Reviews

Eternal by Lisa Scottoline

blcharly15's review

challenging dark hopeful informative sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

jansbookcorner's review

5.0

There are so many books about WWII, but this one is different from many in that it centers on Italy. Told through 3 main characters and how they each were affected by the events around them. Well written story that will leave you reflecting.

garion_kim24's review

3.0

(Spoilers for the book lol)
First and foremost, I understand that this is the first historical novel that this author has written, and I'm glad she took the shot. I admire the research and dedication that have put to write this novel, and the way it describes Italy and its history, and landscape and overall, I am not too unsatisfied with the entirety of it's story. The dedication to the Holocaust in Italy and the people that were affected were very heartwarming and important and its nice that she was able to describe it in such detail in the book. I think it was an interesting turn to have the Sandro, and his family, who are Jewish, being fascists and slowly coming to the realization that siding with your oppressors will not save you from it's oppression, and Marco's character arc journey through his fascist idolization to his revulsion for something he once believed in.

Elizabetta was uhhhhh something I guess. (I'm gonna be frank, I think she had the most least developed character in the book, which is a huge shame. You'd expect historical novels nowadays would have their female characters have more trials and tribulations than worrying about men, but whatever. Both Marco and Sandro had pretty significant changes in their lives, but Elizabetta's story arc with the death of two people she loved and her mother's leaving, and her dream of being a writer get's sorta...swept under the rug?? Half of the story is just her running a restaurant and being stuck in a love triangle. That's pretty much all I remember about her. She was so boring that I genuinely thought that Marco and Sandro had more romantic tension than any kind of love she tried to show to the both of them. The other female characters like Sandro's sister and mother seemed to have more character and they're not even prevalent for a majority of the scenes. Anyways Elizabetta rant aside, I just think my poor girl was done really dirty.)

I would also like to point out that reading some parts of this book felt like reading a literal textbook, because sometimes the text would describe a place in such detail that I wouldn't have minded too much (And I did think it was interesting and helpful), if the characters didn't sound so flat??? They would say such great detail about the stocks, the precise amount of a population, etc that it just feels unnatural?? Like girl?? How do you know all that stuff already?? I think the book would've suited better if the author put footnotes instead of making the characters say the exact historical information provided. Albeit, it does say that this is the authors first historical novel, and if she does plan on making more, this is my simple critique.

Some parts also felt a little rushed and the pacing went a bit too fast on the second half of the book. In one moment, Elizabetta found herself caught in a bombing, and watched as a child literally died in her arms and is taken to the hospital. I kid you not, her next chapter is her going back to work, the bombing and her hospital trip and the child is just..never brought up?? This literally feels like a metaphor for capitalism lol.
Also the one scene where Marco and Sandro meet again, Sandro forced to do hard labour for the Fascists as Marco is still in his job with them, but?? then they leave?? And thats it?? I feel like that moment should have written more better and longer (like I said, the pacing) and also?? Context please?? Why is this the only scene where we find out Sandro is forced to do hard labour?? And then he just goes back with his family I guess. Like I said, things went way too fast, in which there wasn't any time to take in the scene, and the implications it had on the characters. I think its because the author had way too many things happening all at once and she couldn't fit it all together without making a 1000 page epic.

But overall, I think the book was fine. It wasn't anything atrocious, and some parts were very heartfelt and satisfying, and even if I had a lot of critiques of the book, it didn't quite ruin my enjoyment. Historically, I think it was done well, and covered many topics, but story and character wise, I did have some thoughts.

Also, I'm still in the 'Marco and Sandro should've just fell in love with each other' mindset and have the three in a polyamorous relationship.

Okay that's it I swear.

spaces_and_solaces's review

5.0

This is hands down one of the best books of 2021 yet. It is a stunning tale of 3 best friends set in Rome during the Second World War.
Lisa takes us through their lives from the time they were carefree teenagers in 1937 to the most tumultuous time in the history of Rome until 1957.
Elisabetta a sweet girl who dreams of becoming a novelist. then there is Marco with a devil may care attitude & a soft heart and Sandro a brilliant & kind boy.
Marco & Sandro both love Elisabetta with their whole heart, and as tension in Italy rises during the WW2, their relationship faces challenges as well.
You are taken back to the time of Mussolini's power & the heart wrenching suffering it brings to the 3 friends & their families.
I could not stop reading even while I was crying. This book is so much more than about war & loss, this book is about friendship, love, family, honor and of course pasta.
The authors love for Italy & it's people comes through in every page. Even though I finished reading this book, I am unable to let go of Marco, Sandro, Elisabetta, Nonna and Beppe.
Lisa is such a prolific write, you will fall in love with the characters, you will feel what they feel and you will never want this book to end!

sjchaima's review

adventurous emotional hopeful informative 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? Yes

5.0

madi_dube's review

challenging emotional sad fast-paced

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

4.5

lastpaige111's review

5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed Scottoline's departure into historical fiction, and I hope she does it again, like TOMORROW. Are you reading this, Lisa Scottoline?!

I learned so much about what Italians, particularly those living in Rome, went through during Fascism and WWII. Fascinating stuff. I also reveled in the glorious details about the setting. I adored the main characters. The narrative frame was also very satisfying, if a tad predictable.

I'm not a fan of fight scenes, or battle scenes, so have little to say on those.

Overall, if you enjoy Lisa Scottoline, and like WWII drama, this one's a must!

cindy_f's review

5.0

Eternal is the first book by Lisa Scottoline that I’ve read, and I can honestly say I am a fan. She has done a great deal of research in writing such a poignant book about the fascist party In Italy leading up to the Nazi invasion and occupation in Rome and the effect on the three families in this book. She created incredible characters in Elizabeth, Marco, and Sandro, childhood friends who witness more heartbreak and loss than most kids their age. Marco and Sandro declare their undying love for the beautiful and kind Elisabetta, who dreams of becoming a novelist some day. Sandro is a Jewish mathematics scholar and Marco is an Italian cyclist who supports the Fascist regime in Italy.

This novel is long but moves so well, and was incredibly captivating and heartfelt. It is so much more than a love story but a story of survival, courage and racism that truly upends the lives of these three young characters during WW2.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great love story in the setting of historical fiction. The descriptions of The Eternal City of Rome and some of the buildings and restaurants really come alive in this book.

ngb1980's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

alidottie's review

4.0

I read another WWII book! Really didn’t mean to, but I love Lisa Scottoline and was very curious about her telling of an Italian historical fiction. It felt personal at times. I found myself connecting to the 3 main characters and I appreciated that the very sad sad parts were written in a way that wasn’t as painful as they often can be