Although for the most part, I enjoyed this novel, it fell a little short for me and lacked true emotion. Having read and enjoyed many novels surrounding this time period in history, I must admit that the depth of this narrative is sparse (especially having recently read Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, which was exceptional). However, I did appreciate the Italian POV regarding the German occupation. Sadly, I didn't connect with any of the characters, and had a hard time with the romance in this novel as it formed too quickly, and was, therefore, not very believable.
Personally, I felt that the story would have been more well-rounded had the author delved into Benedetta's adulthood after the war, since she begins the story as an older lady. The end of the novel felt a bit abrupt.
Also, there have been some readers that have touted this as a decent read for Junior High, and I respectfully disagree. The level of violence and instance of rape make it much more appropriate for older highschool level and beyond, in my humble opinion.
Read 6/9/15
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