4.57 AVERAGE

laurenschmidtke's profile picture

laurenschmidtke's review

4.0
adventurous emotional inspiring

roelia's review

5.0
adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

4.5 rating, paperback edition

In the genre of historical fiction, Sarah Steele presents The Traitor’s Wife as a compelling story that entertains and enlightens. The novel is set during the Four Days of Naples, offering a unique Italian viewpoint on World War II, shedding light on a perspective often overshadowed by mainstream narratives of the war.

Steele’s prose is elegant and vivid, crafting a narrative that explores the resilience of humanity amidst the brutal truths of wartime. The book delves into the Italian resistance, showcasing acts of bravery and resolve, highlighting the unsung heroes who stood against the grip of fascism.

A notable aspect of the novel is its strong female characters, who are not passive observers but active participants in the fight for freedom. These women are intricately developed, portraying the varied roles they undertook during the war. Through their perspectives, readers see the fear, hope, and unwavering dedication to a greater cause.

The appeal of The Traitor’s Wife lies in its ability to transport readers to a different era while keeping a sense of relatability. The resistance’s struggle is not just a historical account but a testament to the enduring human spirit of resistance in the face of adversity.

The pacing of the narrative is skillfully executed, balancing character progression with historical events seamlessly. Each page unfolds effortlessly, driven by the desire to uncover the outcomes of these deeply engaging characters.

In essence, The Traitor’s Wife transcends the bounds of a typical historical novel, offering a journey through the lesser-explored realms of World War II history. It celebrates the power of resistance and the unyielding spirit of women. Steele’s work stands as a testament to the genre, proving that historical fiction can be both informative and captivating. A truly gripping read, this book is essential for those intrigued by history, human resilience, and the art of storytelling.

With thanks to Exclusive Books for the chance to read this book.
adelita18's profile picture

adelita18's review

5.0
adventurous challenging 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: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Sarah Steele used the split timeline between war torn Italy in the 40s and 1964 masterfully. It maintained suspense throughout the book and kept me hooked. The story was beautifully written and very well researched. My grandparents fled Italy in the 1930s due to their anti-fascist activities and ending up on the Black List. This story gave me some additional insights as to what my family who remained may have experienced.