Reviews

The Curse of PIetro Houdini is the reason why I read historical fiction. The world fell away as I read about Pietro Houdini, Massimo, and the characters they encounter as they find refuge at the Montecassino, a Benedictine abbey, which was the most heavily bombed site by the Americans during WWII. I stopped and researched as I read about the Renaissance artist Tiziano, the bombing and restoration of the abbey, and the various untold stories that Italians endured during WWII. Miller has done his research. Pietro Houdini is a character every reader should meet. I cried during the last 50 pages, not just because of the plot but knowing that this book would soon end. I will reread this one of these days. An unputdownable, under-the-radar gem!

Content Warnings

mollyleewootton's review

Go to review page

5.0

I am rounding up to 5 stars. It is more than 4, but not quite the perfect 5. That noted, I could not put this book down and finished it within a few days. The story, the characters, the history of Italian art in WW2 had me hooked from page 1. It will stay with me a long time. Plus, I also love a coming of age story, which somehow Miller manages to sublimely write via the narrator, Massimo. I recommend.

kendramichele's review

Go to review page

adventurous emotional sad medium-paced

4.0

kendler's review

Go to review page

dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Made me cry twice

Content Warnings

zoemitchell's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Content Warnings

ipmagdits21's review

Go to review page

fast-paced

2.0

ellemckenzie15's review

Go to review page

3.0

I think this book had all the makings for me to like it but something didnt quite click. Maybe it was the pacing or the story telling in general but I didnt find myself really wanting to pick it up all the time. Their time at the abbey was quite lengthy with nothing happening and not any tension building even though there is a war going on. But in the end I do love a loving familial relationship cataloged over time. This one got me at some parts. His paintings (sob). The best is when they are all coexisting in the house together. Again with the book summary not conveying what it really is

More...