The Patron Saint of Second Chances

A Novel

By: Christine Simon

Narrated by: Tim Frances

SELECTED FOR THE RUSA 2023 LISTEN LIST FOR OUTSTANDING AUDIOBOOK NARRATION!

The self-appointed mayor of a tiny Italian village is determined to save his hometown no matter the cost in this “charming farce that highlights the triumph of hope and community” (People).

Vacuum repairman and self-appointed mayor of Prometto, Italy (population 212) Signor Speranza has a problem: unless he can come up with 70,000 euros to fix the town’s pipes, the water commission will shut off the water to the village and all the residents will be forced to disperse. In a desperate bid to boost tourism—and revenue—he spreads a harmless rumor that movie star Dante Rinaldi will be filming his next project nearby.

Unfortunately, the plan works a little too well, and soon everyone wants to be a part of the fictional film—the village butcher will throw in some money if Speranza can find roles for his fifteen enormous sons, Speranza’s wistfully adrift daughter reveals an unexpected interest in stage makeup, and his hapless assistant Smilzo volunteers a screenplay that’s not so secretly based on his undying love for the film’s leading lady. To his surprise—and considerable consternation, Speranza realizes that the only way to keep up the ruse is to make the movie for real.

As the entire town becomes involved (even the village priest invests!), Signor Speranza starts to think he might be able to pull this off. But what happens when Dante Rinaldi doesn’t show up? Or worse, what if he does?

A “warmhearted, original gem of a novel” (Amy Poeppel, author of Musical Chairs), The Patron Saint of Second Chances is perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman and Maria Semple.

Critic reviews

"This hilarious romp through the small-town life of the fictional Italian village of Prometto was tailor-made to be narrated, and Tim Frances is just the man for the job. Frances’s believable Italian accents in a variety of flavors and tones roll off his tongue, and he is especially convincing when embodying Signor Speranza, the beleaguered mayor with a very big plumbing problem on his hands. Listeners will appreciate the atmospheric nuances delivered by Frances, such as well-timed exasperated sighs and munching sounds at mealtimes. A whimsical farce about a little lie becoming a very big one that will be either the ruin or the salvation of the town proves to be a delight to the ear and heart."

An adorable book!

I am so glad that I listened to this on Audible versus reading it myself. The Reader did a phenomenal job with the voices and I found myself lapsing into the Italian accent in my head throughout my day. The book is a romping tale of a town with a big heart but many small minds. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope you do too!

Wonderful Story

A man's love for his town, the people, and his family and what adventures can come about with good intentions. Narration is spot on! The story engaging - couldn't wait for the next chapter.

Literary slapstick at its finest

An interesting point of view of a 60-year-old man who is the mayor of a small town. Not usually somebody’s perspective I would seek out. But his stalwart belief in God and the Saints and his great need to save his little town create Vincent tableau for Hijinx. It’s also really interesting to get his perspective on his daughters unread pregnancy and his attitude towards the other people in the town.

Incredible!!! I can’t wait for the movie!

This book is hilarious and touching. I love it so much that I can’t wait to listen to it again! This will clearly be made into a movie! I can’t wait to see this group of crazy people on screen! Awesome job!

Hilarious! And heartwarming!!

This book was absolutely wonderful. It was laugh out loud funny, held the right amount of drama and anticipation, and also very sweet and touching. The narrator was perfect!!! I definitely think the book was even more entertaining because the narrator was so perfect for the story.