ACCLAIM FOR Ozzie Logozzo’s THE ERRANT CHILD
“HOLLYWOOD MOVIE MATERIAL… This multi- level story blends, grabs and pulls you in opposing directions. Your mind is tethered and quartered by an engrossing tale that begs for a sequel.”
“THE PROTAGONIST TRANSFORMED… The main character reflects Hamlet-like qualities changes into a chilling commander, still bedeviled but sure to exert exacting power and authority. One can only wish his transformation is not at the cost of his humanity.”
“A DEVIL UNDISGUISED… This spoiled child in a woman’s body is hot but emotionally lethal. She is enough of an obstacle and emotional turmoil to her better half without having him face perversion, crime, and betrayal, family treachery, military police and the Mafia.”
“A PAGAN RELIGION CHALLENGING THE PAPACY… The inquisition ills of the Church’s past broil with intrigue, corruption, malice, and avarice. A modern secret society, Stregheria, is poised to control the Papacy, discredit Roman Catholicism, and its tenets and strip Vatican City of its supremacy and wealth.”
“OLD RELIGIOUS WITCHCRAFT LIVES ON… The proud legacy of the Etruscan civilization, of the Roman Empire, has persisted underground. Its revival is sure to alter the mind and spirit of individuals and society. It remains to be seen whether this anti establishment passion can correct historical wrongs or if it will pervert its own cast of characters with its own rituals and philosophy.”
“FUNDAMENTALLY A LOVE STORY… This Adam andEve, Bogart and Bacall, love story is a mercurial, artful replica of troubled marriages. Indeed, as individuals they reflect so many individual qualities gone awry: infatuation, beauty, handsomeness, prowess, jealousy, and unfaithfulness. Are we, like them, doomed to a life of dishonesty, disloyalty, and infidelity?”
“YOU WANT TO BE THE MAIN CHARACTER, BUT IT FRIGHTENS YOU… You don’t want to be the beautiful damsel, but then we secretly wish we were.”
“WHERE HAVE ALL THE MINOR CHARACTERS GONE… Is the author, not so secretly, setting us up for a succession of sequels? Each minor character in this novel is grist for more in-depth story telling. We have the makings of a saga.”
Dedication
Writing is a beeline to rejection. To write is to endure exclusion.
For Vilma, Adam, and Kristen who fill the spaces within my heart.
Acknowledgement
My deepest appreciation to the following people, whom I have come to regard as friends, in assisting my endeavor and making this trilogy possible.
Edward Barisa (Association Executive), Omar Hikaru Caum (Associate), Carlo Gallucci (Photographer), Shikha Gandhi (Desktop & Digital Publisher), Frank Lacaria (Printer), Michael Lacaria (Computer Specialist), Marisa Mammoliti (Graphic Designer), Paul Matos (Desktop & Digital Publisher), Tony Nardi (Actor, Playwright, Director, Producer), Michael Orlando (Artist), Tiziana Bruno (Librarian), and a very special note of gratitude to Claudia Buscemi Prestigiacomo (Italian Translator) who provided me with thoughtful advice.
The Errant Child - Characters
Renzo Salvo
(The errant child) (illegitimate son of mamma Teresa & professore, cousin to Emily, his wife)
Esterina & Giuseppe Salvo (daughter - Silvana) (Renzo’s adoptive parents)
Sebastiano Terrazzo (childhood friend - mayor)
Sister LaRosa (kindergarten teacher)
Sister Fiorella (nurse)
Professore Paolo
Marin (birthfather)
Emily (wife) (niece to professore - via Augusto) (niece to Emilio & his brothers - via Valeria)
Mamma Teresa Congela (birthmother)
Augusto (brother)
Sister Lidia
(mother)
Domenico (son
- businessman)
Adamo (son - carabiniere)
Ida
(sister)
Cardinal Werner (father)
Yogesh (banker)
Giovanino
(husband)
Angelo (husband)
(a village local)
Valeria (Emilio’s sister) & Augusto (professore’s brother) (Emily’s parents
Mark Anthony (son)
Patsy (friend)
Elena (daughter)
Giacomo (carabiniere)
Laura (cousin) (parents: Adriana & Flavio)
Christina
(daughter)
Christina
(daughter)
Tiziana (girlfriend)
Vincenzo (friend)
Book I Coming Home
The Errant Child - Characters
Do You Recall
Do you recall some of your childhood fantasies? I do. Playing hockey in the NHL, running the mara- thon, piloting a plane; skydiving, traveling around the world, becoming a movie actor, writing a best seller; and endless more flights of fancy.
These imagined experiences are a part of growing up, despite age, and greatly gratifying. I have indeed, through persistence, good fortune, and craziness, re- alized some of my dreams.
Where I haven’t, I remain thankful of the endeavor. It is just as exhilarating in working hard and prepar- ing for a task as it is accomplishing it. Philosophers contend that true pleasure resides in the ride not the ultimate destination. The value of a coin remains constant no matter which side you are previewing.
Approaching the half-century milestone in my pro- fessional careers, as an instructor, education admin- istrator, a real estate broker, and executive director, I admit to a wonderful ride. In my new endeavor as an author, I appreciate all the folks I have encoun- tered: The good, the bad, and the ugly have provided tremendous kindle for my storytelling.
Prologue
“We all grow up with the weight of history on us.”
–Shirley Abbott
Chapter 1
Via Roma, Tarquinia, central Italy
I am only five years old so I do not think I am being smug. Perhaps a little but it is my birthday and I am very proud of how mamma is shielding my honor.
“Teresa, what kind of goddamn animal are you raising? Look at what Renzo did to my Sebastiano. For Christ’s sake, just look at what your little bastard did!”
What colorful, crude language from a petit, pretty lady. What is a bastard?
She looks rich. I like her stylish midi yellow dress belted by a glittering, oversized gemstone rosary but her twisted facial scowls are really starting to scare me.
At Sunday Mass, Mrs. Terrazzo is calm,