“Through seemingly surface-level and fleeting missives, Fefè vibrates the deepest human feelings at the bone. James Abruzzo’s semi-autobiographical stories capture the regret of irredeemable loss, the journey of self-recovery, and ultimately the elation of being alive. Beneath the tapestry of these life episodes rests a soft, almost whimsical secret: the irrepressible joy of living, alongside the tragedy-tainted richness of growing old.”
Harris Ferris · Former President, Pittsburgh Ballet
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“This is a book I highly recommend.”
“The reader is exposed to the details of many of the musical pieces, which Abruzzo artfully presents as only someone intimate with the music at a concert level can… Abruzzo’s description of loss and grieving is powerful and heartening.”
Dr. Harvey Auerbach · The Berkshire Edge · June 24, 2026Read the full review →
“He writes with knowledge about things only a real musician would know.”
“James Abruzzo’s wonderful novel… Even things that have nothing to do with music are viewed through a musician’s eyes.”
Gaetano Cipolla · President, Arba Sicula · Forthcoming in Sicilia ParraRead the full review →
★★★★★
“A beautifully written story about one man’s quest to reconnect with his roots in Sicily, and reconcile the demands of his career as a concert pianist with its impact on his family, friends, and loves. You won’t want to put it down, and you won’t want it to end.”
Laurence Ross · Goodreads★★★★★
“There is a warmth to the way James Abruzzo writes about family, identity, ambition, disappointment, and the unexpected directions a life can take… A thoughtful and deeply human novel.”
Ameera Brooke · Goodreads★★★★★
“The QR codes invite you to listen as the music enters the story, making reading it unusually immersive. Sicily emerges through music, food, art, and memory as almost a character in its own right.”
Courtney Ford · Goodreads★★★★★
“Fefè gives us a man’s heart as an open book being rewritten as we read… Abruzzo knows music, and he knows food. You’ll savor every meal he describes.”
David Liss · Goodreads★★★★★
“Very well written! There is amazing food, music, and sceneries described. What’s not to love? I highly recommend.”
Azalea · Goodreads“After a week of duties, I can now relax with my tea and your book. I find myself savoring each chapter. I fell asleep listening to your music selections a few nights ago!”
Karen · Reader“Abruzzo has written a novel where the music uplifts you, the food nourishes you, and the people feel so alive you find yourself wondering where they go when you close the book.”
T. Calister · Early Reader“The characters in the book are rich and real and their relationships feel believable — the sense of time and the passage of the complications of life through several generations.”
Nancy Cohen · Artist & Early ReaderHave you read Fefè?
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