'From Sand and Ash' by Amy Harmon is a historical fiction novel set in World War II Italy, following the forbidden love story between Eva, a Jewish girl, and Angelo, a Catholic boy. The book beautifully captures the horrors of war, the resilience of those trying to help their Jewish neighbors, and the role of the Catholic church in protecting Italian Jews. The story is a heart-wrenching tale of bravery, sacrifice, hope, and love set against the backdrop of Nazi occupation and the collaboration with Mussolini's Fascists.
Amy Harmon's writing style in 'From Sand and Ash' is described as moving, captivating, and breathtaking. She expertly crafts a story that slowly builds up the characters, leading readers to fall for them before shattering their emotions with the harsh realities of war. The book delves into the depths of human kindness and wrongs, emphasizing the importance of love, faith, and resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include depictions of war atrocities, Jewish persecution, and themes of death and loss.
Has Romance?
The book contains a significant romantic element, centered around the characters Eva and Angelo's relationship.
From The Publisher:
Italy, 1943-Germany occupies much of the country, placing the Jewish population in grave danger during World War II.
As children, Eva Rosselli and Angelo Bianco were raised like family but divided by circumstance and religion. As the years go by, the two find themselves falling in love. But the church calls to Angelo and, despite his deep feelings for Eva, he chooses the priesthood.
Now, more than a decade later, Angelo is a Catholic priest and Eva is a woman with nowhere to turn. With the Gestapo closing in, Angelo hides Eva within the walls of a convent, where Eva discovers she is just one of many Jews being sheltered by the Catholic Church.
But Eva can't quietly hide, waiting for deliverance, while Angelo risks everything to keep her safe. With the world at war and so many in need, Angelo and Eva face trial after trial, choice after agonizing choice, until fate and fortune finally collide, leaving them with the most difficult decision of all.
Ratings (8)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (3) | |
Liked It (1) | |
Did Not Like (2) |
Reader Stats (20):
Read It (9) | |
Want To Read (8) | |
Not Interested (3) |
1 comment(s)
This is one of the first books I've read set during World War II, and I can't think of a better place to start. Harmon showcased the agony and horror of war but didn't dive into too many gruesome details. I'm a pretty sensitive reader, so I appreciated the balance.
What makes Harmon one of my favorite authors is how she writes characters. Even characters that I didn't think I would initially like end up being interesting and entertaining. Even the extended cast of secondary characters come alive through Harmon's stories.
This book is a winner for me!
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From Sand and Ash?
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