Owning Treasure by Joe and Laura Wilbur

Could something that happened many years ago cause you to hold a grudge that lasts a lifetime?  Holding a grudge and feeling its consequences are the main themes of OWNING TREASURE as well as the that of family, traditions, and ethics.  Antonio's father wouldn't forgive him for something he thought his son had done, and he harbored this belief his entire life until his death.  

OWNING TREASURE was a poignant book about facing the death of a parent and looking back on the life they lived as well as how the life we lead today was affected by family principles. It also brought to light how our "growing up years" affected our present lives and relationships with spouses, friends, and children.

OWNING TREASURE moved from 1959 to 2009 and covered the Pagano family for three generations.  It told of the loss, the love, the heartbreaks and the good times the family shared.  It contained historical events as well as being a tale of family history, nostalgia, and of immigrants who worked hard in America and passed this trait on to their children. The third generation of Paganos lived in the technology world, but they kept family customs.  It gives insight into how children view the death of grandparents and how children are always interested in the past of their parents and grandparents.  I remember asking about the life my grandfather led when he was an immigrant from Italy.  I always believe we NEVER lose the traditions and ethics that were instilled in us even as the generations pass.

The characters were exceptionally well described, and you could easily visualize their clothing and their mannerisms as well as their feelings.  You will feel every emotion each character was experiencing and feel their pain and their joy. It was an extremely well-written book about families and generations telling stories about previous generations. I have to venture that one of the authors experienced the events and is of Italian descent.

The book was a heartwarming story of family struggles, of generations, and of traditions. It was also about forgiving and forgetting and brings in the making aware of the circle of life we all lead. 

The clever title will be having you say ah ha when you find out what it actually stands for. OWNING TREASURE can also be considered a mystery.....the mystery of the green stool that Nana used and the BIG mystery that plagued and tainted Antonio and his father's relationship for a lifetime both get solved.  I highly recommend this thought provoking, touching first novel.  5/5

This book was given to me my the authors in return for an honest review.