If You Kept a Record of Sins

In Andrea Bajani’s poignant novel, a son, Lorenzo, grapples with the profound impact of his mother's departure from their home in Italy to pursue a business in Romania. As he journeys to her funeral, he recalls vivid memories of their time together, reflecting on the complexities of love and abandonment. Through lyrical prose, the narrative explores themes of family bonds, cultural identity, and the contrasting realities of modern Europe, ultimately capturing the bittersweet nature of human connections.