Taormina

It is 1895 in the wondrous resort, Taormina, Sicily. In the forest just outside the city a beautiful 18 year old girl is raped by the head of the local Mafia. His prime henchman is about to join in the fun. A young man stumbles upon them. He smashes the head of the henchman with a large shovel. The man is instantly killed. He then beats the Mafia chief almost to death. He carries off the girl to safety. Due to the Mafia involvement, they must leave the country immediately. They emigrate to the U.S. This quest for happiness in the states soon is attained. Within a month of their marriage, she shows the first signs of pregnancy. The baby grows to physically resemble his mother but, unfortunately, in temperament and character, he favors his father, the Mafia chief who raped her. Their life and their marriage blossoms in the USA. Their second child is a boy who is the personification of what every mother and father dream of having. The boys relationship with each other brings delight to each of them. The younger one, who is smarter and stronger that the older one, becomes the protector of his obviously troubled older brother. The third child is a beautiful girl. The book takes us through their growth, and in their growth, the problems of the oldest child increase significantly. Love and laughter fight for the primacy in their lives and the consequences it brings to all of their family.

Herman Edel, the author, has filled this book with mystery, terror, tears and, yes, much laughter. His earlier work includes the historical novel, The Pavlac Legacy and the satiric Scrambled Eggs and Mashed Potatoes. Edel founded music production companies in New York, London and Los Angeles. He hosted and produced the PBS musical theatre radio show, On With the Show, for over 17 years. He served two terms as the Mayor of Aspen, Colorado.