Review: Terribilita by Ben Wyckoff Shore

The powerful ties of blood and an ardent desire for vengeance fuels Terribilita, a strong new work of historical fiction by author Ben Wyckoff Shore.

Enzo Ferrando has lived in the shadow of his legendary father for three decades, but has managed to carve out his own place in the sun as an instigator and freedom fighter. Unfortunately, his rebellious behavior brings swift retribution, catapulting he and his son Lucca into new journeys taking them far from home – and the possibility for revenge.

Lucca is temporarily safe as a deckhand on a merchant ship under Captain Bartolo, set to work hard and see the sights of the Mediterranean, whereas Enzo is four days into a journey to Eritrea when he hears about his father’s savage murder. With the names of the three killers in hand, he swears to find vengeance when his sworn duty to Italy is complete on the battlefields of the African Horn. Patience is not on Enzo’s list of virtues, however, and his thirst for justice drives him to make strange allies, and dangerous decisions.

Though father and son are separated, their storylines eventually overlap in tragic fashion. Five years at sea harden Lucca into a bold and determined young man, and watching this character develop over the course of the novel is the beating heart of this story. His relationship with Grace is also a compelling element of the narrative – his increasing adoration for her mirroring a diminishing opinion of his own father. Terribilita is a vibrant piece of historical fiction, but at its core it is an exploration of family and fatherhood, delving into how guilt and violence can obfuscate compassion and sacrifice. When one’s family is torn away, and the most challenging years of life must be faced alone, what can a person cling to for comfort?

With delicate storytelling and a patient unfurling of drama amidst a historically accurate framework, Shore brings an often-overlooked chapter of the past to brilliant light. The writing is immersive and consistent, keeping readers fully engaged 150 years in the past, with every character and nuanced piece of description carefully chosen and authentic. For much of the book, it seems that a satisfying end will be impossible, but the author neatly ties up the emotional loose ends, delivering closure in an unexpected way. For any reader who has suffered a break in their own familial connections, this carefully penned novel will hit home, despite its nineteenth-century setting.

Some scenes do feel more like filler than others, and could potentially be cut or tightened to keep the pacing up. Additionally, some of the dialogue early in the novel feels forced and unnatural, as though it was translated directly from Italian, but the tone and style of speech gradually normalizes. With just enough swashbuckling and unpredictable action, this tale of romance, honor and revenge offers something for everyone.

Reminiscent of Victor Hugo’s emotional explorations, Terribilita is a vivid saga of patriotism, love, family honor, and the monumental task of forgiveness.