Podcast Summary: Adriana Trigiani on "The View from Lake Como"
Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Adriana Trigiani
Episode Title: Adriana Trigiani, THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO: A Novel
Release Date: July 9, 2025
1. Introduction to Adriana Trigiani
Zibby Owens warmly welcomes Adriana Trigiani, a New York Times bestselling author renowned for her extensive body of work encompassing 21 books of fiction and nonfiction, which have been translated into 38 languages. Trigiani's multifaceted career includes accolades such as the Cavaliere Dell Ordine della Stella d'Italia, the Library of Virginia's Patron of Letters degree, and the 2025 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Her commitment to literature extends beyond writing; she co-founded the Origin Project, a writing program serving over 25,000 students, and serves on the New York State Council on the Arts.
Notable Quote:
“Triggiani is proud to serve on the New York State Council on the Arts. She lives in Greenwich Village with her family.” – Zibby Owens [04:57]
2. Exploring "The View from Lake Como"
**a. Overview of the Novel
Adriana Trigiani delves into the essence of her latest novel, "The View from Lake Como," describing it as a narrative about rebuilding one's life and home. The protagonist, Jess Barrata, navigates the aftermath of a divorce while residing in her parents' basement in the newly renamed Lake Como, New Jersey—formerly South Belmont. The town's renaming symbolizes its struggle to rejuvenate decreasing property values, mirroring Jess's personal journey of reconstruction.
Notable Quotes:
“It's the story of a woman who rebuilds her life and the house that goes with it.” – Adriana Trigiani [06:22]
“We can't mislead our listeners... they took a vote and renamed it Lake Como.” – Adriana Trigiani [05:56]
**b. Themes and Inspirations
Trigiani articulates the novel's exploration of finding peace and self-acceptance. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and reflections on personal mistakes as gateways to new beginnings, she emphasizes the importance of self-love and the courage to shape one's destiny.
Notable Quotes:
“So I wanted to dramatize that in a book. And so it's true of every layer of the book.” – Adriana Trigiani [07:22]
“She's going to have to make a break with that somehow.” – Adriana Trigiani [09:57]
3. Character Dynamics and Relationships
**a. Uncle Louie and Jess's Bond
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the relationship between Jess Barrata and her Uncle Louie. Trigiani highlights the depth of their uncle-niece bond, portraying Uncle Louie as a father figure whose sudden death forces Jess to uncover hidden family secrets within the marble industry. This relationship serves as a cornerstone for Jess's emotional and professional growth.
Notable Quotes:
“There's a level of honesty there that you can't have with anybody else.” – Adriana Trigiani [08:10]
“She is the sister who is going to end up being the caretaker in our Italian heritage.” – Adriana Trigiani [15:15]
**b. Family Secrets and the Marble Industry
The novel intricately weaves in the marble industry, symbolizing durability and the fragility of personal relationships. Jess's involvement in the family business, coupled with the revelation of her uncle's secrets, drives the plot forward and adds layers of complexity to her character development.
Notable Quotes:
“They are the last two men standing. Her mother's complicated.” – Adriana Trigiani [08:40]
“There's a whole story to how he lost those fingers in a quarry.” – Adriana Trigiani [24:36]
4. Writing Process and Research
**a. Navigating the Writing Journey
Trigiani shares insights into her creative process, emphasizing the importance of overcoming writer's block by advancing scenes that provide clarity to the narrative's direction. She recounts experiences from her previous work on the Big Stone Gap movie, illustrating how repositioning scenes can unlock new pathways in storytelling.
Notable Quotes:
“I pull the scene that's waiting for me forward, and I actually did it.” – Adriana Trigiani [22:45]
“It's not about staying stuck and trying to push through the stuck, but pull something forward that you know you're going to do.” – Adriana Trigiani [22:45]
**b. Research into the Marble Industry
Delving into the marble industry, Trigiani discusses her extensive research, including visits to Carrara, Italy, to understand modern marble extraction methods. She reflects on the craftsmanship and historical significance of marble, paralleling it with the novel's themes of strength and vulnerability.
Notable Quotes:
“He created or did a new idea of marble. It seems sheer, like fabric.” – Adriana Trigiani [12:42]
“They will never use up the marble on that mountain. It is sheared off.” – Adriana Trigiani [12:52]
5. Cultural Heritage and Personal Identity
Trigiani integrates her Italian heritage into the narrative, portraying how cultural expectations shape individual roles within the family. Jess embodies the "maiden aunt" archetype, reflecting the struggle between traditional duties and personal aspirations. This cultural backdrop enriches the story, offering readers a glimpse into Italian-American familial dynamics.
Notable Quotes:
“You have a story about somebody who has to say oh, that's the role you put me in, but that's not the role I necessarily want to live.” – Adriana Trigiani [15:20]
“The way to do it is for it to be self-motivated. What fills you up? What makes you complete?” – Adriana Trigiani [15:30]
6. Themes of Self-Love and Personal Growth
A central theme of "The View from Lake Como" is the protagonist's journey towards self-love and independence. Trigiani emphasizes that Jess's path to healing does not rely on rekindling a past relationship but rather on her own personal development and self-discovery.
Notable Quotes:
“This is a self-love story. This is about somebody who has to...navigate it through her life experience.” – Adriana Trigiani [12:18]
“She's not going to navigate this through a relationship. She's going to navigate it through her life experience.” – Adriana Trigiani [12:18]
7. Personal Insights and Reflections
During the conversation, Trigiani opens up about her personal views on love and relationships, sharing her preference for enduring, stable love over the fleeting intensity often celebrated in romantic narratives. This perspective influences the depth and authenticity of Jess's character in the novel.
Notable Quotes:
“I don't really like the abiding part of love... I like the mistake making part and the not being my best every day and then trying to do better.” – Adriana Trigiani [21:12]
“It's a good indicator if you find yourself naturally everything falls away.” – Adriana Trigiani [22:10]
8. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Zibby Owens and Adriana Trigiani conclude their engaging discussion by reflecting on the interconnectedness of reading and writing. Trigiani expresses her enthusiasm for uplifting fellow authors and sharing meaningful stories with readers, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between being an avid reader and a prolific writer.
Notable Quotes:
“It's a huge service to the reader, to the listener right now. It really is, and I thank you for it.” – Adriana Trigiani [27:19]
“I love doing it. So it's a lot of work that Zibby. We always call you Saint Zibby behind your back because we don't know how you do it.” – Adriana Trigiani [27:19]
Final Note:
"The View from Lake Como" offers a rich tapestry of familial bonds, cultural heritage, and personal resilience. Through Jess Barrata's journey, Adriana Trigiani invites readers to explore the delicate balance between honoring one's roots and forging an independent identity.
Connect with Adriana Trigiani:
- Website: www.adrianatrigiani.com
- Instagram: @adrianatrigiani
- Books Available At: zibbymedia.com
Follow Zibby Owens:
- Website: www.zibbymedia.com
- Instagram: @zibbyowens