‘A stunning debut. An intergenerational story full of the complexities of family life that will surprise and inspire you at every turn.’ —Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author
In this wise and warm debut novel, an Italian American grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter all named after the Roman myth of the Three Graces find their lives—and their secrets—colliding when, after years apart, they come to live under the same roof.
Graziella, a ninety-six-year-old former nun, spends her days running the parish’s food kitchen, convinced it is her responsibility to keep everyone fed in their working-class New York neighborhood. Her daughter, Grace, a respected psychology professor, appears accomplished and composed, yet finds herself unmoored as her personal life falters. Ella—Graziella’s granddaughter and Grace’s daughter—is weary of defending her vegan diet and anti-capitalistic lifestyle; blind to her own brilliance, she longs, above all, for a place to belong. Living together again, the three Graces reckon with the distances that have shaped them, and with what it means, at last, to be fully known.
‘Truly captivating’ (Annabel Monaghan, New York Times bestselling author) and populated by unforgettable characters, The Three Graces of Pearl Street explores the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, and the quiet courage it takes to move through the world with true grace.
Genre: Literary Fiction
In this wise and warm debut novel, an Italian American grandmother, daughter, and granddaughter all named after the Roman myth of the Three Graces find their lives—and their secrets—colliding when, after years apart, they come to live under the same roof.
Graziella, a ninety-six-year-old former nun, spends her days running the parish’s food kitchen, convinced it is her responsibility to keep everyone fed in their working-class New York neighborhood. Her daughter, Grace, a respected psychology professor, appears accomplished and composed, yet finds herself unmoored as her personal life falters. Ella—Graziella’s granddaughter and Grace’s daughter—is weary of defending her vegan diet and anti-capitalistic lifestyle; blind to her own brilliance, she longs, above all, for a place to belong. Living together again, the three Graces reckon with the distances that have shaped them, and with what it means, at last, to be fully known.
‘Truly captivating’ (Annabel Monaghan, New York Times bestselling author) and populated by unforgettable characters, The Three Graces of Pearl Street explores the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, and the quiet courage it takes to move through the world with true grace.
Genre: Literary Fiction
Praise for this book
"The Three Graces of Pearl Street is life-affirming, brimming with wisdom, grace, and humour, and utterly delightful. While exploring the cultural and generational divides within a fractious but tight-knit family, Elizabeth Wellington Rollins gives us a character for the ages in Graziella Valentini. This big-hearted, sharp-tongued, lion-cane-wielding nonna will remain a voice in my head for a long time to come. I didn't want it to end." - Emma Knight
"A truly captivating tale spanning generations of strong women, this poignant debut features unforgettable characters who discover that it's never too late to stand up for what's right, make a fresh start, and fall in love all over again. Don't miss this charmer." - Annabel Monaghan
"Told with remarkable tenderness and humor, THE THREE GRACES OF PEARL STREET is a story about what it means to take care of and love one another, whether family, community, or perhaps the hardest and most important, ourselves. I wish I could be invited to Nonna's table for a Feast of the Seven Fishes and to receive her wisdom and heart, but reading this book was the next best thing. I loved it." - Heather Aimee O'Neill
"An intimate and tender debut, this is a gorgeous and captivating story of strong women, deep family bonds, and the ways we hold one another across time and space." - Jo Piazza
"The gifted Elizabeth Wellington Rollins has written a stunning debut. The Three Graces of Pearl Street is a story of an Italian American triumvirate of women bound together by history but not necessarily truth. Graziella is the 96-year-old matriarch who has bargained with God for more time to do her good works. Her daughter Grace is a professor whose personal life is falling apart which unmoors her while her daughter Ella struggles to find her place in the world. This is an intergenerational story full of the complexities of family life that will surprise and inspire you at every turn." - Adriana Trigiani
"A truly captivating tale spanning generations of strong women, this poignant debut features unforgettable characters who discover that it's never too late to stand up for what's right, make a fresh start, and fall in love all over again. Don't miss this charmer." - Annabel Monaghan
"Told with remarkable tenderness and humor, THE THREE GRACES OF PEARL STREET is a story about what it means to take care of and love one another, whether family, community, or perhaps the hardest and most important, ourselves. I wish I could be invited to Nonna's table for a Feast of the Seven Fishes and to receive her wisdom and heart, but reading this book was the next best thing. I loved it." - Heather Aimee O'Neill
"An intimate and tender debut, this is a gorgeous and captivating story of strong women, deep family bonds, and the ways we hold one another across time and space." - Jo Piazza
"The gifted Elizabeth Wellington Rollins has written a stunning debut. The Three Graces of Pearl Street is a story of an Italian American triumvirate of women bound together by history but not necessarily truth. Graziella is the 96-year-old matriarch who has bargained with God for more time to do her good works. Her daughter Grace is a professor whose personal life is falling apart which unmoors her while her daughter Ella struggles to find her place in the world. This is an intergenerational story full of the complexities of family life that will surprise and inspire you at every turn." - Adriana Trigiani
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