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The Light Over Lake Como
Two lovers separated in war-torn Italy struggle to reunite in a riveting and heartrending historical novel by the bestselling author of Once Night Falls and From These Broken Streets.
It’s 1945. The Nazi occupation of Italy is in its closing days. But risk is ever present.
It’s been nearly two years since Sarah Zinsi found tenuous sanctuary in Switzerland. Unmoored in a foreign land, she heeds a rumor that her village on the Lake Como shore has been liberated. Clutching her young daughter, Sarah navigates the arduous mountain trek back home to be with Luca Benedetto, the father of her child.
A resister to the end, Luca has one last assignment: assassinate Mussolini, the man who destroyed everything Luca cherished and who forced the love of his life to flee. Sarah’s path crosses that of a charismatic and kindly black marketeer turned partisan spy. He vows to keep mother and child safe as Luca’s perilous mission escalates and the Nazis’ final moves devolve into chaos.
But for Sarah and Luca, the pull of love, the will to survive, and the promise of a new family are greater than any odds against them.
It’s 1945. The Nazi occupation of Italy is in its closing days. But risk is ever present.
It’s been nearly two years since Sarah Zinsi found tenuous sanctuary in Switzerland. Unmoored in a foreign land, she heeds a rumor that her village on the Lake Como shore has been liberated. Clutching her young daughter, Sarah navigates the arduous mountain trek back home to be with Luca Benedetto, the father of her child.
A resister to the end, Luca has one last assignment: assassinate Mussolini, the man who destroyed everything Luca cherished and who forced the love of his life to flee. Sarah’s path crosses that of a charismatic and kindly black marketeer turned partisan spy. He vows to keep mother and child safe as Luca’s perilous mission escalates and the Nazis’ final moves devolve into chaos.
But for Sarah and Luca, the pull of love, the will to survive, and the promise of a new family are greater than any odds against them.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2024
226 people are currently reading
4805 people want to read
About the author
Roland Merullo
39 books685 followersROLAND MERULLO is an awarding-winning author of 24 books including 17 works of fiction: Breakfast with Buddha, a nominee for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, now in its 20th printing; The Talk-Funny Girl, a 2012 ALEX Award Winner and named a "Must Read" by the Massachusetts Library Association and the Massachusetts Center for the Book; Vatican Waltz named one of the Best Books of 2013 by Publishers Weekly; Lunch with Buddha selected as one of the Best Books of 2013 by Kirkus Reviews; Revere Beach Boulevard named one of the "Top 100 Essential Books of New England" by the Boston Globe; A Little Love Story chosen as one of "Ten Wonderful Romance Novels" by Good Housekeeping, Revere Beach Elegy winner of the Massachusetts Book Award for nonfiction, and Once Night Falls, selected as a "First Read" by Amazon Editors.
A former writer in residence at North Shore Community College and Miami Dade Colleges, and professor of Creative Writing at Bennington, Amherst and Lesley Colleges, Merullo has been a guest speaker at many literary events and venues and a faculty member at MFA programs and several writers’ conferences. His essays have appeared in numerous publications including the New York Times, Outside Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Newsweek, the Boston Globe, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Magazine, Reader's Digest, Good Housekeeping, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Merullo's books have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, German, Chinese, Turkish, Bulgarian, Croatian, Slovenian, and Czech.
A former writer in residence at North Shore Community College and Miami Dade Colleges, and professor of Creative Writing at Bennington, Amherst and Lesley Colleges, Merullo has been a guest speaker at many literary events and venues and a faculty member at MFA programs and several writers’ conferences. His essays have appeared in numerous publications including the New York Times, Outside Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Newsweek, the Boston Globe, the Philadelphia Inquirer, Boston Magazine, Reader's Digest, Good Housekeeping, and the Chronicle of Higher Education. Merullo's books have been translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, German, Chinese, Turkish, Bulgarian, Croatian, Slovenian, and Czech.
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June 23, 2024
I didn’t think this would be my sort book… but wow!! It really captures the history of WW2! A beautiful story also. It’s took me two days to read this and I could not put this down! Deffo a MUST read!
June 4, 2024
Merullo puts us in northern Italy and Switzerland in April 1945, in the last days of World War Two. He follows a few main characters: Sarah, a Jewish woman who fled Italy to nearby Bellinzona, Switzerland while pregnant (her daughter Lydia is now about 18 months old); Luca, her fiancé, who stayed in Italy to fight with the resistance against the fascists and N*zi occupiers; Enzo, who has been a trusted aide to Mussolini (Il Duce) but has been having serious doubts lately. Silvio is another important character, a kind of wheeler-and-dealer in war-torn Italy. The journey back to Italy (on foot) that Sarah undertakes with her little one was so difficult; my heart went out to all young mothers who have been put in such situations over the centuries.
I didn’t know a lot about the last days of Mussolini so this was a very educational read while also being an action-packed story. Coincidentally my husband and I will be visiting Milan and Lake Como in the coming days and this was a great introduction to the 20th century history of the area.
I didn’t realize that this is a sequel to Once Night Falls, in which we meet Luca and Sarah and their mothers, so I believe this works just fine on its own.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook was nicely narrated by David Marantz. I tore through this in a single day.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
I didn’t know a lot about the last days of Mussolini so this was a very educational read while also being an action-packed story. Coincidentally my husband and I will be visiting Milan and Lake Como in the coming days and this was a great introduction to the 20th century history of the area.
I didn’t realize that this is a sequel to Once Night Falls, in which we meet Luca and Sarah and their mothers, so I believe this works just fine on its own.
I bounced between the audiobook and the ebook for this title, which was very convenient, and allowed me to continue with the story even when I could not sit down and read - or when I could not listen. The audiobook was nicely narrated by David Marantz. I tore through this in a single day.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book and to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to a review copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
January 22, 2024
This latest book by Roland Merullo, set in April 1945, gives us an inside look at Mussolini's final, chaotic month. The Allies are getting closer and closer, forcing him out of his safe zone in northern Italy. The voice for this part of the story is Enzo, a senior aide to Mussolini, as he struggles with the ugly reality of the end of Italy's fascist regime. The reader also views the life of the partisans through the eyes of Luca, a weary fighter who longs for a quiet, simple life. A third voice is Sarah, Luca's lover, a young Jewish-Italian woman who has spent the last two years illegally in Switzerland. She is ready to take her daughter home to Italy.
We have all seen the infamous black-and-white photo of Mussolini, his mistress Claretta, and some of his henchmen hanging upside down in Milan but I didn't know the details of what led to this moment. The author presents an intimate look into Il Duce's mindset at the end, that of a malignant narcissist. I appreciate the amount of research this book required and the beautiful writing that allowed me to absorb all of it painlessly. I highly recommend this fast-paced novel of Mussolini's final days.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
We have all seen the infamous black-and-white photo of Mussolini, his mistress Claretta, and some of his henchmen hanging upside down in Milan but I didn't know the details of what led to this moment. The author presents an intimate look into Il Duce's mindset at the end, that of a malignant narcissist. I appreciate the amount of research this book required and the beautiful writing that allowed me to absorb all of it painlessly. I highly recommend this fast-paced novel of Mussolini's final days.
My thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are entirely my own.
June 21, 2024
"The Light Over Lake Como" by Roland Merullo is a historical fiction novel set in Switzerland and Italy around Lake Como in 1945 at the end of WW2. This is a sequel book, but I didn't know that, and it worked fine as a stand-alone. I did kind of enjoy this book.
This story focuses on Sarah, a young Jewish woman with an 18 month old daughter (Lydia) by her fiancé, Lucas, who was fighting with the resistance. Sarah had fled at the start of the war across the border to Switzerland. Now she has heard the war is over in Italy and thinks it is safe to return. Unfortunately, the war isn't quite over.
We also learn about Benito Mussolini, Il Duce of the Italian Socialist Republic, fascist leader who worked closely with Hitler. Enzo is the right-hand man of Mussolini but is having second thoughts at the end of the war. Sylvio is a man who helps Sarah, but in the past, he had been a bad guy.
The narrator of the audiobook is David Marantz, who did an excellent job with the voices and drama.
Characters - 5/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 4/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 34/8 = 4 2/8 -> 4 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Audio, and Roland Merullo for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
This story focuses on Sarah, a young Jewish woman with an 18 month old daughter (Lydia) by her fiancé, Lucas, who was fighting with the resistance. Sarah had fled at the start of the war across the border to Switzerland. Now she has heard the war is over in Italy and thinks it is safe to return. Unfortunately, the war isn't quite over.
We also learn about Benito Mussolini, Il Duce of the Italian Socialist Republic, fascist leader who worked closely with Hitler. Enzo is the right-hand man of Mussolini but is having second thoughts at the end of the war. Sylvio is a man who helps Sarah, but in the past, he had been a bad guy.
The narrator of the audiobook is David Marantz, who did an excellent job with the voices and drama.
Characters - 5/5
Writing - 4/5
Plot - 4/5
Pacing - 4/5
Unputdownability - 4/5
Enjoyment - 4/5
Narration - 5/5
Cover - 4/5
Overall - 34/8 = 4 2/8 -> 4 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Brilliance Audio, and Roland Merullo for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
December 13, 2023
Loved it, historical facts with romance. I loved or hated the characters, you really felt them. Great read.
June 4, 2024
The Light Over Lake Como is a sequel to Roland Merulo’s book One Night Falls, in which he introduced the characters of Luca Benedetto, a partisan, and his pregnant Jewish lover, Sarah, who along with her mother, he smuggled across the border into Switzerland in order to avoid round up and deportation to a Nazi concentration camp.
This book, set in Switzerland and norther Italy, takes place two years later, in April of 1945, the final month of WWII in Europe. There are two storylines, Sarah’s journey and the demise of Mussolini.
Sarah’s story is typical of this genre consisting of escape, survival against great odds, and return to Italy in search of Luca accompanied by her 18 month old daughter, Lydia. Her story is compelling and nail bitingly tense at times, but not emotionally new or unique.
On the other hand, the Mussolini storyline was quite an eye opener from both within and outside his political camp. It is told primarily from the perspective of Enzo Riccio, his senior aide, who is torn between the loyalty he has always espoused to Il Duce and his recognition of the impending outcome, the reality of the war’s cost to Italy’s citizens and his ever increasing realization of how flawed Mussolini really was.
We meet Mussolini when he is under virtual house arrest by the Germans at Villa Feltrinelli (now a 5 star resort) on Lake Garda. Here is hatches a weak plan for a last stand, but his real objective is to amass enough money and support to be able to escape to Switzerland and eventually to Austria. As we know that effort was not successful and into this scenario comes the partisans in which Luca plays a significant part.
This was the storyline that made the book a five star read for me. Along with Mr. Merulo’s writing style which can be best be described as putting the reader on the spot and in the moment.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
This book, set in Switzerland and norther Italy, takes place two years later, in April of 1945, the final month of WWII in Europe. There are two storylines, Sarah’s journey and the demise of Mussolini.
Sarah’s story is typical of this genre consisting of escape, survival against great odds, and return to Italy in search of Luca accompanied by her 18 month old daughter, Lydia. Her story is compelling and nail bitingly tense at times, but not emotionally new or unique.
On the other hand, the Mussolini storyline was quite an eye opener from both within and outside his political camp. It is told primarily from the perspective of Enzo Riccio, his senior aide, who is torn between the loyalty he has always espoused to Il Duce and his recognition of the impending outcome, the reality of the war’s cost to Italy’s citizens and his ever increasing realization of how flawed Mussolini really was.
We meet Mussolini when he is under virtual house arrest by the Germans at Villa Feltrinelli (now a 5 star resort) on Lake Garda. Here is hatches a weak plan for a last stand, but his real objective is to amass enough money and support to be able to escape to Switzerland and eventually to Austria. As we know that effort was not successful and into this scenario comes the partisans in which Luca plays a significant part.
This was the storyline that made the book a five star read for me. Along with Mr. Merulo’s writing style which can be best be described as putting the reader on the spot and in the moment.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.
October 22, 2024
enchanting and heart breaking at the same time, really well written
March 11, 2024
The Light Over Lake Como is a WWII historical fiction novel by Roland Merullo. This book is right in my wheelhouse of perfect blend of WWII history and fictional story. I've read lots of WWII historical fiction about the Nazi's, Germany, Poland, France and England. There are very few that I've read that focuses on Italy and this is the first I've ever read that is set in Lake Como and focuses on the end of Mussolini's rule.
The Light of Lake Como tells a story of the final days of Mussolini and his inner entourage as well as from a young couple (Luca and Sarah) separated by war. The story is told from three perspectives, Luca, Sarah, and Enzo.
Luca is an Italian resistance fighter and Sarah is his Jewish lover. Luca helps Sarah flee while pregnant to Switzerland. The story tells of Sarah's flight with her mother to Switzerland, the birth of her daughter, and the challenges she faces returning to her Italian home looking for Luca. Additionally, the story follows Luca's plight and challenges as a resistance fighter.
From the voice of Enzo, who is working as Mussolini's closest assistant, the story follows his journey and internal battles as he is forced to come to terms with the end of Mussolini's rule and what that means for him personally.
I loved this story and found myself Googling for more information. I hope Hollywood makes it into a movie!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the arc. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Light of Lake Como tells a story of the final days of Mussolini and his inner entourage as well as from a young couple (Luca and Sarah) separated by war. The story is told from three perspectives, Luca, Sarah, and Enzo.
Luca is an Italian resistance fighter and Sarah is his Jewish lover. Luca helps Sarah flee while pregnant to Switzerland. The story tells of Sarah's flight with her mother to Switzerland, the birth of her daughter, and the challenges she faces returning to her Italian home looking for Luca. Additionally, the story follows Luca's plight and challenges as a resistance fighter.
From the voice of Enzo, who is working as Mussolini's closest assistant, the story follows his journey and internal battles as he is forced to come to terms with the end of Mussolini's rule and what that means for him personally.
I loved this story and found myself Googling for more information. I hope Hollywood makes it into a movie!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the arc. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 26, 2024
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Two lovers separated in war-torn Italy struggle to reunite in a riveting and heartrending historical novel by the bestselling author of Once Night Falls and From These Broken Streets.
It’s 1945. The Nazi occupation of Italy is in its closing days. But risk is ever present.
It’s been nearly two years since Sarah Zinsi found tenuous sanctuary in Switzerland. Unmoored in a foreign land, she heeds a rumor that her village on the Lake Como shore has been liberated. Clutching her young daughter, Sarah navigates the arduous mountain trek back home to be with Luca Benedetto, the father of her child.
A resister to the end, Luca has one last assignment: assassinate Mussolini, the man who destroyed everything Luca cherished and who forced the love of his life to flee. Sarah’s path crosses that of a charismatic and kindly black marketeer turned partisan spy. He vows to keep mother and child safe as Luca’s perilous mission escalates and the Nazis’ final moves devolve into chaos.
But for Sarah and Luca, the pull of love, the will to survive, and the promise of a new family are greater than any odds against them.
My rating:
Plot: 4out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
A fictional story based on real historical fact that describes Mussolini’s final weeks. The story is well written and gives a good overall insight from both a partisan perspective as well as the fascists. As the story is told from the perspective of Enzo, one of Mussolini’s aides, as well as Luca, a partisan fighter, and Sarah, his lover, a Jewish woman who had to flee to Switzerland.
Overall
This is a well-written and researched story that has great character development. The characters are interesting and their actions are described in great detail. This made it a very realistic and interesting book to read.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.
Two lovers separated in war-torn Italy struggle to reunite in a riveting and heartrending historical novel by the bestselling author of Once Night Falls and From These Broken Streets.
It’s 1945. The Nazi occupation of Italy is in its closing days. But risk is ever present.
It’s been nearly two years since Sarah Zinsi found tenuous sanctuary in Switzerland. Unmoored in a foreign land, she heeds a rumor that her village on the Lake Como shore has been liberated. Clutching her young daughter, Sarah navigates the arduous mountain trek back home to be with Luca Benedetto, the father of her child.
A resister to the end, Luca has one last assignment: assassinate Mussolini, the man who destroyed everything Luca cherished and who forced the love of his life to flee. Sarah’s path crosses that of a charismatic and kindly black marketeer turned partisan spy. He vows to keep mother and child safe as Luca’s perilous mission escalates and the Nazis’ final moves devolve into chaos.
But for Sarah and Luca, the pull of love, the will to survive, and the promise of a new family are greater than any odds against them.
My rating:
Plot: 4out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Review:
A fictional story based on real historical fact that describes Mussolini’s final weeks. The story is well written and gives a good overall insight from both a partisan perspective as well as the fascists. As the story is told from the perspective of Enzo, one of Mussolini’s aides, as well as Luca, a partisan fighter, and Sarah, his lover, a Jewish woman who had to flee to Switzerland.
Overall
This is a well-written and researched story that has great character development. The characters are interesting and their actions are described in great detail. This made it a very realistic and interesting book to read.
Review copy provided through Netgalley at no cost to me.
June 2, 2024
There is certainly no shortage of literature about the Second World War. I was attracted to read this historical novel by Roland Merullo because its premise related to Italy in the twilight of Mussolini's regime. This story exceeded my expectations!
The writing is not only fluid, evocative, and poignant, but the characters are exquisitely drawn and the plot builds inexorably to a tense and satisfying conclusion.
Despite the potential scale of the story, and a cast of minor characters, the author successfully keeps the focus on his main characters: the dynamic Luca, and his network of partisans; his lover, Sarah, and their daughter, Lydia, who have escaped to Switzerland at the novel's opening. Enzo, il Duce's right hand man, now revisiting his loyalties as he faces the realisation of Mussolini's end. And Silvio, the gallant trader in goods and information. As the story progresses, we meet several other skilfully drawn supporting characters, from Luca's shadowy superiors to members of Mussolini's fascist circle, the sinister Sistek twins, and the quixotic Don Claudio.
The characters were empathetic and the internal emotional drama of the leading characters serves as a fitting counterpoint to the external drama, as the partisans, sensing Mussolini's vulnerability, close in on his whereabouts. As a lover of all things Italian, I devoured the author's superb world building of an exhausted Italy at the crossroads and literally couldn't put this novel down.
If you're looking for a fresh angle on World War II, with realistic, compelling characters, and a story that will move, inform, and entertain you, look no further. I highly recommend this novel, and look forward to following the author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest and independent review.
SHARON BARBA
The writing is not only fluid, evocative, and poignant, but the characters are exquisitely drawn and the plot builds inexorably to a tense and satisfying conclusion.
Despite the potential scale of the story, and a cast of minor characters, the author successfully keeps the focus on his main characters: the dynamic Luca, and his network of partisans; his lover, Sarah, and their daughter, Lydia, who have escaped to Switzerland at the novel's opening. Enzo, il Duce's right hand man, now revisiting his loyalties as he faces the realisation of Mussolini's end. And Silvio, the gallant trader in goods and information. As the story progresses, we meet several other skilfully drawn supporting characters, from Luca's shadowy superiors to members of Mussolini's fascist circle, the sinister Sistek twins, and the quixotic Don Claudio.
The characters were empathetic and the internal emotional drama of the leading characters serves as a fitting counterpoint to the external drama, as the partisans, sensing Mussolini's vulnerability, close in on his whereabouts. As a lover of all things Italian, I devoured the author's superb world building of an exhausted Italy at the crossroads and literally couldn't put this novel down.
If you're looking for a fresh angle on World War II, with realistic, compelling characters, and a story that will move, inform, and entertain you, look no further. I highly recommend this novel, and look forward to following the author.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest and independent review.
SHARON BARBA
August 21, 2024
Reseña de «The Light Over Lake Como» de Roland Merullo
💧Han pasado casi dos años desde que Sarah Zinsi encontró refugio en Suiza. Sin tocar tierra extranjera, se enteró de la noticia de la rendición de su hogar en el lago de Como. Con su hija pequeña en brazos, Sarah se ve obligada a cruzar las montañas para regresar a casa y estar con el padre de la niña, Luca Benedetto.
Luca desafía al destino y hace una última cosa: matar a Mussolini, el hombre que destruyó todo lo que Luca amaba y obligó a huir al amor de su vida. Sarah conoce a un hombre de negocios negro de buen corazón que más tarde se convierte en espía. Él jura proteger a madre e hijo mientras la malvada misión de Luca se intensifica y el último esfuerzo de los nazis se convierte en un caos.
Pero para Sarah y Luca, la fuerza del amor, las ganas de vivir y la promesa de una nueva familia superaron los retos a los que se enfrentaban.
📜Escribir ficción histórica es encontrar el equilibrio perfecto entre hechos y ficción. Este libro lo ha conseguido con eficacia. La parte histórica de la historia se presenta con fluidez y no resulta pesada ni densa. Este es, diría yo, uno de los mayores logros del libro.
🧑🤝🧑Además, la historia está narrada desde 3 puntos de vista diferentes. Cada uno de ellos da a la historia más contexto, profundidad y ayuda al lector a comprender mejor el impacto de la guerra en sus vidas. El escritor ha logrado un gran equilibrio entre los narradores, y la combinación de sus experiencias ayuda a crear una imagen más amplia.
🌳Por otra parte, me perdía en los vastos paisajes de Italia. A veces, como los hechos sucedían en distintos lugares al mismo tiempo, no sabía lo cerca que estaban los personajes ni adónde se dirigían. Creo que un mapa o una descripción más detallada habrían sido muy útiles.
💧Han pasado casi dos años desde que Sarah Zinsi encontró refugio en Suiza. Sin tocar tierra extranjera, se enteró de la noticia de la rendición de su hogar en el lago de Como. Con su hija pequeña en brazos, Sarah se ve obligada a cruzar las montañas para regresar a casa y estar con el padre de la niña, Luca Benedetto.
Luca desafía al destino y hace una última cosa: matar a Mussolini, el hombre que destruyó todo lo que Luca amaba y obligó a huir al amor de su vida. Sarah conoce a un hombre de negocios negro de buen corazón que más tarde se convierte en espía. Él jura proteger a madre e hijo mientras la malvada misión de Luca se intensifica y el último esfuerzo de los nazis se convierte en un caos.
Pero para Sarah y Luca, la fuerza del amor, las ganas de vivir y la promesa de una nueva familia superaron los retos a los que se enfrentaban.
📜Escribir ficción histórica es encontrar el equilibrio perfecto entre hechos y ficción. Este libro lo ha conseguido con eficacia. La parte histórica de la historia se presenta con fluidez y no resulta pesada ni densa. Este es, diría yo, uno de los mayores logros del libro.
🧑🤝🧑Además, la historia está narrada desde 3 puntos de vista diferentes. Cada uno de ellos da a la historia más contexto, profundidad y ayuda al lector a comprender mejor el impacto de la guerra en sus vidas. El escritor ha logrado un gran equilibrio entre los narradores, y la combinación de sus experiencias ayuda a crear una imagen más amplia.
🌳Por otra parte, me perdía en los vastos paisajes de Italia. A veces, como los hechos sucedían en distintos lugares al mismo tiempo, no sabía lo cerca que estaban los personajes ni adónde se dirigían. Creo que un mapa o una descripción más detallada habrían sido muy útiles.
May 29, 2024
I requested The Light Over Lake Como because I recently visited and stayed there and thought it unbelievably beautiful. What I did not realize was how drawn in I would become into the story of the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, his top aide, his mistress and his crimes against humanity. This was a fascinating read of page turning historical fiction. I listened to the audio book version and absolutely could not stop listening, I wore my ear buds down to zero charge and had to switch to head phones! The main story is about a young couple who must separate when Mussolini takes power and sides with Hitler. Sarah is Jewish, pregnant and must flee to Switzerland to save her mother, herself and her unborn child. Her lover Lucu stays behind to join the resistance against the nazis and fascist regimes. Two years later when Sarah hears the rumor that the war is coming to a close she bravely decides to return to Lake Como, Italy via a perilous journey over the mountains with her now 18 month old little girl to reunite with Luca. Luckily she is befriended by a kind and wealthy black marketeer who helps her financially and offers to help her find her lost lover. This novel was extremely well written and researched. I learned so much that I did not know about WWII, especially in Italy. I feel the description and explanation of how Mussolini came to power and kept it as long as he did was fascinating. He truly was a narcissistic cult personality of the era, much like his 'buddy' Hitler. I can highly recommend this work of excellent historical fiction. 5 solid stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for an ARC version of this audio book. Much appreciated!
Many thanks to Net Galley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for an ARC version of this audio book. Much appreciated!
February 21, 2025
"One can't govern for so long, and demand such heavy sacrifices from the people without provoking some sort of indignation."
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me an ARC of The Light Over Lake Como in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts that follow are my own.
The Light Over Lake Como follows the final days of the rule of Mussolini at the end of World War II in Italy and has three POVs- Sarah, a young mother who had to escape Italy and move to Switzerland, Luca, her lover and father of her child, and Enzo, Mussolini's personal aide. Sarah had to flee into the mountains with her elderly mother and her daughter to escape the war while Luca stayed behind and fought as a partisan. Everything changes for Sarah when she receives word that the war is finally ending and the fighting has moved away from her hometown near Lake Como. She decides that it is time for her to go back to Italy and try to find Luca.
I found this story very interesting because it is not very often that a historical fiction novel will tell a story within one timeline. I enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to follow a past and present timeline. I also enjoyed the different POVs throughout the book because I got an interesting look at several different sides to the war. I thought that Sarah was quite a boring character towards the beginning of the book (which is kind of hard to say when speaking about a historical fiction) but she did have a lot of character development and was willing to do anything she had to to find Luca and keep her baby safe. The POV I found most interesting was that of Enzo, Mussolini's personal aide because not a lot of authors write from the enemy side. It was interesting to get an inside look of what was happening on the opposite side as the war was dissolving.
Overall, this was a solid read and I would suggest it to anyone who is interested in the final days of the war versus the height of the war that most authors write about. 4/5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me an ARC of The Light Over Lake Como in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts that follow are my own.
The Light Over Lake Como follows the final days of the rule of Mussolini at the end of World War II in Italy and has three POVs- Sarah, a young mother who had to escape Italy and move to Switzerland, Luca, her lover and father of her child, and Enzo, Mussolini's personal aide. Sarah had to flee into the mountains with her elderly mother and her daughter to escape the war while Luca stayed behind and fought as a partisan. Everything changes for Sarah when she receives word that the war is finally ending and the fighting has moved away from her hometown near Lake Como. She decides that it is time for her to go back to Italy and try to find Luca.
I found this story very interesting because it is not very often that a historical fiction novel will tell a story within one timeline. I enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to follow a past and present timeline. I also enjoyed the different POVs throughout the book because I got an interesting look at several different sides to the war. I thought that Sarah was quite a boring character towards the beginning of the book (which is kind of hard to say when speaking about a historical fiction) but she did have a lot of character development and was willing to do anything she had to to find Luca and keep her baby safe. The POV I found most interesting was that of Enzo, Mussolini's personal aide because not a lot of authors write from the enemy side. It was interesting to get an inside look of what was happening on the opposite side as the war was dissolving.
Overall, this was a solid read and I would suggest it to anyone who is interested in the final days of the war versus the height of the war that most authors write about. 4/5 stars!
March 5, 2024
Synopsis:
In 1945 Italy, Mussolini’s days as fascist dictator are numbered. This historical fiction novel is based on the final few weeks before his assassination near Milan. Lake Como, and most of northern Italy, are still German occupied and the hub of partisan resistance during the final days of the war.
Luca and Sarah are lovers torn apart by circumstance. Sarah is pregnant and escapes with her Jewish mother to Switzerland. A priest provides for them and have survived without notice from any authorities for nearly two years. Luca has remained in Nazi-occupied Italy to fight with the resistance. Their child, Lydia, is now a toddler and has yet to meet her father. Sarah is determined to bring their family back together and eventually returns to Italy, though she must overcome abuse and hardship along the way. When Luca is ordered to assassinate Mussolini, he begins questioning his willingness to continue killing.
Enzo, a long-time loyal aide to Mussoulini, is conflicted about his role since his wife left him over his ongoing support of Il Duce. He lives with the dictator in a villa on Lake Como fortified by German security. While he is paid to offer information to the resistance, he wonders how he will ever carve out a life in his beloved Italy after the war ends.
Review:
Excellent, detailed plot. An impressive amount of research was required to depict what life was like under occupation in WWII. The characters are highly relatable, with all longing for the war and fighting to end. I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
In 1945 Italy, Mussolini’s days as fascist dictator are numbered. This historical fiction novel is based on the final few weeks before his assassination near Milan. Lake Como, and most of northern Italy, are still German occupied and the hub of partisan resistance during the final days of the war.
Luca and Sarah are lovers torn apart by circumstance. Sarah is pregnant and escapes with her Jewish mother to Switzerland. A priest provides for them and have survived without notice from any authorities for nearly two years. Luca has remained in Nazi-occupied Italy to fight with the resistance. Their child, Lydia, is now a toddler and has yet to meet her father. Sarah is determined to bring their family back together and eventually returns to Italy, though she must overcome abuse and hardship along the way. When Luca is ordered to assassinate Mussolini, he begins questioning his willingness to continue killing.
Enzo, a long-time loyal aide to Mussoulini, is conflicted about his role since his wife left him over his ongoing support of Il Duce. He lives with the dictator in a villa on Lake Como fortified by German security. While he is paid to offer information to the resistance, he wonders how he will ever carve out a life in his beloved Italy after the war ends.
Review:
Excellent, detailed plot. An impressive amount of research was required to depict what life was like under occupation in WWII. The characters are highly relatable, with all longing for the war and fighting to end. I would recommend this to fans of historical fiction.
Thank you to NetGalley for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2024
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
The years immediately after 1922 when Mussolini came to power were good in Italy. Large crowds would marvel at his wisdom and embrace his promises of making the Roman Empire a world leader again.
El Duce felt that joining with Hitler would expand Italian territories and strengthen his position in the world. During the beginning of the war, this seemed true as the armies swept through North Africa with little or no opposition.
The people became destitute as the war dragged on. Hitler kept Mussolini around to show his support of Italy’s attempts to defeat the allies.
This story deals with the tragedy of war and the hardships that nations endure during conflicts. Even the close confidants of Mussolini began to plot his demise and a total elimination of any support for Germany.
The writing is first rate and the sub-plots are well developed and thought provoking. Enjoy this story. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
The years immediately after 1922 when Mussolini came to power were good in Italy. Large crowds would marvel at his wisdom and embrace his promises of making the Roman Empire a world leader again.
El Duce felt that joining with Hitler would expand Italian territories and strengthen his position in the world. During the beginning of the war, this seemed true as the armies swept through North Africa with little or no opposition.
The people became destitute as the war dragged on. Hitler kept Mussolini around to show his support of Italy’s attempts to defeat the allies.
This story deals with the tragedy of war and the hardships that nations endure during conflicts. Even the close confidants of Mussolini began to plot his demise and a total elimination of any support for Germany.
The writing is first rate and the sub-plots are well developed and thought provoking. Enjoy this story. 4.5 stars – CE Williams
June 8, 2024
The Light Over Lake Como, by Roland Merullo, is an unusual WWII novel in that it focuses on the last days of the war in Italy and particularly, the last month of Mussolini's rule and life. Meticulously researched, the story explores the divisions of a population that was divided between fascists supporting Mussolini, royalists, and partisans who were actively fighting against the regime. We see Mussolini through the eyes of his loyal, yet, discerning aide. Other characters reveal the suffering of the populace, the attempt to extinguish Italian Jews, and the inner workings of the partisan movement. All of the characters are nuanced and multidimensional, although universally plagued with self-doubt. Please note that this is a sequel to an earlier book, Once Night Falls. I did not discover this until I was writing this review so Lake Como can definitely be read as a stand-alone. Do I wish I had read the first book first? Absolutely! Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Books for the opportunity to read a digital ARC. I strongly recommend this for lovers of historical fiction.
June 5, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for the gifted audiobook.
As a historical fiction enthusiast, I eagerly anticipated diving into this story. However, I didn't find it quite captivating. The narrative is set in Italy during World War II, tracing the journey of Sarah and Luca as they strive to reunite as the war draws to a close. Sarah's quest, as she returns to Italy from Switzerland following her mother's passing, was filled with intrigue. Meanwhile, Luca's final mission involves the assassination of Mussolini.
Regrettably, I found it challenging to fully immerse myself in the book. The narration seemed to lack the emotional depth that could have enhanced the storytelling, coming across as monotone. As a result, I believe that reading the book might be a more engaging option than listening to the audiobook.
This book is currently available for readers to enjoy.
As a historical fiction enthusiast, I eagerly anticipated diving into this story. However, I didn't find it quite captivating. The narrative is set in Italy during World War II, tracing the journey of Sarah and Luca as they strive to reunite as the war draws to a close. Sarah's quest, as she returns to Italy from Switzerland following her mother's passing, was filled with intrigue. Meanwhile, Luca's final mission involves the assassination of Mussolini.
Regrettably, I found it challenging to fully immerse myself in the book. The narration seemed to lack the emotional depth that could have enhanced the storytelling, coming across as monotone. As a result, I believe that reading the book might be a more engaging option than listening to the audiobook.
This book is currently available for readers to enjoy.
June 9, 2024
A story of love, hardship and a fight to the end.
Sarah has escaped to Switzerland with her Mother and pregnant and her lover Luca stays behind in Italy to fight with the partisans. Enzo is high up in Mussolini department but is becoming disillusioned. Luca is still fighting against the Germans. We see what happens to them all throughout the book. Will Sarah & Luca end up together again only time will tell.
I enjoyed reading about the final months of Mussolini’s reign certainly when he came to power every Italian felt he would be a great leader but by the end he was just a puppet of Hitler.
The book was well researched and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.
Would recommend the book.
Sarah has escaped to Switzerland with her Mother and pregnant and her lover Luca stays behind in Italy to fight with the partisans. Enzo is high up in Mussolini department but is becoming disillusioned. Luca is still fighting against the Germans. We see what happens to them all throughout the book. Will Sarah & Luca end up together again only time will tell.
I enjoyed reading about the final months of Mussolini’s reign certainly when he came to power every Italian felt he would be a great leader but by the end he was just a puppet of Hitler.
The book was well researched and I enjoyed every minute of reading it.
Would recommend the book.
October 4, 2024
The followup to Merullo’s excellent Once Night Falls, which introduced us to lovers Luca and Sarah, struggling to survive on Lake Como in 1943 Nazi-occupied Italy. This book brings them to 1945, in the precarious last days of the Nazi occupation. They have been separated for nearly two years, and neither knows if the other one has survived. Mussolini is trying to decide where to flee to, and Luca is involved in a plot to assassinate him. The descriptions of the hunt are gripping; I’ve been in those towns and walked on those roads, so picturing those scenes was especially tense. Will Luca and Sarah survive the war? Will they be reunited in the postwar confusion?Run to your closest independent bookstore to buy this book that will give you all the answers!
February 1, 2024
Roland Merullo has done it again with another captivating novel of Italy during WWII. The Light Over Lake Como is part love story, part war story and a touch of historical thriller. A couple is separated from each other in the final years of the war. The woman is pregnant and forced to flee from her lover and her home in Italy; the man given a final assignment—to assassinate Mussolini. The couple’s struggle to find each other again is assisted by many well-drawn characters. I can’t wait to be able to recommend this terrific story to those that love historical fiction, Italy or anyone that wants a really good story that you can escape into!
May 29, 2024
Although I love historical fiction, this one just did not resonate with me. Still not sure if it was the story, or the narrator…
Sarah and Luca were lovers, separated by war in Italy in 1945. Once Sarah realizes that her town is being overtaken, she flees to safety with her daughter Lydia. She meets many people along the way…some good, some bad, some terrible…
When she hears that the war has ended, she tries to head home to meet up with Luca again to see where they stand…
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook which releases on 6/4/24.
The Light Over Lake Como by Roland Merullo and narrated by David Marantz.
Sarah and Luca were lovers, separated by war in Italy in 1945. Once Sarah realizes that her town is being overtaken, she flees to safety with her daughter Lydia. She meets many people along the way…some good, some bad, some terrible…
When she hears that the war has ended, she tries to head home to meet up with Luca again to see where they stand…
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BrilliancePublishing for an ARC of the audiobook which releases on 6/4/24.
The Light Over Lake Como by Roland Merullo and narrated by David Marantz.
July 11, 2024
An historical fictional novel based on real events that drew me in from the beginning. The author takes us to WWII and has clearly done a great deal of research and handled with care to create this emotional story. The characters and their experiences come to life through the wonderful storytelling of this author. It was a very emotional read that brought so much to life. My first by this author and now I am left wondering what took me so long to discover his work.
The narration added to the experience.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The narration added to the experience.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 12, 2024
This book features great characters who grow and change through exciting action. It has an overall atmosphere of tension, fear and darkness with bursts of hope. Obviously, we know that Mussolini and Hitler will die, and even that (spoiler alert) we win WWII.
But this is a Roland Merullo book, so we are going to examine faith and hope. We are going to look at the truth behind the truth. It looks like a love story, but it is even more a faith story. Staying faithful to a mate in the most trying of circumstances. Remaining faithful to a family, a country, a way of life, a leader, fellow soldiers, ideas, and then the loss of faith when those leaders and those ideas fail you. Mussolini and his top aides are key characters. Will any turn on him? Will any survive?
The end of the war in Italy is dominated by darkest and fear; not simply good guys and bad guys. The popular Fascist government invited in the Nazis, who are even worse than Mussolini's Brown Shirts. The underground Italian Partisans have slightly different agendas, though all fight to remove Nazis and Brown Shirts. An entire generation of males are sent to Germany as slave labor, or to the Russian front as cannon fodder. Jews are killed on sight or sent to concentration camps. Spies from every side are always watching, and the population is starving. Good people risk their lives to help strangers. Eventually, if Italy is to survive, the various interests will need to come back together.
I won a pre-publishing copy of this book in a raffle on the author's FaceBook page--a pleasant surprise. Receiving a free book that I would have otherwise purchased in a few months did not influence my opinions in this review.
But this is a Roland Merullo book, so we are going to examine faith and hope. We are going to look at the truth behind the truth. It looks like a love story, but it is even more a faith story. Staying faithful to a mate in the most trying of circumstances. Remaining faithful to a family, a country, a way of life, a leader, fellow soldiers, ideas, and then the loss of faith when those leaders and those ideas fail you. Mussolini and his top aides are key characters. Will any turn on him? Will any survive?
The end of the war in Italy is dominated by darkest and fear; not simply good guys and bad guys. The popular Fascist government invited in the Nazis, who are even worse than Mussolini's Brown Shirts. The underground Italian Partisans have slightly different agendas, though all fight to remove Nazis and Brown Shirts. An entire generation of males are sent to Germany as slave labor, or to the Russian front as cannon fodder. Jews are killed on sight or sent to concentration camps. Spies from every side are always watching, and the population is starving. Good people risk their lives to help strangers. Eventually, if Italy is to survive, the various interests will need to come back together.
I won a pre-publishing copy of this book in a raffle on the author's FaceBook page--a pleasant surprise. Receiving a free book that I would have otherwise purchased in a few months did not influence my opinions in this review.
June 12, 2024
Another Great Book!
To have lived in these times must have been all shades of insanity. The sheer madness and the depravity of war on humans is not to be underestimated.
Throw into this the separation of family, refugees pouring all around the geo space, along with starvation, barbarity and the very worst of human nature surfacing, it was a time for the strengths in people to shine.
The author has managed to convey something from everything I’ve mentioned and created a story so very believable that it’s deserving of the highest praise.
To have lived in these times must have been all shades of insanity. The sheer madness and the depravity of war on humans is not to be underestimated.
Throw into this the separation of family, refugees pouring all around the geo space, along with starvation, barbarity and the very worst of human nature surfacing, it was a time for the strengths in people to shine.
The author has managed to convey something from everything I’ve mentioned and created a story so very believable that it’s deserving of the highest praise.
June 25, 2024
Will Sarah be able to find Luca
The allies have entered Italy and are making their way north, will Mussolini surrender. Sarah has walked over the mountains from Switzerland into Italy to find her lover and her childs father. The Nazis have control of Milan but the Americans are now making there way north taking over all the major cities. The Nazis are retreating back to the Swiss border, can Mussolini get out of Italy. This is a great read that I couldn't put down. Highly reccommended.
The allies have entered Italy and are making their way north, will Mussolini surrender. Sarah has walked over the mountains from Switzerland into Italy to find her lover and her childs father. The Nazis have control of Milan but the Americans are now making there way north taking over all the major cities. The Nazis are retreating back to the Swiss border, can Mussolini get out of Italy. This is a great read that I couldn't put down. Highly reccommended.
March 1, 2024
Two lovers separated in war-torn Italy struggle to reunite in a riveting and heartrending historical novel
Sarah is pregnant, unmarried and part jewish leaves her home near Lake Como with her mother to escape the Nazi's leaving her lover Luca behind.
The story tells of Sarah's struggles, Luca's work in the resistance and the end of Mussolini.
An interesting read, although a little slow to get going.
Sarah is pregnant, unmarried and part jewish leaves her home near Lake Como with her mother to escape the Nazi's leaving her lover Luca behind.
The story tells of Sarah's struggles, Luca's work in the resistance and the end of Mussolini.
An interesting read, although a little slow to get going.
August 14, 2024
The Best Way to Learn History
I remember photos of Mussolini hanging. I knew from a few paragraphs in history books who Il Duce was. But reading a detailed historical novel by a great writer has taught me so much more about the hearts and minds of Italians. WWII novels live with me, understanding why my dad did not want to ever return to war-torn Europe. Roland Medulla gives such details in the lives of Sarah, Luca, Enzo, Silvio. I know them all now.
I remember photos of Mussolini hanging. I knew from a few paragraphs in history books who Il Duce was. But reading a detailed historical novel by a great writer has taught me so much more about the hearts and minds of Italians. WWII novels live with me, understanding why my dad did not want to ever return to war-torn Europe. Roland Medulla gives such details in the lives of Sarah, Luca, Enzo, Silvio. I know them all now.
May 16, 2024
Great novel, great characters, lots of history also and it ties together so perfectly.
I loved the idea of the story, that is what drew me in (not to mention the beautiful cover). I also loved how you could really get into the characters, love and hate them, great read.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the idea of the story, that is what drew me in (not to mention the beautiful cover). I also loved how you could really get into the characters, love and hate them, great read.
Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my E-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
June 30, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. What an INCREDIBLE book! I read this in just a few hours because I could not get enough. Following the stories of Silvio, Sarah, Luca, and Enzo individually was great, but then the ending and how everything came together was just amazing. I would recommend this to everyone! I also learned so many historic facts!
July 6, 2024
The end of WW11 in Italy. The Nazis are on the run from the Allies. The Hunt s on for Mussolini by the partisans. A young woman searching for the a she loves and father to her daughter. I do enjoy this type of novel as they embody a good story and throw in some real facts it becomes a pleasure to read.
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