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ivywitch's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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
4.0
I went into this book thinking I wouldn't like it, but ended up really enjoying it and crying at the end. I've read a lot of wwII books but not one set in Italy and I loved how this was written :)
cbh2584's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/4 - Heartbreaking and gripping story. I found it, for lack of a better word, nice to read about WWII and the lead up through the Italian lens. I thought the writing itself wasn’t amazing - I kept expecting it to be a little more deep/intense or just better written in general, but overall the story was so powerful and characters so good, that it was still a very worthwhile read.
greenmachine31's review against another edition
5.0
Great storyline that captured my attention and my heart. I did not want to put it down, wanting to find out what would come next. Definitely a long one, but worth every page
rhondafuller's review against another edition
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
3.0
kdaniels's review against another edition
emotional
sad
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
4.25
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
An epic WWII story set in Italy spanning several years and focusing on the lives of three best friends - Sandro, Marco and Elisabetta and how the bonds of their friendship and love are tested over the course of the war. Food and family are at the center of this story that is also brimming with amazing historical detail. We get to see many different perspectives from Sandro's Jewish Italian family to Marco and Elisabetta's Catholic Italian community and how Italy's experience in WWII differed greatly from many places. Scottoline did an INCREDIBLE job creating well-developed characters who you fall in love with and root for as they face harrowing experiences but maintain their humanity and kindness in spite of their differences. I loved being on their journey from childhood to adulthood in their post-war life. This was Scottoline's first historical fiction book and thankfully it won't be her last if the author's note is any indication. Her own ties to Italy shine through in the love she writes onto the pages for the people and the country of her heritage. Highly recommend this one for any WWII historical fiction fans, especially those who were left wanting more after reading Jennifer Robson's Our darkest nights.
asfaltovazuza's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
caro531's review against another edition
5.0
A story woven throughout a decade in Rome - the characters are remarkable. Author Lisa Scottoline made this story come to life and highlight an important point in history. A tragic yet beautiful and inspiring story.
book_worm_13's review against another edition
1.0
Characters were blah. Scenery was very good though. Storyline was really nothing new. Do I really care if Elisabetta needs a bra? I felt like I was reading teen fan fiction over the gushing teen romance.