Having Italian parents who immigrated to Canada, Nino Ricci was born on August 23, 1959 and raised in Leamington, Ontario. Nino Ricci studied at York University, Concordia University in Montreal, and the University of Florence, Italy. Also mentioned was “a former president of PEN Canada, a writers' human rights organization that works for freedom of expression.” He won an award for English-language fiction and wrote numerous novels such as “The Lives of the Saints,” “In a House of Glass,” “Where Did She Go” and “The Origin of Species.” Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Overall, “The Lives of the Saints” by Nino Ricci is about a mother and son and their life in Valle de Sole, Italy. Born in the 1960s, this was a very closed-minded, very religious and traditional village. The novel begins with Vittorio and his mother currently living at his grandfather's house. Vittorio's father, Mario, left for Canada years ago to earn money and provide for his family. One day, Vittorio sees his mother doing something strange with a blue-eyed man in the stable. We understand to the reader that Cristina has cheated on her husband with the man with blue eyes. During her so-called “encounter” she is bitten by a snake. The Village learned that Cristina was having an affair and was bitten by a snake symbolizing evil. Furthermore, the villagers try to convince Cristina to confess in church and/or sacrifice a chicken. As the villager believes there has been a curse placed on her and the villagers are trying to prevent them from being cursed too. Later in the novel everyone learns that Cristina is pregnant with this blue-eyed man's child. Gossip spreads throughout the country about Cristina and her entire family. Also throughout this story, Vittorio has seen and heard everything, he is known to readers as a very attentive child. Through the text, it mainly focuses on Cristina and her safety, but also on her struggle with society. Cristina finally has the opportunity to leave Valle de Sole and start a new and better life. However, during the trip to Canada, Cristina has her baby, but it results in her downfall... her death. The man with the blue eyes and Mario her husband come to visit Cristina and Vittorio. In the end, it is revealed to the reader that Cristina would not go to her husband but would reunite with the blue-eyed man. There are various ways in which a society can influence a change in an individual. These influences are different depending on countries, cultures, etc. Society pressure is one of the most powerful effects as it has certain rules. So if you want to integrate, you have to follow these rules. Societal pressure ultimately causes one to fear being judged or feeling insecure about themselves and having to meet certain expectations. The novel "Lives of the Saints" by author Nino Ricci shows the connection between the text and the reader by showing the impact of society on an individual through the use of the theme of the destructive power of superstition, comparison between characters and development of confidence in character. the novel. The text suggests that societal influence can ultimately change an individual's perspective to meet their social expectations. In the village of Valle de Sole, religion and tradition play a huge factor, especially because this village is located on top of a mountain isolated from the rest of society. The snake superstition plays the main role at the beginning of the novel and also returns to the.