Michael Bellusci did an incredible job in writing The Sailor from Lampedusa. The book brought me back to memories of reading books like The Sea Wolf when I was just a teenager. So much intrigue and adventure. I completely enjoyed the well-developed, human relationships between the main characters, and the time spent showing both their dark and light sides. Especially Captain Falco, a man torn in so many directions, always trying to do the right thing, and then often having to question those convictions. There is more than enough romance to keep that aspect of the work interesting as well. From light-hearted fun to dealing with realistic global issues, this is a great read from start to finish.
–Goodreads
Michael Bellusci does an outstanding job of creating not only memorable and appealing characters, but the milieu of the sea, its laws, and the emotional and political entanglements of sailors who navigate treacherous waters. His injection of these insights along with the adventure the characters encounter on the way and the moral and ethical dilemmas they raise makes for a story that is compelling, realistic, and astute as it captures the dilemmas of a group of disparate individuals who often operate outside the letter of the law.
⸺Midwest Reviews
The Sailor from Lampedusa: Escape to Paradise by Michael Bellusci is a page-turner, and I devoured it avidly as I followed twenty-two-year-old James on his journey of adventure and self-discovery. The Sailor from Lampedusa is a gripping tale of humanity, integrity, and love, with a good dose of local folklore. It paints a realistically gruesome picture of the ongoing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean, an eye-opening subject that doesn’t get enough international attention. It is a reminder that behind these often tragic journeys there are real people from tragic backgrounds. I deem Michael Bellusci’s novel potentially appealing to young adult readers, as well as adults, and I highly recommend it.
–Reader’s Favorite
Becoming an architect was James Bellamy’s ultimate goal, but not before satisfying a compelling urge for a taste of freedom. Inspired by his love for sailing and a desire to track his roots, he puts his education on hold and heads off to Sicily, where he embarks on a sea journey like nothing he had ever imagined. Along the way, he is introduced to a horrific reality almost too shocking to wrap his head around. He makes friends with good men and women willing to stand up to a faulty socio-political system while confronting danger, unexpected hardships, and human tragedy.
–Reader’s Favorite
I really enjoyed this novel. The drama of a seafaring adventure, exciting locales and the soul of a young protagonist seeking to find his way, the author does a wonderful job of pulling you into this engrossing story. The dialogue and relationships feel real, and the affair between James and Sophia is touching and genuine. Such a great combination of romance, adventure, and social commentary – I highly recommend to readers of any age!
–Amazon
You don’t wanna miss it.
Get the latest updates in your inbox.
Michael Bellusci Author
All rights reserved 2023
Michael Bellusci 