, the influence of organized crime in Positano become frighteningly real. As Alessandra is drawn further into an elaborate conspiracy, she must risk everything to protect herself, her family, and those that she loves, and in the process she finds herself—and her Italian heart.

Resources

To read more about Margo's experiences growing up in Italy as a kid, please visit the blog of the Italian Language Foundation where she is an official blog contributor.

Reviews

“A teenage romance as sweet and satisfying as a summer day on the Amalfi coast, with a dark twist to add to the page-turning mystery. Margo Sorenson has deftly captured the enigmatic moodiness of a tween, the budding self-awareness of an almost-adult young woman, and the tantalizing seductiveness of Italy—and its young men. A delightful armchair excursion to the romantic heart of southern Italy! Brava!” (Dianne Hales, author of La Bella Lingua and the forthcoming La Passione: How Italy Seduced the World) 

“This was such a fun book to read! And, of course, being set in Italy and with Italian phrases interspersed throughout its pages, I felt right at home reading this YA novel. If you like YA novels that transport you to sunny Italy where a young woman comes-of-age, this is a perfect beach read or one to savor as an armchair traveller in front of a cozy fire.” (Laura Fabiani, Library of Clean Reads)

"Tell me," he said,"Was it hard to leave Italy?"Unbidden, tears filled my eyes. No one had asked me this question—no one could have come this close to understanding."Cara," he whispered, as he brushed a tear from my cheek." Although Secrets in Translation is a young adult novel, readers of all ages will turn its pages in suspense. Italian Americans familiar with having had to hide parts of their own identities may especially resonate with Alex-Alessandra's search for self. Forcing herself to fit in with her Sonoma County High School friends fails when Alex returns unexpectedly to Italy, where she grew up as Alessandra, an American diplomat's daughter. A summer au pair on the Amalfi Coast, she confronts a choice she thought she had made: is she more American or Italian? Deciding to write in her journal as an American without Italian memories, Alessandra nonetheless confides her love of Italian culture, as well as romantic feelings for gentle, earnest Carlo, the son of local limoncello producers. Drawn back,despite herself, into Italy's complexity,she uncovers an ugly reality hidden beneath Positano's sun: producers and distributors become targets of the Sacra Lista, the Amalfi Coast's mafia. When Carlo's family factory falls victim to criminals, Alessandra must resolve the dilemma of refusing to be herself fully. (Kirsten Keppel, The Ambassador, National Italian American Foundation magazine, Winter 2018)

“Utterly charming!” (Allison K. Hill, Book Buyer, Vroman's Book Store, Pasadena, CA)

"A great story transports you away from the everyday, and in her new young adult novel, Margo Sorenson sends readers into a world of intrigue, romance and self-discovery in Positano, Italy." (Christine Thomas, Punahou Bulletin, Winter 2018; click to read the full review)

“What an entertaining read! Torn between two cultures, seventeen-year-old Alessandra (or Alex) struggles with where she fits in, and who she really wants to be. After living in America for the past year, she is returning to Italy as a nanny for a young charge who, in the boy-crazy department, is 12 going on 16. I enjoyed seeing the bond between the two girls develop, as well as Alessandra’s relationship with a certain very-hot Italian boy. Actually, there are two charismatic and handsome young men, but can either one be trusted or could one or possibly both be involved in the organized crime overshadowing the tranquil scenery? The descriptions of the beautiful coastal locations and customs are gorgeous and pulled me right into the action which builds up to a suspenseful climax and satisfying ending. I’ve never been to Italy, but now I’m ready to pack my bags and sit on a terrace sipping delicious lemon-flavored drinks. You’re sure to enjoy Secrets in Translation!” (Marcia Strykowski, author of Call Me Amy)

“Secrets in Translation is a perfect mix of travel, culture, romance and mystery! The descriptions of the towns, restaurants and the people allow the reader to feel as if they are traveling to Italy with Alessandra! The character deals with the pull between the loyalty of two cultures and coming of age. The story is intriguing and pulls the reader in leaving them wanting more. A fun and interesting book that teens are sure to love.” (Anita Celucci, Past President Massachusetts Library Association, Librarian,Westborough HS)

“I adore reading books that take me to new places and show me different ways of life around the world. It's always so interesting, and when I can't visit in person, a great way to tame my wanderlust! Secrets was perfect for that. Sorenson has created a great picture of a summer in Italy, complete with a bratty tween under Alessandra's care, and the narrow, twisting streets of Positano. I desperately wanted to step through the pages and relax by the sea or eat some of the incredible food! And maybe enjoy some limoncello while I was at it ;) I also really enjoyed reading about Alessandra/Alex's struggle with finding the balance between her upbringing in Italy and her current life in Sonoma, California. The juxtaposition of the two was spot-on and heart wrenching at first, but she manages to find her place, which left me cheering. It doesn't hurt to have an Italian hottie to help out a little! Overall, this was a great read that will leave you wanting to book a trip to Italy!” (Meradeth Houston, author, Someone Else's Soul and An Absence of Light)

“One criterion of a good read for me is whether or not the characters and setting remain vivid in my mind long after I’ve turned the last page. Kudos to Margo Sorenson’s Secrets in Translation for meeting that criterion. With evocative sensory details, Sorenson transports the reader, along with her engaging hero Alex/Alessandra, to the small Italian village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast one pivotal summer.

“The story begins with Alex’s plans in ruins for a long-anticipated trip to Tahoe with her new friends.  Her parents, who have recently relocated to the wine country of northern California after living many years in Italy, insist she take a nannying job that forces her back to Italy for the summer, just at the crucial time she was trying so hard to fit in, to shed her Italian-ness and become American. Distraught as she is, Alex tries to make the most of the situation. While attempting to keep reins on the challenging tweener who is in her charge for six weeks, Alexandra stumbles on to a summer romance with the handsome Carlos and soon begins to feel her heart pulled back to the beautiful country that had been her home for so long. At the same time, however, danger begins to nip at her heels with incidents involving the Sacra Lista and suspects Carlos might be involved. Not only does she have to deal with potential peril of the Italian mafia and the confusion involving Carlos and their budding romance, she also has to come to terms with her feelings about where her heart lies. Is it with Italy, her old home, or America her new one? This book begs for a sequel!” (Bonnie Graves, author, Catch Me When I Fall, The Best Worst Day, Mystery of the Tooth Gremlin)

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