Family always brings challenges and tribulations, but when there are 22 of you living in Picinisco, Italy, facing the repercussions of the Second World War, life spins in multiple directions.

As we are invited into Mamma Matilda's household, we see the true conflict at heart. With another baby on the way, will the older siblings keep up the family responsibilities or follow their own dreams? With the growing issues surrounding Italian poverty, death and lack of opportunities, where will they turn to?

A fictional story inspired by a real gravestone marked 'An Exemplary Mother of Nineteen Children', this book documents not only the struggle of supporting a large family, but the harsh realities one must face when it comes to deciding to follow your own footsteps or continue down the

path of tradition.

The Family will be of interest to any Scots-Italian readers, alongside fans of historical fiction. It was also provide a key title towards those who enjoy dramatic fiction.