This novel tells about the story of an eleven year old child who discovers the value of friendship, family, death, coming of age, relationship and forgiveness as she spent about six weeks of her life at the hospital healing her arm from an injury and her family in the process. Holms teaches us many life-lessons throughout the book. The novel itself depicts a typical Italian family socially living in the suburbs of the city.
Penny from Heaven, a story about children, their worries as they enter the stage of maturity and the life every typical family have.In this book, the reader sort to have read all the qualities that a good reading book must have. The story of Penny Falucci moved everyone to that certain realization to value everything we could and could not see. The essence of family is emphasized here as the author points out the disparity between Italian families and of other race. Traditions, expression of love, characteristics - these are only some of the qualities fostered in the story to show the inequality among families in the late 1953.Another thing valued in the novel is friendship; Penny’s relationship with Frankie, her own cousin, is an example.
Despite their differences, they are willing to help one another even if they know they might get in trouble. Also, the death of Penny’s father made a big impact in the story itself. The mystery of his death influenced not only Penny but also other family members. Although at a very young age of eleven, Penny understands the situation and the changes that are happening to them.What we see here is the protagonist’s eagerness to forgive, uncover the sad facts of his father’s death, reunite the two sides of their family, start anew and build stronger relationship with her cousin Frankie, her mother and with others who played such important roles in her life.
The novel, “Penny from Heaven” gives us an inspiring, well-sounded narration of how life would be for an eleven year old girl after many losses and winnings in life-battles fate gives.
