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Books matching: world war ii italy

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  1. #1

    Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan
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    Beneath a Scarlet Sky is a captivating historical novel based on the true story of Pino Lella, a young Italian who finds himself thrust into the heart of World War II. The book follows Pino's journey from a naive teenager to a courageous hero as he navigates through the horrors of the war, from escorting Jews across the Alps to becoming a spy for the Allies. The plot weaves together themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience against the backdrop of the Italian resistance movement, offering readers a unique perspective on a lesser-known aspect of WWII. The writing style, though varying in opinions, is praised for its ability to bring Pino's story to life, drawing readers into the emotional rollercoaster of his experiences.

    Like all the pharaohs, emperors, and tyrants before him, Il Duce had seen his empire rise only to crumble. Indeed, by that late-spring afternoon, power was bleeding from Benito Mussolini’s grasp like ...

  2. #2

    From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon
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    '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.

    Eva’s father, Camillo Rosselli, knew what was coming. He thought he had sheltered his daughter from it, or maybe she was just Italian enough, young enough, naïve enough, that she completely missed the...

  3. #3

    A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell
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    Set in Northern Italy during World War II, 'A Thread of Grace' by Mary Doria Russell follows the stories of Jewish refugees fleeing occupied France and seeking shelter in Italy. The novel delves into the Italian Resistance's efforts to protect and hide the Jews from the Nazis, showcasing the courage and sacrifices made by ordinary Italian citizens. Through a wide array of characters and intricate plot lines, Russell skillfully weaves a gripping narrative that captures the complexities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The writing style in 'A Thread of Grace' is praised for its historical accuracy and compassionate storytelling. Russell's meticulous research and attention to detail bring authenticity to the characters' experiences, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. The book offers a poignant portrayal of love, hope, separation, horror, and redemption amidst the backdrop of wartime Italy, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of World War II history.

    A small crowd gathers to appreciate the spectacle: a Waffen-SS officer, thin, fortyish, and liquored up. He props his hands against his knees, coughing harder. “La basilica!” he gasps, remembering the...

  4. #4

    Playing with Fire by Tess Gerritsen
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    'Playing with Fire' by Tess Gerritsen is a captivating tale that intertwines the stories of a present-day violinist named Julia Ansdell and a Jewish composer named Lorenzo during WWII. Julia discovers a mysterious piece of music in Italy that seems to have a dark influence on her daughter, leading her on a journey to uncover the haunting melody's origins. As she delves deeper into the music's history, she uncovers a connection to the Jewish community and the Holocaust, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative. The novel expertly weaves together the parallel stories of Julia and Lorenzo, creating a gripping plot that explores themes of music, mystery, and historical events.

    The writing style of 'Playing with Fire' is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged and immersed in the dual storylines. seamlessly transitions between the modern era and WWII Italy, offering a blend of suspense, historical fiction, and emotional depth. Readers appreciate the way Tess Gerritsen crafts a gripping narrative that explores the power of music, the impact of historical events, and the complexities of human emotions, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    From the doorway I can already smell the scent of old books, a perfume of crumbling pages and time-worn leather. The other antiques stores that I’ve passed on this cobblestoned alley have their air co...

  5. #5

    The Girl from Venice by Martin Cruz Smith
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    Set in Italy during the end of World War II, "The Girl from Venice" by Martin Cruz Smith is a historical thriller that follows the protagonist, Cenzo, a fisherman who discovers a young Jewish refugee named Giulia hiding from the Nazis. As their fates become intertwined, Cenzo falls in love with Giulia, leading them on a journey from a sleepy fishing village to Venice, Salo, and Switzerland. The novel captures the disintegrating fascist state in Italy as the Allies advance, showcasing a mix of romance, suspense, and historical context.

    The narrative delves into the complexities of wartime Italy, highlighting the struggles of the characters against a backdrop of political turmoil and personal dilemmas. Through the eyes of Cenzo and Giulia, the story explores themes of love, resistance, collaboration, and survival amidst the atrocities of World War II. The writing style is praised for its blend of heartwarming romance, well-crafted characters, and insights into the historical period, making it a compelling and engaging read.

    Without a moon, small islands disappeared and Venice sank into the dark. Stars, however, were so brilliant that Cenzo felt drawn to them, even as mud oozed between his toes. The faint report of church...

  6. The Wedding Officer by Anthony Capella is a historical novel set during WWII in Italy, focusing on the story of Livia, a talented cook caught in the turmoil of war. The book intricately weaves together elements of romance, war, and culinary seduction as Livia and British officer James Gould navigate their feelings amidst the chaos of Allied occupation and personal struggles. Capella's writing style, vividly descriptive and seamlessly transitioning between characters, immerses readers in the lush landscapes of Italy and the emotional complexity of the characters' relationships.

    For as long as anyone in Fiscino could remember, the annual Feast of the Apricots had incorporated not only a competition to find the most perfect specimen of fruit from among the hundreds of tiny orc...

  7. #7

    The Garden of the Finzi-Continis by Giorgio Bassani
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    'The Garden of the Finzi-Continis' by Giorgio Bassani is a tale set in Ferrara, Italy, during the 1930s, focusing on the lives of the wealthy Jewish Finzi Continis family and their interactions with a select group of young men in the town. The story revolves around the budding friendship and romance between the narrator and Micol Finzi Contini, the daughter of the family, against the backdrop of the looming threat of WWII and the racial laws that restricted the Jewish community's participation in Italian society. The narrative is described as slow-moving, atmospheric, lyrical, and bittersweet, with an emphasis on elegiac descriptions and the poignant portrayal of love and loss.

    The writing style of Giorgio Bassani in 'The Garden of the Finzi-Continis' is characterized as meditative, intricate, and descriptive, with a focus on the settings, history, and physical environments. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, social dynamics, and political upheavals during a tumultuous period in Italy, offering a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by the Jewish population in Ferrara as they navigate the changing landscape of pre-war Europe.

    The tomb was huge, solid and truly imposing, a kind of temple, something of a cross between the antique and the oriental, such as might be encountered in those stage-sets of Aida or Nabucco very much ...

  8. #8

    A Family Lexicon by Jenny McPhee, Peg Boyers, Natalia Ginzburg
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    A Family Lexicon by Jenny McPhee, Peg Boyers, Natalia Ginzburg is a memoir that vividly portrays the life of the Levi family in Italy during the rise of Fascism and World War II. The book focuses on the details of family life, using family sayings to bring back the rhythm of daily life and capture the exceptional events that unfolded during that tumultuous period. The writing style is warm and friendly, with great humor and well-described characters that provide a glimpse into Italian literary and leftist politics from the 1940s to the 1970s.

    In addition to the “nitwits,” there were also the “negroes.” For my father, a “negro” was someone who was awkward, clumsy, and faint-hearted; someone who dressed inappropriately, didn’t know how to hi...

  9. #9
    Cause for Alarm
    Book 2 in the series:Valeshoff

    Cause for Alarm - Valeshoff by Eric Ambler
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    Eric Ambler's 'Cause for Alarm' follows the story of Nicholas Marlow, an engineer who finds himself embroiled in corruption and espionage in pre-war Italy. Unfamiliar with the world of sales, Marlow becomes entangled in matters of international intrigue, leading to a series of dangerous situations involving spies and counter-spies. The plot unfolds with a mix of suspense, adventure, and political undertones, showcasing Ambler's skillful writing style and ability to create a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged.

    In the distance he could hear the sound of a train pulling out of the Stazione Centrale, and wished he was riding in it, lounging back in a first-class compartment on his way to Palermo. Perhaps after...

  10. #10

    The Tuscan Child by Rhys Bowen
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    'The Tuscan Child' intertwines the narratives of Joanna Langley, a young woman grappling with the loss of her father, and Hugo Langley, her estranged father, a British pilot during WWII. After her father's death, Joanna discovers a letter addressed to an Italian woman named Sofia, hinting at a hidden past that suggests a child may have been born from their relationship. Intrigued by the mystery, Joanna travels to Tuscany to uncover the truth about her father's life during the war and his connection to Sofia, leading her on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The book alternates between the two timelines, depicting Hugo's experiences in 1944 and Joanna's quest in 1973, creating a rich tapestry of family secrets, love, and betrayal.

    The writing style is described as evocative and well-crafted, with vivid descriptions of the Tuscan landscape and food that transport readers to another time and place. The dual timelines are skillfully managed, allowing for a seamless flow between past and present. While some readers noted a certain predictability in the plot and character arcs, the book remains engaging with its exploration of complex emotions and relationships. The atmospheric setting, combined with historical context, enhances the narrative, making it a blend of mystery, romance, and family drama.

    He was going to die, that was quite obvious. Hugo Langley tried to examine this fact dispassionately. The left wing of the Blenheim bomber was on fire and flames licked at the cabin. Behind him, his n...

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