“A memorable read that’s hard to put down, replete with the sensitive countenance of love and self-acceptance.”
Gianni, a gay adoptee, comes of age in a time when adoption and same-sex love are not easily discussed. An unlikely but deep and seemingly fated friendship develops between Gianni and Rafaella, a middle-aged Jewish-Italian Holocaust survivor who took part in the Italian resistance against Fascism. Gianni also befriends Gabriel, an African-American drag queen and surrogate parent to homeless queer youth. Recognizing sorrow is what draws Gianni to Rafaella and Gabriel, and them to him. Sanctuaries is the tender story of caring and personal healing, set against the larger turmoil of the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, Stonewall, and the lingering ashes of the Holocaust.
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Praise
“An eloquent story about self-discovery and finding one’s place in the world. With complex and beautiful characters, Sanctuaries captures a captivating time in history that many often try to modify or erase.”
-Emanuel xavier, christ like and selected poems of emanuel xavier
“Heartfelt, compelling, and bold, Sgambati’s storytelling masterfully captures the nuance of our shared humanity”
- joy cohen, 37, of the better kind, anna’s journal
“Sgambati’s prose is fluid and evocative, capturing the nuances of characters, emotions, and events that will linger in readers’ minds long after the novel’s conclusion… sharp, well etched cast steals the show in this touching story.”
- booklife, editor’s pick
“Vince Sgambati is masterful in the weaving of his novel Sanctuaries, with every character having the feel of absolute authenticity…”
- Asher syed, readers’ favorite (5 star review)
“Grounded in precise detail and particularity of character and moment, Sgambati’s novel is intensely concerned with matters of social justice as it seeks to find a way to a more compassionate and accepting world.”