The Keeper of Lost Art

by Laura Morelli

During World War II, a girl makes an unbreakable connection with a boy sheltering in her family’s Tuscan villa, where the treasures of the Uffizi Galleries are hidden. A moving coming-of-age story about the power of art in wartime, based on true events.

As Allied bombs rain down on Torino in the autumn of 1942, Stella Costa’s mother sends her to safety with distant relatives in a Tuscan villa. There, Stella finds her family tasked with a great responsibility: hiding nearly 300 priceless masterpieces from Florence, including Botticelli’s famous Primavera.

With the arrival of German troops imminent, Stella finds herself a stranger in her family’s villa and she struggles to understand why her aunt doesn’t like her. She knows it has something to do with her parents—and the fact that her father, who is currently fighting at the front, has been largely absent from her life.

When a wave of refugees seeks shelter in the villa, Stella befriends Sandro, an orphaned boy with remarkable artistic talent. Amid the growing threats, Sandro and Stella take refuge in the villa’s “treasure room,” where the paintings are hidden. There, Botticelli’s masterpiece and other works of art become a solace, an inspiration, and the glue that bonds Stella and Sandro as the dangers grow.

A troop of German soldiers requisitions the villa and puts everyone to forced labor. Now, with the villa full of German soldiers, refugees, a secret guest, and hundreds of priceless treasures, no one knows who will emerge unscathed, and whether the paintings will be taken as spoils or become unintended casualties.

Inspired by the incredible true story of a single Tuscan villa used as a hiding place for the treasures of Florentine art during World War II, The Keeper of Lost Art takes readers on a breathtaking journey into one of the darkest chapters of Italy’s history, highlighting the incredible courage of everyday people to protect some of the most important works of art in western civilization.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Italy, Fiction, World War II, Art, Historical, Adult Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

The first time I visited Venice as a wide-eyed teenager, I knew I was supposed to buy Murano glass, but I had no idea why.

All I knew was that I was whisked to the famous “glass island” on an overcrowded, stinky boat. I waited behind two dozen American and Japanese tourists to pay an exorbitant price for a little glass fish—what a bewildering experience!

Still, it was the artistic traditions of the world that inspired me to study the past. Living in Europe and Latin America, I realized that in many places, centuries-old craft traditions are still living traditions.

So began my quest to discover craftspeople passing on a special kind of knowledge to the next generation.

__________________________________________________

Laura Morelli holds a a Ph.D. in art history from Yale University. Her books include Made in Italy, Made in France, and Made in the Southwest, which lead travelers to some of the world’s most authentic experiences. She has written for many national publications including USA Today and the New York Daily News, and has authored a column for National Geographic Traveler online called “The Genuine Article.” She has taught at Trinity College in Rome, Tufts University, Northeastern University, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, and has spoken to public audiences across the U.S. and Europe.

Reviews

[Elizabeth of Silver's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stella’s mother sent her to live with her aunt and uncle so she would be safe from the bombings.

It wasn’t a pleasant place to be. Her aunt really didn’t like her and she didn’t know why.

A lot of interesting things were happening while she was there. The most interesting thing was that they were given the job of hiding valuable paintings in their villa, but then Zio Tino decides he is going to allow refugees stay in the villa.

Will the paintings be safe?

Find out how everything works out and how Stella grows in this beautifully written, well-researched, visit to Italy as we learn how citizens survived and how they loyally saved the art in their care.

Fans of art history will fall in love with the storyline and hearing the names of artists and paintings.

You will have to brush up on your Italian, but will enjoy being there. 4/5

Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Gigi Ropp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful story, well-researched history, and a well-written setting weren’t enough to make this a terribly enjoyable read. I wanted to skim past much of it and would’ve preferred a non-fiction breakdown rather than follow this often boring telling.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

PLOT
When Stella is sent from Torino to live in the Tuscan countryside, her mother believed she would be safer, far from the frequent bombings. At first, she struggles with the changes and her desires to leave school and move on with her life. But when the villa her uncle is protecting is used to secretly store priceless Italian art, the whole family is plunged into intrigue, especially once the Germans arrive. More than ever, the family and the refugees at the villa must work together to protect their treasure.

THOUGHTS
My initial reaction: WOW! I was absolutely hooked from the moment we are introduced to Stella and her cousins. Her aunt and uncle are a delicate balancing act to the family, two sides of a coin. Sandro broke my heart almost immediately.
The start of every chapter with the lost diaries of Botticelli and Captain Wallace brought a level of context as I was only vaguely familiar with what happened with Italian art during World War 2.
No spoilers but the ending left me in tears and full of hope. I highly recommend The Keeper of Lost Art.
The only thing keeping this from a 5 star review is the pacing - towards the middle it slowed down and felt slightly clunky.
ARC provided by William Morrow

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a former history teacher and lover of historical fiction, I was extremely happy to receive an advance copy of The Keeper of Lost art by Laura Morelli. The story stirred up memories of being in Italy many years ago.

The Keeper of Lost Art is a World War II coming-of-age story about Stella, separated from her mother due to repeated bombings in her hometown, Torino, Italy. In the “shelter” of the Tuscan countryside, Stella grows to love her extended family and art. The villa her aunt and uncles protect is a haven for many refugees and a hidden cache of priceless art. Meeting a special young refugee, Sando, she begins to see the world differently. Throughout various occupations of her new home by armies of both sides of the war, Stella grows both in stature and strength of heart and mind, standing with her family to protect precious art hidden from those same invaders. Learning of the Monuments Men (and women) and their mission further fuels her passion and ambition to protect the art and culture of her country.

The story is written with vivid imagery that pulls me into each scene. Colloquial Italian language makes it easy to drop into Stella’s life and grasp the frustrations and joys she undergoes while trying to make sense of the damage brought to her family and Italy. It’s easy to relate to Stella’s exasperated attempts to draw the beautiful paintings her two uncles guard day and night. It’s inspiring to watch her grow and find her own path not tied to anger and regret of the war. This is a book I will recommend and share with friends, family and students.

[Aftan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Give this book a full chance, as it takes a little bit to catch its stride. I will be honest, it took me until about the 40% mark to really start turning the page and get invested in the story. The first half of the book had a lot of "slog" to it, with details and narrative that I found to be unimportant to the overall story. Once I hit that certain point, The Keeper of Lost Art was an enjoyable read and I am glad I stuck around until the end.

As a frequent reader of WWII HF, The Keeper of Lost Art provided a story that is a bit different than what is currently saturating the market. Laura Morelli offered something that is not often written about, which resulted in a thoroughly researched book that had me side-googling images of the gorgeous paintings and settings she references. I love it when a book presents facts in such a way that it doesn't take away from the plot, but instead complements it and leaves me as a reader wanting to know more. Well done in that regard!

Again, it is just that the pacing was off; I found myself skimming sentences and even paragraphs.

[Aj Yogi · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 50%

I could not connect with the characters. The third person differing POV didn't help. Unfortunately going to have to leave this one unfinished.

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy historical fiction, especially when the story centers around art. Such a story based in a remote villa in Tuscan countryside sounds idyllic, doesn't it? But the year is 1942 and 12-year-old Stella is being sent by her mother to live with her aunt and uncle to keep her safe during World War II. Once she arrives, she meets a young orphan named Sandro who is also sheltering in the remote villa, along with other refugees and where over 300 masterpieces are being hidden! These magnificent works of art become a source of inspiration for both Stella and Sandro. The story was inspired by true events of how Italy protected its cultural treasures during World War II. In addition to being an author, Laura Morelli is an art historian so each chapter begins with excerpts from the diaries of Sandro Botticelli and Monuments Man Wallace Foster. These added another interesting perspective. Very interesting listen!

[Susan Lenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the only book by Laura Morelli that I've read. I will likely never read another one. A chapter or two in, I thought the book might have been geared to upper teens. I googled to learn otherwise. My impression wasn't due to the heroine's young age but from the constant descriptions of landscape, weather, and food which were mingled with a few Italian words and phrases. As I read, I wondered if the material was supposed to be educational, as if an example of descriptive writing for youths. It seemed that the author followed a strict formula to include the color, temperature, and scent of everything mentioned despite these same features being defined just a few pages earlier. I actually like lots of adjectives and adore Pat Conroy's and other writers' illustrative ways to set a scene, but this book's style too quickly became tiresome. Oddly enough, I didn't thing Botticelli's Primavera was portrayed well at all. For a treasure room of Renaissance masterpieces, the story lacked a sense of mythical, magical, over-powering beauty in the actual works of art. Few of the other hundreds of artworks were mentioned except in passing. I purchased the book because I revere early Italian Renaissance art. I was disappointed that this seemed secondary to verbose passages about fictional characters who just happened to learn a little about the paintings they were guarding.

[Nellie Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Keeper of Lost Art is a captivating story about Stella’s journey and the hope and beauty one can find during such a devastating time such as World War ll. Stella and her cousins grabbed my hand from the introduction and tugged me through the beautiful Tuscany villa with them. The relationships that were formed and the love these characters had for their history and home was the most precious piece I’ve read in a long time.

I don’t typically find interest in Art or History, but Laura Morelli’s writing style is so captivating that I fell in love with the history of art and the beauty in fighting to preserve this culture.

I was so happy when Stella and Sandro found each other. Sandro helped her see the beauty in art in such a devastating time, making her journey less lonely. And she helped him learn crucial life skills to navigate during this time. I would love to read more of this authors work. Thank you NetGalley for allowing me the opportunity to read such a heartfelt story.

[Ed Rabinowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading historical fiction when it’s well written, and I’m able to learn something new. Both of those elements are present in Laura Morelli’s soon to be released book “The Keeper of Lost Art.” My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advance copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review. The book is scheduled for release on April 22, 2025.
It’s 1943 in war-torn Italy, a country undergoing dramatic internal turmoil on the verge of joining the Allied forces and declaring war on its former Axis partner, Germany.
Twelve-year-old Stella Costa is sent by her mother from Torino to live with distant relatives in a villa in Tuscany. Stella does not know these aunts, uncles and cousins, nor is she prepared for the great responsibility about to be bestowed upon them. But the turn of events over the course of the next 18 months will shape her into the young woman she becomes.
Stella’s relatives, caretakers of the villa, but now minding it for the owner who has fled to Switzerland, are asked to safeguard more than 300 priceless masterpieces from the Uffizi Galleries in Florence. The fear is that the Germans will confiscate anything they believe to be of great value. Stella and her newfound family put their lives on the line every day.
As the story unfolds, refugees are fleeing their homes as the fighting escalates. Many of them are given food and shelter at the villa. One of the refugees, a twelve-year-old boy named Alessandro, strikes up a friendship with Stella. He has a gift for drawing, and an understanding of the valuable treasures being hidden in the villa. Together, they vow to keep the masterpieces safe.
As if that isn’t enough daily tension, Stella doesn’t understand why one of her aunts is cool toward her. Though over time she learns it has something to do with her parents – and the fact that her father, whose whereabouts are unknown, has been largely absent from her life.
For readers, it’s an interesting coming-of-age story wrapped around the historic efforts to safeguard Italy’s cultural treasures during World War II. There are some points midway through the story that slow the book’s generally solid narrative, a few sections seeming a bit redundant. At one point German soldiers requisition the villa and turn Stella and her family into forced labor. These chapters seem to go on for a while making me wonder, don’t these guys have somewhere to be? But the character development is solid, and Morelli does a good job of conveying the daily struggles for food, shelter and safety that existed in Italy at that time.
One additional nitpick: Stella is clearly the main character in this story, though her uncle Tino is the key person charged with protecting the works of art. So, who is “the keeper” referenced in the title? And is the art truly “lost?” Or just hidden? As I said, it’s a nitpick.
Overall “The Keeper of Lost Art” is an enjoyable and informative read that I’m comfortable recommending. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.
And you can check out all of my reviews at my book blog, Raised on Reading (www.raisedonreading.com).

[Syrie James · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli is a lovely coming-of-age story about a girl’s enlightenment regarding the power and beauty of art during WWII, when the house where she’s staying in the Tuscan countryside becomes a temporary hiding place for priceless masterpieces. The story resonates with beauty, pain, love, tragedy, and hope, as Stella and her found family survive occupation by several armies in their efforts to protect the artwork under their care, so that they can be enjoyed by future generations. I loved learning about Botticelli's masterpiece “Primavera,” the painting that was featured in the book, and would have liked to learn more about the other artwork hidden there. I loved the way Stella’s appreciation for art grew, and the decision she made for her own future was the perfect ending for the novel.

[Karen Davis Engelbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5+ stars. 1942: Stella is a young teen whose mother has sent her south to the Tuscany countryside for her safety. Her uncle (Zio Tino) and family live on the grounds of a villa owned by a wealthy English family, where he works as their driver. For their own safety the English family goes to Switzerland, leaving the care of the villa in their driver's hands. It's not long after Stella and her relatives move into the estate when refugees begin to arrive seeking shelter. Zia Angela (Stella's aunt) is not at all happy about having more mouths to feed, and she's not even fond of Stella living with them. But the refugees continue to show up and are given space in the wine cellar to use for shelter.

Then a representative from the Uffizi appears at their door requesting they store nearly 300 valuable pieces of artwork to keep it safe. Zio Tino is not at all on board with the grounds being used as a repository, but he isn't really given a choice, and an agreement is made that he and his brother (in-law?) will be paid for guarding the art. Stella is fascinated with the artwork, but she is given strict instructions by her uncle not to let anyone know they're housing it. However, when she becomes acquainted with Sondro, a refugee boy they're sheltering, and learns of his keen interest in art, she decides to show him the "treasure room". Botticelli's Primavera is one of the paintings they're storing, and Sondro brings new meaning of this masterpiece to Stella. Sneaking into the treasure room becomes something the two of them look forward to as Sondro skillfully sketches parts of the paintings.

And then German soldiers appear, requisitioning the house as a refuge of their own. Stella and her family are required to feed them and do their bidding. Fortunately they show no interest in the art, but life becomes very difficult for Stella and her family living in the same quarters with the slovenly soldiers whose language they don't understand. More German soldiers come, and when the Allied forces begin to take over, they end up housing British, Indians, New Zealanders. Throughout all of this Stella develops a deep appreciation of art and learns that even though she doesn't have artistic talent herself, there are careers in art restoration and other aspects of art which she might pursue.

This was a slow read for me, and I never made much of a connection with the characters. The topic was interesting and I'd never read a WWII historic fiction set in Italy, so it provided a new perspective, but something about it left me looking for more.

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Morelli's "The Keeper of Lost Art" takes readers on an evocative journey to 1940s Tuscany, where priceless Renaissance masterpieces and displaced refugees find sanctuary in a single villa. Drawing on the true story of art preservation during World War II, Morelli crafts a coming-of-age tale that elegantly balances the grand sweep of history with intimate human connections.

As someone who has studied both World War II history and Italian Renaissance art, I found myself completely transported to the hillsides of Tuscany, where Stella Costa, our young protagonist, discovers the transformative power of art amidst the chaos of war. Morelli's meticulous research and lyrical prose create a vivid tapestry that feels both authentic and deeply moving.

The Heart of the Story: Art as Salvation

At the center of this narrative stands Stella Costa, a 12-year-old girl sent from bomb-ravaged Torino to live with her aunt and uncle at Villa Santa Lucia. Initially an unwelcome guest in her own family's home, Stella's life changes when she discovers that her uncle has been entrusted with hiding nearly 300 masterpieces from Florence's museums—including Botticelli's magnificent "Primavera."

The novel's true brilliance emerges in Stella's friendship with Sandro, an orphaned refugee boy with extraordinary artistic talent. Their shared discovery of the hidden paintings creates a sanctuary from the horrors unfolding around them. Through their eyes, we experience:

1. The raw wonder of encountering masterpieces like the "Primavera" in the intimate setting of a villa storeroom

2. The gradual unfolding of artistic knowledge and appreciation as they learn the stories behind each painting

3. The parallel between Sandro's developing artistic vision and his deteriorating eyesight

4. The way art serves as both escape and anchor during the most trying circumstances

Morelli writes with particular sensitivity about these moments of discovery. When Stella observes the paintings with Sandro, she describes them as "a kaleidoscope of frozen stories," a phrase that perfectly captures the novel's thematic heart.

Characters Who Breathe History to Life

The strength of historical fiction often lies in how convincingly it populates real historical circumstances with characters who feel vibrantly alive. Morelli excels here with a cast that includes:

- Stella: Torn between longing for absent parents and forging her own path, her growth from reluctant schoolgirl to aspiring art conservator forms the novel's emotional backbone

- Sandro: The talented boy artist whose gradual loss of vision parallels the darkening world around them

- Zio Tino: Stella's uncle, a humble driver elevated to guardian of Western civilization's treasures, displaying quiet dignity and resolve

- Zia Angela: Stella's prickly aunt, whose complex past with Stella's father adds layers to their difficult relationship

- Historical figures: Giovanni Poggi, Cesare Fasola, and the fictionalized "Captain Foster" (based on the real Monuments Men) who bring authenticity to the narrative

The dynamics between these characters evolve beautifully throughout the novel. The relationship between Stella and her aunt is particularly well-rendered, moving from mutual suspicion to grudging respect, and finally to genuine affection.

War and Art: The Historical Backdrop

Morelli demonstrates remarkable skill in weaving historical detail into her narrative without resorting to information dumps. The progression of the war unfolds organically through:

- Radio broadcasts that bring increasingly dire news
- The arrival of refugees with stories from villages destroyed by German reprisals
- The parade of different military occupiers—from German paratroopers to New Zealand and Indian troops
- The looting of other art repositories similar to Villa Santa Lucia

What makes this historical novel stand apart is Morelli's focus on the mundane realities of wartime life. We experience the perpetual hunger, the constant fear, the tedium punctuated by moments of terror, and the ways people maintained their humanity through small acts of resistance and creation.

Artistic Education Through Storytelling

For readers with limited knowledge of Renaissance art, Morelli provides an accessible education without ever feeling didactic. Through Stella's encounters with art experts, we learn about:

- The symbolism and mythology behind Botticelli's "Primavera"
- The technical challenges of preserving centuries-old tempera paintings
- The network of dedicated professionals who risked their lives to protect cultural heritage
- The various roles in art preservation, from curators to conservators

These lessons never feel forced. Instead, they emerge naturally from the story, mirroring Stella's own growing appreciation and understanding of the art that surrounds her.

A Critical Assessment: Strengths and Limitations

Morelli's novel shines brightest in its sensory immersion. The Tuscan landscape comes alive through descriptions of ripening grapes, the smell of olive trees, the taste of freshly made pasta, and the play of light on ancient stone walls. Her background as an art historian enriches the narrative without overwhelming it.

The novel's pacing is expertly handled, balancing quieter moments of discovery with the escalating dangers of war. Particularly effective is the way German occupation progresses from tense coexistence to forced labor and eventual violence.

If the novel has a weakness, it lies in some secondary storylines that don't receive full development. For instance:

- The subplot involving Livia's relationship with Captain Bauer feels somewhat abbreviated
- Stella's father's brief appearance and subsequent disappearance, while thematically consistent, leaves some emotional threads unresolved
- Some of the refugee characters emerge as distinct individuals only to fade into the background

These are minor quibbles in an otherwise richly developed narrative. The central relationships—between Stella and Sandro, and between humans and art—receive the sustained attention they deserve.

Final Reflections: Art That Endures

The emotional weight of "The Keeper of Lost Art" accumulates gradually, building to a moving conclusion that emphasizes both personal and cultural renewal. The novel's title takes on multiple meanings as we realize the "lost art" refers not only to the displaced paintings but also to Sandro's fading vision, the disrupted traditions of peacetime life, and the challenge of maintaining hope during war.

Morelli leaves us with the profound idea that art matters most not as physical objects but as vessels of human stories and connections. When Stella reflects that "art can give you hope in a time of despair," we understand this not as abstract sentiment but as lived experience.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Morelli writes from a very educated, historically rich position. The thorough research she devoted in her development of the story is evident and makes me want to learn more.

Such a unique and beautiful way to imagine the experiences of people of all walks, parties, backgrounds, and ages during the uncertainty of WWII.

Viewing the events surrounding this time through the eyes of a young Italian girl, Stella, the reader is given a very unique perspective.

This is a coming-of-age story like no other, leading us to imagine the plethora of emotions and depths of the relationships (friendly, hostile, frightening, etc.) forged and deepened through the hardships and uncertainties faced during such formidable and challenging times.

Along the way, we are also able to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of art as more than just something beautiful to look at. Based on true events, although altered slightly for this beautiful story, we get a glimpse of what some very brave people endured during the war to protect valuable pieces of art from looting and destruction. We are able to gain understanding of art as a powerful connection to our history and culture.

“Art can give you hope in a time of despair.”

Now, I just want to view the pieces highlighted in the book in real life!

Highly recommend!
#giveaway-books

[hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 5

📱 Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the e-ARC of this book!

This story really captivated me. The highlight for me was the friendship that bloomed between Stella and Sandro’s characters and the ways in which they supported and encouraged one another in difficult times.

I found myself very emotionally invested and there were both heartbreaking and heartwarming moments throughout. I will be purchasing a physical copy of this book when it releases!

[Beth Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. I really love the premise. Art from the Ufizzi and other galleries in Florence moved out to Tuscan villas during the war. I did listen to the audiobook for this one and maybe it was the reader. There was a lot of repetition in the book like the author was trying to remind me of things that were previously stated. I did not enjoy that. All in all it was a fine story but definitely not in my top 10 for the year.

[Gail Tavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting

The Keeper of Lost Art, is a historical novel based on little known facts in the Art History world, about what happened to the Art in Italy during WW2.
The author brought to life both facts and fiction in a beautiful way about a villa in Italy, and the contribution the inhabitants made in saving many pieces of art during the war.

[Amanda Vacca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really really wanted to like this book but it never caught my attention and became more of a to-do list item just so I could get it finished

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

Stories centered around war always get to me, and The Keeper of Lost Art really got to me in a way that made it difficult to stop reading, even with the pain and terror that Stella and her family endures. I’m familiar with World War II but didn’t know about the need to sequester Italian works of art for safekeeping. How incredible that a Tuscan villa’s inhabitants were tasked with that, willing to go so far as to risk their own lives for art, and the way it’s portrayed is perfection.

In the beginning, Stella is a young girl with a naive outlook on the world. Despite having her own experiences with the side effects of war while living with her mother in Torino, I could see the evolution of the young girl turned young lady, after she relocated to Villa Santa Lucia. Despite living with her aunt and uncle and cousins, she still feels like an outsider who is trying to navigate a strange new world that has been changed by the war. As the chapters progress, refugees and soldiers from various regiments become inhabitants of Villa Santa Lucia, with everyone trying to strike some sort of balance, even with the anxiety of not knowing what’s to come or what sort of outcome might come from opening their doors to others. For Stella, this way of life becomes commonplace, a normalcy thrown out into a rapidly changing abnormal world.

Stella’s friend Sandro becomes a lifeline for her. He represents safety and security. His love of art helps to open her mind to the ways in finding beauty within the backdrop of despair, and while I’m not a big art buff, I could appreciate the art that is hidden away and how studying it and discussing it soothes the tormented soul. Stella and Sandro mimic the art they’ve seen. Sandro looks on in wonder at the gorgeous paintings he most likely would never have been able to see close-up, had the war not placed him and the paintings together. When Stella’s uncle communes with the Madonna di San Sisto, the reader gets the sense that despite it all, there is a flicker of hope within the characters, even when the situation that surrounds them appears to be nothing short of hopeless.

There are a lot of descriptions within this story that emphasizes the importance of art, and not just the visual, but how the wonders of art can connect people; family, loved ones, and strangers alike. The Keeper of Lost Art really was engaging and made me feel connected to the long-revered Italian artists that I didn’t know much about before this reading experience, as well as the brave individuals who did something completely daring by doing all they could to preserve their Italian history. It was a five-star read for sure!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been to Italy many times over the years, most recently spending 10 days just in Tuscany, so when I saw this book on NetGalley, I immediately requested it. I knew a little about the brave Italians who safeguarded priceless works of art, mostly from the Uffizi Museum in Florence, but I had not idea how expansive and involved that endeavor was. Laura Morelli crafts an interesting story with lots of history, and I enjoyed the story, except for some parts in the second half of the novel that seemed more like filler than adding more to the narrative.

I especially enjoyed the characters -- especially Stella and Sandro. Stella was sent to live with relatives in Tuscany because her mother thought she would be safer there, as WWII got more dangerous with the Germans present all over Italy. Little did Stella know the drama and danger would be in the villa where she made her new home!

I also enjoyed learning more about the masterpieces kept in the villa, most notably, Botticelli's beautiful Primavera.

I highly recommend this novel to fans of WWII, Italy, and Italian art.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins and the author for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

-WWII
-A villa outside of Florence Italy
-Hidden priceless works of art….

This book follows preadolescent, Stella, and her life as she comes to stay with her aunt and uncle during WWII in Italy. Through this story, we see the tragedies that took place in the countryside of Italy during the war and also the importance of art and how it was so threatened - all told through the voice of young Stella.

I loved how this had parts of true history with the Monument Men (and women) who risked their lives to find and preserve art. Also, I loved how we saw a village and a family come together through Nazi occupation.

If you love history and art, this one is for you! Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the ebook I received. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical fiction novel is set in World War 2 Italy. A rich British family leave their Tuscan villa in the care of their Italian chauffeur and his family which initially includes his wife, two daughters, and his niece, Stella, whose mother has sent her to the countryside for her safety. Caregiving duties soon expand to many refugees escaping the cities as well as caring for hundreds of pieces of priceless art from Italian museums. Curators hid art in about 50 remote Italian locations. The occupation of German troops soon put people and art in danger. How will Stella's family cope?

I appreciated the author's notes, sharing the true stories that inspired her fictional account and identifying which of her characters are fictional versus real.

One thought-provoking quote from the book is when Sandro questions the museum curator who came to check on the hidden art about why they were risking their lives:

“But . . . why us?” Sandro asks.
“Why not us?” Signor Fasola says, ... “If we don’t take some action—any one of us—then who will?”

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much has been written about WW II, the politics that set the stage for war, the elements that allowed Fascism, the time line of the Allies’ involvement, and the suffering of innocent people across Europe. Readers wonder if there could be a fresh outlook. This novel, based on real events, offers a unique perspective, sharing the story of farmers in Tuscany who risk their lives to guard and protect almost three hundred works of art, rescued from the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. (Churches, villas and train tunnels also held priceless works of art throughout Italy until Florence was safe.)

This is also the story of a young girl, Stella Costa, sent to live with her uncle and his family, caretakers of Villa Santa Lucia, privately owned by an English man who has fled to Switzerland. A tension based on the past makes life difficult between Stella and her aunt, only sharpening her grief, separated from her mother in Torino. A friendship with another orphan, Sandro, a talented artist, opens her eyes to art as they secretly take refuge in the “treasure room” hiding the works of art. Botticelli’s “Primavera” becomes their touchstone and the vehicle for the author to convey the power of art for all cultures, its necessity to pass down stories and wisdom of history.

Wave upon wave of refugees appear at the villa whom the family hide in the wine cellar, sharing whatever food and clothing they have, providing them with safe shelter, and the children, with school. Halfway through the novel, German soldiers appear, taking over the villa, expecting the family to provide for them while they trash the villa. The details of dealing with the soldiers while harboring the refugees, life going on, the tasks of survival, not just daily living…fields and olive groves damaged…are moments of history that need to be remembered. The thread that held the stories together was the focus on “Primavera” and the deep reverence for art, guarding this irreplaceable part of their culture, whatever sacrifice it took.

The novel spans from autumn, 1942, when Stella first arrives to the spring of 1945, with Italy taking the hard-earned first steps to restoration. Following the discussion about art throughout this well researched novel reminded me how restorative art can be, to resist oppression, to connecting us to civilization and our best selves. “Art can give you hope in a time of despair.”

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on audiobook. Interesting historical fiction based on real events. The narration was a little devoid of feeling. 3.75 stars. Clean content. I would probably read the book instead of listen to it.

[Nellene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful WWII story of protecting ourselves and precious possessions at a time of great danger.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mesmerizing look at the covert operation during WWII to protect many of Italy’s finest works of art through the eyes of a naive schoolgirl.

[Suzanne Swift · Rating 4 out of 5]

The topic was of great interest, but for some reason the writing was inconsistent in my opinion and lacking sensitivity ..seemed forced in descriptions at times..and did not touch my senses

[Lynn Gatehouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers who love art will be captivated by Dr. Laura Morelli's story of masterpieces from the Uffizi Gallery that were moved from Florence and hidden in villas in Tuscany during World War II. Young Stella is sent away from her home in Torino to live with her relatives in the country, where her uncles are keeping watch over the paintings that have been stored there. Among them is Botticelli's Primavera, which is like another character in the story. I loved this novel and look forward to reading more of Dr. Morelli's books.

[Coleen Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed all the books she has written.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

During World War II, a family is tasked with hiding 300+ priceless Uffizi Gallery art pieces from the Nazis intent on stealing them. During their time together, Stella and orphan Sandro bond.

This story was loosely based on the real story of driver Guido Masti who was hired by art director Giovanni Poggi to safeguard 250 priceless paintings at the Castello di Montegufoni villa, owned by Sir George Sitwell, who was exiled during the war.

As always, I was swept away to another time and place by this author's talented writing. This time, it was to the hills of Tuscany during WWII where many of Botticelli's paintings, including his famous Primavera, were hidden in a remote villa. The family also housed and concealed hundreds of refugees fleeing from German soldiers.

"Making art is important when things get difficult. Sometimes, when you can't find words for what you're going through, making something with your hands can help express what's inside."

"[The paintings] give me hope that there will be life again after all this."

"Home is choosing the people you want to be with... [but also,] if she is to become an independent and capable woman, she will have to learn to rely on herself."

"Art can give you hope in a time of despair." - Sandro Botticelli, Spring 1481

Location: Tuscany, Italy