Imagine marrying someone you’ve never met.
Many cultures use arranged marriages and that is the basis for The Proxy Bride by Zoe Boccabella.
The story is told through Gia sharing her life story with her granddaughter, Sofie, who is visiting from Brisbane.
Gia is from a very small Italian village. She marries an Italian man living on a small farm in Stanthorpe, Queensland. Gia’s brother stands in as a proxy for the wedding ceremony.
Gia takes a long, exciting journey to Australia on a ‘bride ship’ with other proxy brides. When Gia arrives, she is not entirely comfortable with her new husband, but they try to make the most of their new life together.
There are a number of other Proxy Brides from Italy on neighbouring small farms. They meet regularly and socialise together, but they are all very different personalities. They try to fit into Australian life, while also trying to maintain their Italian culture.
The situation is complicated further with the outbreak of World War II. When their husbands are interned, the families struggle with social prejudices and are not treated well by the majority of the Stanthorpe community.
Gia falls in love with a neighbouring farmer and forms a strong relationship with his sister, who is also ostracised by her community.
I enjoyed the book because it describes the intertwined lives of rural people and highlights how difficult it is to live in another country and assimilate.
It is very well written and keeps your interest all the way through. I enjoy reading about strong women trying to survive in difficult circumstances. There are also some nice Italian recipes in the book, as one of Gia’s survival mechanisms is growing and cooking with her beloved chillies.
I would recommend this unique book. It has a love story, relationships, and some interesting Australian history.
– Margaret, Junee Library
