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Girls from the Italian Resistance #3
The Girl from Bologna
Bologna, Italy, 1943, and the streets are filled with German soldiers. Nineteen-year-old Lina Venturi is shocked into joining the Resistance after her beloved best friend Rebecca, the daughter of a prominent Jewish businessman, is ruthlessly deported to a concentration camp.
In the spring of 1981, exchange student Rhiannon Hughes arrives in Bologna to study at the university. There, she rents a room from Lina, who is now middle-aged and infirm. Lina’s nephew, Gianluca, offers to show Rhiannon around but Lina warns her off him.
Soon Rhiannon finds herself being drawn into a web of intrigue. What is Gianluca’s interest in a far-right group? And how is this nefarious leader of this group connected to Lina? As dark secrets emerge from the past, Rhiannon is faced with a terrible choice. Will she take her courage into both hands and risk everything?
An evocative, compelling read, “The Girl from Bologna” is a story of love lost, daring exploits, and heart wrenching redemption.
Disclaimer: This book depicts war and the violence associated with it.
In the spring of 1981, exchange student Rhiannon Hughes arrives in Bologna to study at the university. There, she rents a room from Lina, who is now middle-aged and infirm. Lina’s nephew, Gianluca, offers to show Rhiannon around but Lina warns her off him.
Soon Rhiannon finds herself being drawn into a web of intrigue. What is Gianluca’s interest in a far-right group? And how is this nefarious leader of this group connected to Lina? As dark secrets emerge from the past, Rhiannon is faced with a terrible choice. Will she take her courage into both hands and risk everything?
An evocative, compelling read, “The Girl from Bologna” is a story of love lost, daring exploits, and heart wrenching redemption.
Disclaimer: This book depicts war and the violence associated with it.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2022
346 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Siobhan Daiko
28 books321 followersSiobhan Daiko is a British historical fiction author. A lover of all things Italian, she lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband, a Havanese dog and a Siberian cat. Siobhan was born of English parents in Hong Kong, attended boarding school in Australia, and then moved to the UK — where she taught modern foreign languages in a Welsh high school. She now spends her time writing page-turners and living the dolce vita sweet life near Venice. Her novels are compelling, poignant, and deeply moving, with strong female characters and evocative settings, but always with romance at their heart. You can find more about her books on her website www.siobhandaiko.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
August 1, 2023
Nineteen year old Leila was devastated when her best friend Rebecca and her family, all Jewish, were captured by the Germans and sent to Auschwitz. It was 1943 and Bologna was filled with the Germans - the capture of Leila's best friend's family caused her to join the local resistance, alongside her sweetheart, and her brother. But much heartache was to follow the resistance for the years before the Allies arrived to liberate Bologna...
When Rhiannon arrived in Bologna in 1981 to begin her studies at the university, she boarded with Leila. Soon the two women - one older, one younger - were good friends, with Rhiannon feeling she'd known Leila all her life. Leila was recording her memoirs from her time in the war, initially so the family would know the truth. But her nephew, Gianluca, an investigative journalist, offered to find a publisher for the memoirs - the world should know what happened. Soon Gianluca and Rhiannon were close, with him taking her sightseeing in her time off. But there were nefarious plans afoot and Rhiannon stumbled into something terrible. What would be the outcome for the young and old in this story?
The Girl from Bologna is the 3rd in the Girls from the Italian Resistance series by Siobhan Daiko, and once again I enjoyed it very much. Well written characters, with beautifully described visions of Bologna, plus depictions of a harsh and brutal war between the Italians, the Italian fascists and the Nazis! Hard to believe Italians were fighting one another! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Rhiannon arrived in Bologna in 1981 to begin her studies at the university, she boarded with Leila. Soon the two women - one older, one younger - were good friends, with Rhiannon feeling she'd known Leila all her life. Leila was recording her memoirs from her time in the war, initially so the family would know the truth. But her nephew, Gianluca, an investigative journalist, offered to find a publisher for the memoirs - the world should know what happened. Soon Gianluca and Rhiannon were close, with him taking her sightseeing in her time off. But there were nefarious plans afoot and Rhiannon stumbled into something terrible. What would be the outcome for the young and old in this story?
The Girl from Bologna is the 3rd in the Girls from the Italian Resistance series by Siobhan Daiko, and once again I enjoyed it very much. Well written characters, with beautifully described visions of Bologna, plus depictions of a harsh and brutal war between the Italians, the Italian fascists and the Nazis! Hard to believe Italians were fighting one another! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2022
Another dual timeline story in Historical Fiction but a wonderfully told story. The story takes place in Bologna, Italy and is the story of a woman named Leila who was part of the resistance during WWII. She tells the story of her past so her family will see that “the past is never dead”. Rhiannon moves to Italy in 1981 and Leila is her landlady.
The Girl from Bologna is a wonderful historical fiction novel that makes you feel as if you are there and a part of the story. That somehow you are peaking in on the lives of these two women and what each is trying to accomplish and what they have been through or are going through.
Thank you to #netgalley and #booksgosocial for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
The Girl from Bologna is a wonderful historical fiction novel that makes you feel as if you are there and a part of the story. That somehow you are peaking in on the lives of these two women and what each is trying to accomplish and what they have been through or are going through.
Thank you to #netgalley and #booksgosocial for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions expressed above are my own.
June 8, 2022
In ‘Requiem For A Nun,’ William Faulkner suggests that “the past is never dead. It’s not even past.” How true! These words resonated with then-Senator Barak Obama in a speech, the author in researching this book and now readers see these cautionary words played out, both in the plot and in real-time with the Ukraine war.
Daiko’s attention to authenticity enhanced the story’s atmosphere and kept me in the 1943 world she’d created for me. With a plethora of WW2 books on the market, Daiko has set herself apart because she dug deep to find another perspective, bringing depth to the resistance movement in Italy. Her novel is a testament to her diligent, meticulous research and her commitment to bringing readers a unique perspective on a well-told period in history. Daiko’s ability to completely immerse me in the period was phenomenal; it was all-encompassing, vivid and emotive. She introduced me to Bolognese singer Lucio Dalla, told of making homemade Alchermes, reminded me of how different the Bolognese dialect was, shared about what it was like living in a country which had switched allegiance during the war, told of living under repression, intimidation and dealing with confiscation and restrictions by the Nazis. Daiko is skilled at taking her readers back in time. She’s also an expert at describing the setting and placing us there. Since finishing this book, I’ve been dreaming of coffee made in a Bialetti, sitting down to a big plate of ragu alla bolognese and home-made tagliatelle, nibbling on a piadine and slurping Zuppa Inglese, and sipping San Giovese at The Baglioni. I’ve noted several places to visit should we ever find ourselves back in Bologna!
I love learning as I read, and therefore, appreciated Daiko adding to my knowledge of wartime Italy. I was unaware of the horror at Piazza del Nettuno nor Operation Radium and increased my understanding of the Bolognese resistance.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”
Daiko does not shy away from the horrors of war nor the violence associated with it. Be forewarned that there is a rape scene. In keeping true to events and wartime experiences, the author reminds us how fragile and fleeting life was at that time as the urban guerrillas (gappisti) antagonized the Nazis and fascists. What hit home the most for me was the ripple effect of the Nazis appropriating warfare supplies from Italian hospitals, ultimately affecting those undergoing cancer treatment. I’d never considered this before.
This 5-star dual timeline, book three in the Girls From The Italian Resistance series, can stand alone and is one historical fiction readers will want to have on their summer reading list.
I was gifted this advance copy by Siobhan Daiko, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Daiko’s attention to authenticity enhanced the story’s atmosphere and kept me in the 1943 world she’d created for me. With a plethora of WW2 books on the market, Daiko has set herself apart because she dug deep to find another perspective, bringing depth to the resistance movement in Italy. Her novel is a testament to her diligent, meticulous research and her commitment to bringing readers a unique perspective on a well-told period in history. Daiko’s ability to completely immerse me in the period was phenomenal; it was all-encompassing, vivid and emotive. She introduced me to Bolognese singer Lucio Dalla, told of making homemade Alchermes, reminded me of how different the Bolognese dialect was, shared about what it was like living in a country which had switched allegiance during the war, told of living under repression, intimidation and dealing with confiscation and restrictions by the Nazis. Daiko is skilled at taking her readers back in time. She’s also an expert at describing the setting and placing us there. Since finishing this book, I’ve been dreaming of coffee made in a Bialetti, sitting down to a big plate of ragu alla bolognese and home-made tagliatelle, nibbling on a piadine and slurping Zuppa Inglese, and sipping San Giovese at The Baglioni. I’ve noted several places to visit should we ever find ourselves back in Bologna!
I love learning as I read, and therefore, appreciated Daiko adding to my knowledge of wartime Italy. I was unaware of the horror at Piazza del Nettuno nor Operation Radium and increased my understanding of the Bolognese resistance.
“Desperate times call for desperate measures.”
Daiko does not shy away from the horrors of war nor the violence associated with it. Be forewarned that there is a rape scene. In keeping true to events and wartime experiences, the author reminds us how fragile and fleeting life was at that time as the urban guerrillas (gappisti) antagonized the Nazis and fascists. What hit home the most for me was the ripple effect of the Nazis appropriating warfare supplies from Italian hospitals, ultimately affecting those undergoing cancer treatment. I’d never considered this before.
This 5-star dual timeline, book three in the Girls From The Italian Resistance series, can stand alone and is one historical fiction readers will want to have on their summer reading list.
I was gifted this advance copy by Siobhan Daiko, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
May 21, 2022
In early 1981 Rhiannon came from Wales to Bologna to spend a semester polishing her spoken Italian in a special program at the oldest university in Europe. The most important people she meets are her landlady Leila and her nephew Gianluca and a fellow student Marie, who becomes a very suspicious character. She enjoys Gianluca, a freelance investigative reporter, right away as he drops in for breakfast, and dinner and often finds her in the piazzas for lunch. Leila is recording her memoirs during the last year of WWII when as a 19-year-old she joined the Resistance and became a militant partisan during the Nazi occupation fighting not only Germans but also in union with Communist partisans against the right-wing socialists! She had felt compelled after the Nazis exported her best friend, Rebecca, and sent her off with her parents to Auschwitz. As dangerous as her past experiences were, Leila maintains that 'the past is never past.' And the readers are believers as we realize Gianluca is investigating the activities of Barzini who was an evil socialist leader confronting Leila and torturing her and her compadres, killing her beloved Paolo! The author skillfully has us living in the Italian 'times of lead' while recalling a civil war during the occupation! Highly recommended!
July 8, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A modern-day investigation, a past comes back to haunt. Everything affects everything, for the past is never past, and memories from the 1940s could be the key to what is happening in modern-day 1981.
Leila has opened her home to Rhiannon Hughes, who has come to Italy as an exchange student, hoping to improve her Italian. When she is not talking to Rhiannon, or sorting out meals, Leila has decided to record her memories of the war. She joined a Gappisti group when her best friend was deported as a Jew, and she was involved in several operations. Her story is told as she dictates her memories to a recorder, and we only learn what she shares.
Rhiannon’s story was, I think, my favourite. While she didn’t have anything to do with Italy during the second world war, she is fighting a battle of her own. She has a fellow student, who she has become friends with, but she is completely unsure about her. The friend, Marie, has several odd things about her, with regards to the people she somehow knows. Together with Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, Rhiannon finds herself investigating, trying to find out more about Marie, and to discover just what the truth really is.
This book doesn’t focus on any relationships in particular. Leila had a sweetheart, whom she talks about when recording, but she doesn’t mention him too much outside of them. Rhiannon and Gianluca are just friends, Gianluca lost a fiancé several years ago and hasn’t gotten over her loss, and Rhiannon has never been the relationship kind of person. Still, the more time they spend around each other, the more they seem drawn to each other. I loved seeing them slowly realise their feelings, and some of the subsequent scenes were rather romantic.
This book was wonderfully compelling, and there is just enough mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat, trying to guess the truth, so it is almost impossible to put the book down and stop reading.
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
A modern-day investigation, a past comes back to haunt. Everything affects everything, for the past is never past, and memories from the 1940s could be the key to what is happening in modern-day 1981.
Leila has opened her home to Rhiannon Hughes, who has come to Italy as an exchange student, hoping to improve her Italian. When she is not talking to Rhiannon, or sorting out meals, Leila has decided to record her memories of the war. She joined a Gappisti group when her best friend was deported as a Jew, and she was involved in several operations. Her story is told as she dictates her memories to a recorder, and we only learn what she shares.
Rhiannon’s story was, I think, my favourite. While she didn’t have anything to do with Italy during the second world war, she is fighting a battle of her own. She has a fellow student, who she has become friends with, but she is completely unsure about her. The friend, Marie, has several odd things about her, with regards to the people she somehow knows. Together with Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, Rhiannon finds herself investigating, trying to find out more about Marie, and to discover just what the truth really is.
This book doesn’t focus on any relationships in particular. Leila had a sweetheart, whom she talks about when recording, but she doesn’t mention him too much outside of them. Rhiannon and Gianluca are just friends, Gianluca lost a fiancé several years ago and hasn’t gotten over her loss, and Rhiannon has never been the relationship kind of person. Still, the more time they spend around each other, the more they seem drawn to each other. I loved seeing them slowly realise their feelings, and some of the subsequent scenes were rather romantic.
This book was wonderfully compelling, and there is just enough mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat, trying to guess the truth, so it is almost impossible to put the book down and stop reading.
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
June 2, 2022
The Girl from Bologna by Siobhan Daiko is a problematic book for me--on one hand, the writing and story are interesting and the characters of Rhiannon and Leila are likable and engaging--but the tale just hit me wrong.
Set in Bologna(hence the title) the story is set during WWII so it is not a happy period--but that wasn't it either--it does tug at the heartstrings and evokes strong emotions in the reader(or at least this one.).
Spoilers ahead. Still there? There was a rape scene involving one of the main characters' friends and three soldiers and after that, I just never engaged with the book again. This may be for more personal reasons than having to do with the merit of the story or writer--which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Thanks(?) to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for the ARC of #TheGirlfromBolognaGirlsfromtheItalianResistance.
Set in Bologna(hence the title) the story is set during WWII so it is not a happy period--but that wasn't it either--it does tug at the heartstrings and evokes strong emotions in the reader(or at least this one.).
Spoilers ahead. Still there? There was a rape scene involving one of the main characters' friends and three soldiers and after that, I just never engaged with the book again. This may be for more personal reasons than having to do with the merit of the story or writer--which is why I gave it 2 stars.
Thanks(?) to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for the ARC of #TheGirlfromBolognaGirlsfromtheItalianResistance.
July 13, 2022
By this point, I don’t need to be tempted by pretty covers, or the prospect of reading a book set in Italy for me to agree to read it. I just need to see this author’s name to get overly excited about reading the book. I impatiently awaited the arrival of my copy, and absolutely could not wait to get started.
Leila has decided to take an exchange student, Rhiannon, into her home, while she dictates her memoirs and records them. Little does she know, the things she talks about, what she experienced during the 1940s in Bologna, are still massively important to what is happening in Italy. She might think that she is simply making sure her story does not end up lost and forgotten, but there is so much more to it when the past resurfaces.
Rhiannon only really came to Italy to improve her Italian speaking, but somehow, school is given second priority when things start to happen. Meeting Marie, another exchange student, Rhiannon thinks she has found a friend, but Marie acts strangely, and some of the things she does and says make no sense. On top of that, Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, seems to take an interest in Marie. He is a freelance reporter, and the interest he takes in her seems to be to do with that, rather than in the sense of a relationship.
I loved the way of showing the past in this book. The past and the present don’t have separate chapters, but you find out about the past through Leila’s recordings, just as Gianluca and, eventually, Rhiannon do. By keeping Leila’s past and present in the same chapters, it really ties in the idea that ‘the past is never past’. The past shouldn’t simply be resigned to being ‘history’, because everything that happened is still always having an effect on everything that is happening. Leila’s past helps Gianluca and Rhiannon understand what is happening, for there is a mystery afoot, and while it starts and ends with Marie, she is not the only person involved.
If you have read any of my reviews for the other books I’ve read by this author, you’ll know that I have a lifelong dream of travelling to Italy, but I have young children and I haven’t been able to start a holiday fund because I keep spending all my money on books. When I told my husband that I had another book by this author, and then re-explained the plot of the previous two books, for he evidently had no idea what author I was talking about, he resigned himself to the fact that we would be eating ‘Italian’ food for the next few days, while I read it. Unfortunately for me, this book goes into wonderful detail about the food Leila makes, and Rhiannon is introduced to. My usual ‘Italian’ food is frozen pizza, or cheesy pasta, but reading about all the amazing food made me want to try piadine, I wanted all the fancy-sounding pasta dishes, I wanted plates of cold meat and salad after my meal… while I haven’t had any of this yet, date night with my husband is rapidly approaching, and he has already agreed that we will be going to an Italian restaurant! I can’t wait!
While I may spend ages gushing about the food, and my desire to go to Italy, there are some heartbreaking moments in this book. Leila spent time with a group of Gappisti, and they worked to try and free prisoners. She does end up picking up a gun as well, and fights for her country, but, in the line of fire, she loses people close to her, and she herself suffers through being captive, and subject to violent questioning. Definitely be prepared for some harrowing scenes.
Once again, this author has rekindled my love for Italian fiction. I haven’t actually read much of it, in general, apart from when a new book comes out in this series and I absolutely have to read it. If you like historical fiction, and you like Italy, this series is the one for you. This has to be one of my favourite authors of all time!
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
Leila has decided to take an exchange student, Rhiannon, into her home, while she dictates her memoirs and records them. Little does she know, the things she talks about, what she experienced during the 1940s in Bologna, are still massively important to what is happening in Italy. She might think that she is simply making sure her story does not end up lost and forgotten, but there is so much more to it when the past resurfaces.
Rhiannon only really came to Italy to improve her Italian speaking, but somehow, school is given second priority when things start to happen. Meeting Marie, another exchange student, Rhiannon thinks she has found a friend, but Marie acts strangely, and some of the things she does and says make no sense. On top of that, Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, seems to take an interest in Marie. He is a freelance reporter, and the interest he takes in her seems to be to do with that, rather than in the sense of a relationship.
I loved the way of showing the past in this book. The past and the present don’t have separate chapters, but you find out about the past through Leila’s recordings, just as Gianluca and, eventually, Rhiannon do. By keeping Leila’s past and present in the same chapters, it really ties in the idea that ‘the past is never past’. The past shouldn’t simply be resigned to being ‘history’, because everything that happened is still always having an effect on everything that is happening. Leila’s past helps Gianluca and Rhiannon understand what is happening, for there is a mystery afoot, and while it starts and ends with Marie, she is not the only person involved.
If you have read any of my reviews for the other books I’ve read by this author, you’ll know that I have a lifelong dream of travelling to Italy, but I have young children and I haven’t been able to start a holiday fund because I keep spending all my money on books. When I told my husband that I had another book by this author, and then re-explained the plot of the previous two books, for he evidently had no idea what author I was talking about, he resigned himself to the fact that we would be eating ‘Italian’ food for the next few days, while I read it. Unfortunately for me, this book goes into wonderful detail about the food Leila makes, and Rhiannon is introduced to. My usual ‘Italian’ food is frozen pizza, or cheesy pasta, but reading about all the amazing food made me want to try piadine, I wanted all the fancy-sounding pasta dishes, I wanted plates of cold meat and salad after my meal… while I haven’t had any of this yet, date night with my husband is rapidly approaching, and he has already agreed that we will be going to an Italian restaurant! I can’t wait!
While I may spend ages gushing about the food, and my desire to go to Italy, there are some heartbreaking moments in this book. Leila spent time with a group of Gappisti, and they worked to try and free prisoners. She does end up picking up a gun as well, and fights for her country, but, in the line of fire, she loses people close to her, and she herself suffers through being captive, and subject to violent questioning. Definitely be prepared for some harrowing scenes.
Once again, this author has rekindled my love for Italian fiction. I haven’t actually read much of it, in general, apart from when a new book comes out in this series and I absolutely have to read it. If you like historical fiction, and you like Italy, this series is the one for you. This has to be one of my favourite authors of all time!
*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
June 22, 2022
The Girl From Bologna
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this book in exchange for a review!
In the early 1980s, Rhiannon moves to Bologna from Wales to spend a semester studying at the university there, in hopes of bettering her Italian speaking skills and exploring the city. Rhiannon's landlady, Leila, is making a record of her experience during WWII and the occupation of Bologna and her time as a Bolognese partisan, in hopes that she can gives these cassettes to her family so they understand that "the past is never past."
Learning about Leila's past, her frequent run-ins with Nazis, her own actions and losses during this time, was very interesting and eye opening for me. As someone who is always interested in any kind of history, I felt that while I know a lot about WWII, I know almost nothing about the occupation of Italy at this time or even the things that had occurred in the country. I can see that the author has done a great deal of research when writing this book.
Rhiannon's arrival is much later than when the memoirs take place, but you can quickly sense that there is some tension in Italy as soon as she arrives. The political climate is not as she expected, and we learn that there was recently a terrorist bombing of one of the train stations in Bologna before her arrival. I think having the two events told side by side really helps to add to the idea of the past is never really the past, and history inevitably repeats itself.
I thought it was an interesting choice that the author chose to make Leila's chapters in the first person perspective and Rhiannon's in the third, it makes Leila’s memories all the more personal.
While the book really drives home the fact that these periods of history were dire and filled with loss of life, there are moments we get to see some rather sweet romance which gives us a short break from the heavy events. Remember, this book does recount events in detail, so be prepared for that and I must mention there is a rape scene in the book.
I enjoyed this one so much that I am excited with reading the previous ones in the series and next ones that come!
Thank you to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this book in exchange for a review!
In the early 1980s, Rhiannon moves to Bologna from Wales to spend a semester studying at the university there, in hopes of bettering her Italian speaking skills and exploring the city. Rhiannon's landlady, Leila, is making a record of her experience during WWII and the occupation of Bologna and her time as a Bolognese partisan, in hopes that she can gives these cassettes to her family so they understand that "the past is never past."
Learning about Leila's past, her frequent run-ins with Nazis, her own actions and losses during this time, was very interesting and eye opening for me. As someone who is always interested in any kind of history, I felt that while I know a lot about WWII, I know almost nothing about the occupation of Italy at this time or even the things that had occurred in the country. I can see that the author has done a great deal of research when writing this book.
Rhiannon's arrival is much later than when the memoirs take place, but you can quickly sense that there is some tension in Italy as soon as she arrives. The political climate is not as she expected, and we learn that there was recently a terrorist bombing of one of the train stations in Bologna before her arrival. I think having the two events told side by side really helps to add to the idea of the past is never really the past, and history inevitably repeats itself.
I thought it was an interesting choice that the author chose to make Leila's chapters in the first person perspective and Rhiannon's in the third, it makes Leila’s memories all the more personal.
While the book really drives home the fact that these periods of history were dire and filled with loss of life, there are moments we get to see some rather sweet romance which gives us a short break from the heavy events. Remember, this book does recount events in detail, so be prepared for that and I must mention there is a rape scene in the book.
I enjoyed this one so much that I am excited with reading the previous ones in the series and next ones that come!
June 8, 2022
The Girl from Bologna (Girls from the Italian Resistance #3) is a gut wrenching and achingly beautiful dual timeline book set in Bologna, Italy in both 1943 and years later in 1981. I have had the privilege of reading all three in the series and have enjoyed them all, well worth reading.
German-occupied Italy brought unspeakable horrors to all residents of Bologna, including Leila who experienced barbaric acts and witnessed death through the eyes of a nineteen-year-old girl. She was moved to join the Resistance and as such lead a dangerous existence, always watchful and privy to secret information. Life was about survival. Thankfully she had spots of joy in the midst of dreadfulness.
In 1981 student Rhiannon from Wales moved to study in Bologna and roomed in Leila's home. She enjoyed Italian life (wonderful multi-sensory descriptions including sights, sounds, smells of food) and befriended others while there. She became involved in Leila's life and saw her deep sorrow as Leila re-lived her past when recording WWII experiences. Rhiannon learned a lot about history through these stories, an excellent reminder for us.
My favourite aspects of this story are the descriptions of Italy (which I know and love) and well-researched historical details. WWII was, of course, the epitome of cruelty and the author does not shy away from brutality. Do know there is a rape scene.
Those seeking a different twist on WWII Historical Fiction ought to read all three books, all with common themes but different stories.
My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this captivating book.
German-occupied Italy brought unspeakable horrors to all residents of Bologna, including Leila who experienced barbaric acts and witnessed death through the eyes of a nineteen-year-old girl. She was moved to join the Resistance and as such lead a dangerous existence, always watchful and privy to secret information. Life was about survival. Thankfully she had spots of joy in the midst of dreadfulness.
In 1981 student Rhiannon from Wales moved to study in Bologna and roomed in Leila's home. She enjoyed Italian life (wonderful multi-sensory descriptions including sights, sounds, smells of food) and befriended others while there. She became involved in Leila's life and saw her deep sorrow as Leila re-lived her past when recording WWII experiences. Rhiannon learned a lot about history through these stories, an excellent reminder for us.
My favourite aspects of this story are the descriptions of Italy (which I know and love) and well-researched historical details. WWII was, of course, the epitome of cruelty and the author does not shy away from brutality. Do know there is a rape scene.
Those seeking a different twist on WWII Historical Fiction ought to read all three books, all with common themes but different stories.
My sincere thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this captivating book.
June 21, 2022
Read his full review on Rosepoint Publishing.
A young lady from Wales is in Italy in 1981 to continue her Italian studies where she found a room at a reasonable fee with a widower named Leila. Leila’s nephew Gianluca takes care of his aunt and Leila and Gianluca become a couple.
World War II split Italy into factions. The Germans offered substantial rewards, extra food, and benefits to those who turned on their fellow citizens. Now 35 years after the end of WWII, distrust and hate are still rampant!
Leila’s failing health spurs her to write her memoirs. She was widowed when her husband was captured by the Nazi’s and executed. She will not forgive and cannot forget. The student, Rhiannon, is thrust into a society rampant with intrigue and acts of terror and vengeance.
The author has written a very engaging story of love, vengeance, and hate in this gripping novel of a survivor of the occupation. Sabotage and disruption of supply lines to the Germans by the resistance caused quick retribution and killings nearly every day. The Nazi’s showed no mercy to the Italian people after they surrendered in 1943.
This book is very engaging and evokes sympathy for the people trapped in a war from which they wanted to withdraw. The characters are well developed and powerful in their beliefs. Enjoy the adventure! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
A young lady from Wales is in Italy in 1981 to continue her Italian studies where she found a room at a reasonable fee with a widower named Leila. Leila’s nephew Gianluca takes care of his aunt and Leila and Gianluca become a couple.
World War II split Italy into factions. The Germans offered substantial rewards, extra food, and benefits to those who turned on their fellow citizens. Now 35 years after the end of WWII, distrust and hate are still rampant!
Leila’s failing health spurs her to write her memoirs. She was widowed when her husband was captured by the Nazi’s and executed. She will not forgive and cannot forget. The student, Rhiannon, is thrust into a society rampant with intrigue and acts of terror and vengeance.
The author has written a very engaging story of love, vengeance, and hate in this gripping novel of a survivor of the occupation. Sabotage and disruption of supply lines to the Germans by the resistance caused quick retribution and killings nearly every day. The Nazi’s showed no mercy to the Italian people after they surrendered in 1943.
This book is very engaging and evokes sympathy for the people trapped in a war from which they wanted to withdraw. The characters are well developed and powerful in their beliefs. Enjoy the adventure! 4.5 stars – CE Williams
May 24, 2022
Once again this phenomenal author presents us with a historical classic. It is a timepiece and is meticulously genre specific. It is well written and I became fully engrossed from beginning to end.
The storyline is strong, taking the reader from the 40's Nazi occupation to the 80's. The characters are vividly portrayed with Leila Venturi, who is the MC is writing her memoir. Her loss of her beloved Paolo, and her best friend taken to a concentration camp will pull at your heartstrings. (80's) Leila becomes sick and takes on a tenant. Her nephew Gianluca, a right wing investigative reporter who is looking at a past leader (Barzini). The tenant, Rhiannon Hughes is a university exchange student who Gianluca takes an interest to. Leila advices against it. Rhiannon also has a best friend by the name of Marie. From this Ms. Daiko spins the story of actual events that are dramatic and emotional. Secrets are discovered and loyalties tested fluidly. The book is too hard to put down. I highly recommend this book, it does not disappoint. Thank you for sharing this amazing book. 1000 Stars!!
The storyline is strong, taking the reader from the 40's Nazi occupation to the 80's. The characters are vividly portrayed with Leila Venturi, who is the MC is writing her memoir. Her loss of her beloved Paolo, and her best friend taken to a concentration camp will pull at your heartstrings. (80's) Leila becomes sick and takes on a tenant. Her nephew Gianluca, a right wing investigative reporter who is looking at a past leader (Barzini). The tenant, Rhiannon Hughes is a university exchange student who Gianluca takes an interest to. Leila advices against it. Rhiannon also has a best friend by the name of Marie. From this Ms. Daiko spins the story of actual events that are dramatic and emotional. Secrets are discovered and loyalties tested fluidly. The book is too hard to put down. I highly recommend this book, it does not disappoint. Thank you for sharing this amazing book. 1000 Stars!!
June 22, 2022
"The past is never dead. It's not even past."
"The Girl from Bologna" is a historical fiction novel set in Bologna, Italy. Narrated through dualing timelines, it recounts the efforts of Leila and her time as a Bolognese partisan during WWII, and Rhiannon, an exchange student from the UK, staying with Leila in 1981.
This was the first book that I've read detailing what happened in Italy during WWII, and I found it interesting. While parts were enjoyable and made me "experience" the love and the heartache, there were times, many times. when I felt absolutely nothing. I appreciated the fact that the description of Bologna itself was very thorough and detailed, painting a beautifully descriptive image of the architecture. For those like me who have never read accounts of the events of WWII in Italy, I would still recommend this book.
Thank you to #BooksGoSocial and #NetGalley for this advance copy.
"The Girl from Bologna" is a historical fiction novel set in Bologna, Italy. Narrated through dualing timelines, it recounts the efforts of Leila and her time as a Bolognese partisan during WWII, and Rhiannon, an exchange student from the UK, staying with Leila in 1981.
This was the first book that I've read detailing what happened in Italy during WWII, and I found it interesting. While parts were enjoyable and made me "experience" the love and the heartache, there were times, many times. when I felt absolutely nothing. I appreciated the fact that the description of Bologna itself was very thorough and detailed, painting a beautifully descriptive image of the architecture. For those like me who have never read accounts of the events of WWII in Italy, I would still recommend this book.
Thank you to #BooksGoSocial and #NetGalley for this advance copy.
July 3, 2022
The Girl from Bologna is by Siobhan Daiko. This is a historical fiction about a young girl from Bologna, although it is partially based on something that did happen. The book is well written and pulls the reader right into the book and doesn’t let go.
The book is actually two different stories which are intertwined so the story of the past becomes open in the present. In the past, Leila and her brother Daniele become involved with the Resistence when Leila’s friend Rebecca and her family are taken to a transit camp and then Auschwitz. Daniele, who loves Rebecca although no one knows, goes looking for her family. Leila stays in Bologna with her boyfriend, Paolo.
The second story which is woven in and out of the first one has Leila living in Bologna as an old lady. She had been a professor after the war; but was now retired. She had volunteered to house an exchange student, Rhiannon. Leila just wants to keep busy as she writes her memoirs.
The book is actually two different stories which are intertwined so the story of the past becomes open in the present. In the past, Leila and her brother Daniele become involved with the Resistence when Leila’s friend Rebecca and her family are taken to a transit camp and then Auschwitz. Daniele, who loves Rebecca although no one knows, goes looking for her family. Leila stays in Bologna with her boyfriend, Paolo.
The second story which is woven in and out of the first one has Leila living in Bologna as an old lady. She had been a professor after the war; but was now retired. She had volunteered to house an exchange student, Rhiannon. Leila just wants to keep busy as she writes her memoirs.
May 25, 2022
What a wonderful writer ! I do not gravitate towards books that happened in the past but as this story mixes the 1980’s with the 1940’s it pulled me in and I came to love Leila and Rhiannon who she takes in as a foreign student . The fight for freedom does not come free and what Leila went thru pulls at your heart strings as you see where she is many years later .
June 29, 2022
The Girl From Bologna
Leila, an elderly Italian woman takes in Rhiannon, a student from Wales who has arrived in Bologna to attend university where she will polish up her Italian language studies. Along with Gianluca, Leila's grandson, who is an investigative reporter, she gets herself involved in a mystery that involves a fellow classmate as well as a tyrant from Leila's past.
This well written historical fiction novel of the Resistance will have you feel as though you are walking through the streets of Bologna right alongside Rhiannon and Gianluca as they try to determine the relationship between Marie and Barzini, a man from Leila's past. It's full of twists and turns and has you wondering who the good guys are!
I love the way Daiko makes the city of Bologna come alive with her prose and makes you want to hop on a plane to experience both the food and the ambiance of this old city of love.
A wonderful read of the Resistance, of love, of war and of patriotism!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for this ARC. The pleasure of this review is my own opinion.
Leila, an elderly Italian woman takes in Rhiannon, a student from Wales who has arrived in Bologna to attend university where she will polish up her Italian language studies. Along with Gianluca, Leila's grandson, who is an investigative reporter, she gets herself involved in a mystery that involves a fellow classmate as well as a tyrant from Leila's past.
This well written historical fiction novel of the Resistance will have you feel as though you are walking through the streets of Bologna right alongside Rhiannon and Gianluca as they try to determine the relationship between Marie and Barzini, a man from Leila's past. It's full of twists and turns and has you wondering who the good guys are!
I love the way Daiko makes the city of Bologna come alive with her prose and makes you want to hop on a plane to experience both the food and the ambiance of this old city of love.
A wonderful read of the Resistance, of love, of war and of patriotism!
Thanks to #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for this ARC. The pleasure of this review is my own opinion.
July 13, 2022
History, Roman e and Adventure
I loved this story that interweaves WWII history in Bologna with current day. Romance and adventure kept my attention. I visited Bologna a few years ago and loved the old part of town and the Partisans’ photos on the wall. The city, it’s food and historical structures are woven throughout, and made this story even more special. A great read!
I loved this story that interweaves WWII history in Bologna with current day. Romance and adventure kept my attention. I visited Bologna a few years ago and loved the old part of town and the Partisans’ photos on the wall. The city, it’s food and historical structures are woven throughout, and made this story even more special. A great read!
July 2, 2022
I have loved this historical series so far. The storyline and characters pull you in to the story. Even if historical romances are not normally something you read defiantly give these books a try.
June 5, 2022
The past is never past says the cover of this book which should be the readers first hint of the story to come. This story was written in the usual historical fiction style of alternating timelines with the past coming to light as Leila records her memoirs of her time as a 19 year old during WWII. Rhiannon, an exchange student, now living with Leila in 1980 gets caught in in her own intrigue at the university she is studying at. Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, a right winged investigative reporter gets involved as well. I really enjoyed the detailed description of Bologna which created such a clear, vivid picture both during and after WWII. The stories of actual events are skillfully woven into the book as well. I enjoyed this less publicized part of the history of Italy and the characters used to help bring it to light.
June 1, 2022
“𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁...“
This is an impactful story about a girl from Bologna, Italy who lived a fulfilling life with her family, friends and boyfriend before the Germans arrived and erased every smile she’s lived to love.
The plot is very significant, taking the reader from the 40’s Nazi occupation to the 80’s. It tells the story of Leila and her recorded memoir about the horrors she had to go through in quest of freedom, her nephew Gianluca and the university exchange student, Rhiannon, who added such a spice to the story line.
If you are interested in Italy and Italian history during the WWII, this book is for you!!
Although it did take me more time than usual to finish, given the fact that I love historical fiction, the promise of a fulfilling ending kept me going.
ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an impactful story about a girl from Bologna, Italy who lived a fulfilling life with her family, friends and boyfriend before the Germans arrived and erased every smile she’s lived to love.
The plot is very significant, taking the reader from the 40’s Nazi occupation to the 80’s. It tells the story of Leila and her recorded memoir about the horrors she had to go through in quest of freedom, her nephew Gianluca and the university exchange student, Rhiannon, who added such a spice to the story line.
If you are interested in Italy and Italian history during the WWII, this book is for you!!
Although it did take me more time than usual to finish, given the fact that I love historical fiction, the promise of a fulfilling ending kept me going.
ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 13, 2022
Thank you to @netgalley for the free book in exchange for a review. I struggled on a rating of 3 or 4. I landed on the 4 because the book was an interesting read, with characters that I liked.It has a sweet story of love, loss, history and intrigue woven throughout it as many other WWII historical fiction books. Where I struggled with it was the way in which it was written. I understand this was not a final version, however, there were so many missing words or incorrect words used it was hard to read. The first part of the book reads like a text book, with little emotion. In the end, I enjoyed reading the book and learned some interesting information about Bologna. #netgalley #TheGirlFromBologna #WWII #historialfiction
June 30, 2022
This is the third of her Resistance Girls novels I have read and I e joyed it immensely. Taking place both in WWII and 30 years later, it is the story of Leila who becomes a Resistance fighter as Bologna struggles to free itself from its oppressors. 30 years later, a Welsh girl comes to study and Leila’s story comes to light with current day repercussions.
November 1, 2022
“La ragazza di Bologna” di Siobhan Daiko è il secondo libro autoconclusivo della serie “Le Ragazze della Resistenza italiana“. Questo romanzo storico, pur avendo per protagonisti dei personaggi inventati, racconta di fatti realmente accaduti.
Come nel precedente volume della serie, anche qui si intrecciano le storie di due donne forti e coraggiose: Leila, che da ragazza ha vissuto in prima persona gli orrori della seconda guerra mondiale, e Rhiannon, una studentessa inglese giunta a Bologna per un programma di scambio culturale organizzato dall'università.
La trama principale è ambientata nel 1981 quando Leila, ormai in pensione, ha deciso di affittare la stanza degli ospiti in casa sua agli studenti stranieri che vanno a Bologna per lo scambio culturale. Sono passati quasi quarant’anni dalla fine della guerra, ma Leila non ha dimenticato e ha deciso di registrare su nastro le sue memorie. Alla sua storia negli anni Ottanta si intrecciano quindi i suoi ricordi del 1944. Studentessa dell’Università di Bologna, Leila ha scelto di entrare nella Resistenza bolognese dopo che la sua amica Rebecca è stata mandata nei campi di concentramento essendo ebrea.
Rhiannon è giunta in Italia per studiare all’università e Gianluca, il nipote di Leila, le mostrerà la città non più in mano ai nazisti, ma segnata dall’attentato avvenuto circa un anno prima. Gianluca è un giornalista e sta indagando su alcuni neofascisti per fare luce sulla strage di Bologna del 2 agosto 1980.
Come in “La ragazza di Venezia”, anche in questo libro ci sono due storie d’amore: una che coinvolge Leila durante la guerra e una che ha per protagonisti Rhiannon e Gianluca. All’inizio pensavo che almeno quella ambientata negli anni Ottanta sarebbe stata uno slow-burn considerando che Rhiannon pensa che “ha bisogno di un uomo nella sua vita quanto di una pallottola nel cervello”, ma entrambe si svolgono molto velocemente.
L’ambientazione storica mi è piaciuta, è descritta in modo accurato e verosimile, anche se, come già accaduto nel primo volume, ho trovato le parti storiche poco amalgamate con la trama fittizia. Nelle prime pagine viene subito introdotto il periodo storico con un breve riassunto di cosa è accaduto nel 1944. Per quanto riguarda la Bologna degli anni Ottanta, ci sono numerose descrizioni del cibo tipico e di Bologna che formano una sorta di tour virtuale della città.
Sono presenti scene forti, crude e strazianti che ben rappresentano gli orrori vissuti durante la seconda guerra mondiale e la forza delle persone che hanno lottato per sopravvivere e liberare il paese.Vi consiglio questo libro se volete leggere una storia emozionante e scoprire di più sulla Resistenza a Bologna nel 1944 e la situazione nel 1980-1981.
“La ragazza di Bologna” è un romanzo storico, molto attuale per i temi trattati, con una forte componente romance. È semplice per lo stile di scrittura e molto scorrevole, ma lascia il segno per le vicende narrate.
Recensione completa sul blog: https://www.1001nottidinchiostro.it/l...
Come nel precedente volume della serie, anche qui si intrecciano le storie di due donne forti e coraggiose: Leila, che da ragazza ha vissuto in prima persona gli orrori della seconda guerra mondiale, e Rhiannon, una studentessa inglese giunta a Bologna per un programma di scambio culturale organizzato dall'università.
La trama principale è ambientata nel 1981 quando Leila, ormai in pensione, ha deciso di affittare la stanza degli ospiti in casa sua agli studenti stranieri che vanno a Bologna per lo scambio culturale. Sono passati quasi quarant’anni dalla fine della guerra, ma Leila non ha dimenticato e ha deciso di registrare su nastro le sue memorie. Alla sua storia negli anni Ottanta si intrecciano quindi i suoi ricordi del 1944. Studentessa dell’Università di Bologna, Leila ha scelto di entrare nella Resistenza bolognese dopo che la sua amica Rebecca è stata mandata nei campi di concentramento essendo ebrea.
Rhiannon è giunta in Italia per studiare all’università e Gianluca, il nipote di Leila, le mostrerà la città non più in mano ai nazisti, ma segnata dall’attentato avvenuto circa un anno prima. Gianluca è un giornalista e sta indagando su alcuni neofascisti per fare luce sulla strage di Bologna del 2 agosto 1980.
Come in “La ragazza di Venezia”, anche in questo libro ci sono due storie d’amore: una che coinvolge Leila durante la guerra e una che ha per protagonisti Rhiannon e Gianluca. All’inizio pensavo che almeno quella ambientata negli anni Ottanta sarebbe stata uno slow-burn considerando che Rhiannon pensa che “ha bisogno di un uomo nella sua vita quanto di una pallottola nel cervello”, ma entrambe si svolgono molto velocemente.
L’ambientazione storica mi è piaciuta, è descritta in modo accurato e verosimile, anche se, come già accaduto nel primo volume, ho trovato le parti storiche poco amalgamate con la trama fittizia. Nelle prime pagine viene subito introdotto il periodo storico con un breve riassunto di cosa è accaduto nel 1944. Per quanto riguarda la Bologna degli anni Ottanta, ci sono numerose descrizioni del cibo tipico e di Bologna che formano una sorta di tour virtuale della città.
Sono presenti scene forti, crude e strazianti che ben rappresentano gli orrori vissuti durante la seconda guerra mondiale e la forza delle persone che hanno lottato per sopravvivere e liberare il paese.Vi consiglio questo libro se volete leggere una storia emozionante e scoprire di più sulla Resistenza a Bologna nel 1944 e la situazione nel 1980-1981.
“La ragazza di Bologna” è un romanzo storico, molto attuale per i temi trattati, con una forte componente romance. È semplice per lo stile di scrittura e molto scorrevole, ma lascia il segno per le vicende narrate.
Recensione completa sul blog: https://www.1001nottidinchiostro.it/l...
October 3, 2022
Ritorna Siobhan Daiko con un nuovo ritratto femminile cui dare voce, sapore e calore, una nuova figura letteraria che acquista spessore grazie alla caratterizzazione accuratissima da parte della autrice.
Un nuovo affresco, una nuova storia nella Storia.
Cambio di scenario e ci troviamo a Bologna, città di cultura e rivoluzione, teatro di vicende storiche e esistenziali, di fermenti intellettuali e di lotta politica.
Una giovane donna, Leila, una universitaria entusiasta e innamorata, cerca di sopravvivere alle incertezze e agli orrori degli ultimi atti della Seconda Guerra Mondiale, in una città vittima dei bombardamenti da parte della Royal Air Force e dell’USAAF, mirati a distruggere gli scali ferroviari, di importanza strategica per gli spostamenti di truppe e rifornimenti tra l’Italia nord-orientale e centrale. Bologna la turrita, la rossa: cuore pulsante di una tenace resistenza all’invasore tedesco, ferma nel rigetto della Repubblica fascista nata dopo l’8 settembre.
Una giovanissima donna, Rhiannon, agli inizi degli anni ‘80, parte dal Galles e arriva a Bologna, la dotta, sede della prestigiosissima e antica Università, per un programma di scambio culturale.
Rhiannon troverà Leila ad accoglierla, la sua padrona di casa, ritiratasi dall’ insegnamento con un pensionamento anticipato per la salute cagionevole. Leila ha vissuto la Guerra. Ha combattuto. Vittima, vittoriosa. A caro prezzo.
Forse per le inquietudini in seguito alla recente pagina nera dell’attentato alla stazione di Bologna (la Strage di Bologna) e per le incertezze dei terribili “Anni di piombo”, forse perché il Passato chiede sempre udienza, Leila ha deciso di affidare le proprie memorie a delle audiocassette in cui ripercorre i convulsi eventi della sua giovinezza.
Il nastro delle incisioni si snoda come un filo della memoria, come un filo rosso del destino che intreccia le esistenze di queste due donne, colte in un momento speciale della loro vita, tra portici e piazze, torri e scorci di arte e architettura, piadine e profumi, colori e sapori della cultura italiana. Bologna la grassa, che la giovane Rhiannon imparerà a conoscere e amare soprattutto grazie al nipote di Leila, Gianluca, giovane canaglia affascinante e intraprendente, un giornalista investigativo ambizioso e determinato. Dal sorriso assassino… Gianluca, un giornalista investigativo freelance, è impegnato in una indagine molto delicata che tocca nervi scoperti della storia italiana, ferite mai sanate del recente passato.
il passato non è mai passato
Il Male ha spesso un volto, orribile e butterato, indimenticabile. Come l’Amore supera le barriere del tempo. Gettando ombre sinistre sul presente, nascondendosi tra i banchi di un’aula, tra le sedie di un’osteria, tra le viuzze e nei palazzi del potere
“…quello che ha cambiato la mia vita trasformandomi da osservatrice a membro attivo, grava sul mio cuore.”
Dovrebbero stare lontani, perché Gianluca ha il cuore spezzato e la mente troppo impegnata, determinata a fare giustizia. Eppure sembra che tra storie da scrivere, Storia da ricordare, vicende esistenziali, si intrometta il Destino. Con una delle sue mani azzardate
Tutto ciò che sa, tutto ciò a cui tiene, è l’uomo meraviglioso che la stringe tra le sue braccia e la sua capacità di farla sentire così meravigliosamente amata. Si fissano negli occhi. «Ti amo, Rhiannon.» E lei gli apre la sua anima, accogliendolo come una parte di sé che aveva perduto tempo prima.
Un'altra storia a doppia timeline che la Daiko riesce a gestire con lucidità, energia e passione, forte di una impalcatura storica robusta, che rende il suo testo una storia meravigliosamente raccontata. Non a caso l’autrice si rifà al monito di William Faulkner (Requiem For A Nun “Il passato non muore mai. Non è nemmeno passato"). Nella ambientazione e nella stesura della trama il realismo ci avvolge e ci travolge nei momenti della violenza, della sopraffazione e della paura, sfogliando le pagine ci troviamo in quei luoghi, in quello spazio o in quel paesaggio, tra quelle persone. Dove c’è l’orgoglio e la speranza. E, permettetemelo, da italiana lo ribadisco, non siamo circondati da cliché. Oltre alla trama e all’ambientazione apprezzerete i personaggi, quelli del passato e del presente. Ci sono personalità dai tratti eroici e dai tratti umanissimi, fragili e coraggiosi. Anche in questo caso nulla è stereotipato, poiché l’autrice si sforza di restituire la realtà grigia, incerta, pericolosa e difficile di quegli anni convulsi. Anche la prosa si adegua, toccando diversi registri e mantenendo sempre un ritmo della narrazione vivace; la resa stilistica nella traduzione è preziosa perché non dimentica nulla, non tralascia alcuna sfumatura delle emozioni. Cambiando scenario cambia il “sapore” della ambientazione, il colore, più vivido più rivoluzionario e sanguigno, la “voce” dei protagonisti, diretti e spontanei, amanti della vita, bonari e…bolognesi. Ancor più meritevole quindi il lavoro nella resa del testo in italiano. L'attenzione di Daiko all'autenticità cresce in questo secondo volume, ancora più bello per alcuni aspetti, ancora meglio del primo poiché ha maturità e equilibrio nella organizzazione della dualLine. Il filone noir è un elemento di ricchezza, la Daiko ha scavato in profondità per individuare la complessità del movimento di Resistenza in Italia, immergendo il lettore in una storia dalle emozioni e dalle immagini vivide. Tra la note di Dalla, il profumo del ragù e dell’Alchermes, il sapore voluttuoso di una piadina e di un San Giovese, la bellezza delle piazze e delle torri, senza tralasciare la polvere da sparo, il sangue e la paura, l’ orrore della repressione e della violenza, i palcoscenici di Piazza del Nettuno e gli scenari insospettabili dell'Operazione Radio. Racconta vite fragili e tenaci, tra Casacche e bandiere mobili, tra gappisti repubblichini e nazifascisti. Si tratta di schieramenti e fronti labili, in cui solo l’amore sa distinguere ciò che è vero e compiere scelte, anche quelle più coraggiose e più dolorose.
È inconfondibile l’amore della autrice per il nostro Paese - non quello da cartolina badate bene - quanto piuttosto un legame profondo, di chi conosce l’Italia con le sue storture, contraddizioni, campanilismi, con le sue ferite mai rimarginate, tra bellezza mozzafiato, magnificenza del patrimonio culturale - paesistico e decadenza.
Ciò che fa davvero la differenza sono i personaggi, pensati e costruiti, contestualizzati nelle azioni, compiute in quel momento e in quell’ ambiente. Sono veri protagonisti, che non si dimenticano, perché i loro comportamenti, dal più nobile al più detestabile e turpe, sono riconoscibili, autentici, coerenti. Messi di fronte a scelte difficili, i personaggi rivelano il loro carattere più intimo, mostrano chi sono veramente. La Daiko adatta la trama al personaggio letterario, il cui comportamento è sempre riconoscibile ma non prevedibile, non è solo funzionale, è la trama che diventa la sua storia.
Così il nostro Passato sembra meno lontano, soffiamo via un po’ di polvere dai ricordi e le vecchie foto ingiallite recuperano tutti i loro colori. Quelli della passione, dell’amore, del coraggio e della speranza.
Una serie, Girls from the Italian Resistance, con cui Siobhan Daiko ci consente sempre di tuffarci nuovamente nella Grande Storia grazie alle emozioni di ogni piccola, preziosissima storia.
Saffron
Un nuovo affresco, una nuova storia nella Storia.
Cambio di scenario e ci troviamo a Bologna, città di cultura e rivoluzione, teatro di vicende storiche e esistenziali, di fermenti intellettuali e di lotta politica.
Una giovane donna, Leila, una universitaria entusiasta e innamorata, cerca di sopravvivere alle incertezze e agli orrori degli ultimi atti della Seconda Guerra Mondiale, in una città vittima dei bombardamenti da parte della Royal Air Force e dell’USAAF, mirati a distruggere gli scali ferroviari, di importanza strategica per gli spostamenti di truppe e rifornimenti tra l’Italia nord-orientale e centrale. Bologna la turrita, la rossa: cuore pulsante di una tenace resistenza all’invasore tedesco, ferma nel rigetto della Repubblica fascista nata dopo l’8 settembre.
Una giovanissima donna, Rhiannon, agli inizi degli anni ‘80, parte dal Galles e arriva a Bologna, la dotta, sede della prestigiosissima e antica Università, per un programma di scambio culturale.
Rhiannon troverà Leila ad accoglierla, la sua padrona di casa, ritiratasi dall’ insegnamento con un pensionamento anticipato per la salute cagionevole. Leila ha vissuto la Guerra. Ha combattuto. Vittima, vittoriosa. A caro prezzo.
Forse per le inquietudini in seguito alla recente pagina nera dell’attentato alla stazione di Bologna (la Strage di Bologna) e per le incertezze dei terribili “Anni di piombo”, forse perché il Passato chiede sempre udienza, Leila ha deciso di affidare le proprie memorie a delle audiocassette in cui ripercorre i convulsi eventi della sua giovinezza.
Il nastro delle incisioni si snoda come un filo della memoria, come un filo rosso del destino che intreccia le esistenze di queste due donne, colte in un momento speciale della loro vita, tra portici e piazze, torri e scorci di arte e architettura, piadine e profumi, colori e sapori della cultura italiana. Bologna la grassa, che la giovane Rhiannon imparerà a conoscere e amare soprattutto grazie al nipote di Leila, Gianluca, giovane canaglia affascinante e intraprendente, un giornalista investigativo ambizioso e determinato. Dal sorriso assassino… Gianluca, un giornalista investigativo freelance, è impegnato in una indagine molto delicata che tocca nervi scoperti della storia italiana, ferite mai sanate del recente passato.
il passato non è mai passato
Il Male ha spesso un volto, orribile e butterato, indimenticabile. Come l’Amore supera le barriere del tempo. Gettando ombre sinistre sul presente, nascondendosi tra i banchi di un’aula, tra le sedie di un’osteria, tra le viuzze e nei palazzi del potere
“…quello che ha cambiato la mia vita trasformandomi da osservatrice a membro attivo, grava sul mio cuore.”
Dovrebbero stare lontani, perché Gianluca ha il cuore spezzato e la mente troppo impegnata, determinata a fare giustizia. Eppure sembra che tra storie da scrivere, Storia da ricordare, vicende esistenziali, si intrometta il Destino. Con una delle sue mani azzardate
Tutto ciò che sa, tutto ciò a cui tiene, è l’uomo meraviglioso che la stringe tra le sue braccia e la sua capacità di farla sentire così meravigliosamente amata. Si fissano negli occhi. «Ti amo, Rhiannon.» E lei gli apre la sua anima, accogliendolo come una parte di sé che aveva perduto tempo prima.
Un'altra storia a doppia timeline che la Daiko riesce a gestire con lucidità, energia e passione, forte di una impalcatura storica robusta, che rende il suo testo una storia meravigliosamente raccontata. Non a caso l’autrice si rifà al monito di William Faulkner (Requiem For A Nun “Il passato non muore mai. Non è nemmeno passato"). Nella ambientazione e nella stesura della trama il realismo ci avvolge e ci travolge nei momenti della violenza, della sopraffazione e della paura, sfogliando le pagine ci troviamo in quei luoghi, in quello spazio o in quel paesaggio, tra quelle persone. Dove c’è l’orgoglio e la speranza. E, permettetemelo, da italiana lo ribadisco, non siamo circondati da cliché. Oltre alla trama e all’ambientazione apprezzerete i personaggi, quelli del passato e del presente. Ci sono personalità dai tratti eroici e dai tratti umanissimi, fragili e coraggiosi. Anche in questo caso nulla è stereotipato, poiché l’autrice si sforza di restituire la realtà grigia, incerta, pericolosa e difficile di quegli anni convulsi. Anche la prosa si adegua, toccando diversi registri e mantenendo sempre un ritmo della narrazione vivace; la resa stilistica nella traduzione è preziosa perché non dimentica nulla, non tralascia alcuna sfumatura delle emozioni. Cambiando scenario cambia il “sapore” della ambientazione, il colore, più vivido più rivoluzionario e sanguigno, la “voce” dei protagonisti, diretti e spontanei, amanti della vita, bonari e…bolognesi. Ancor più meritevole quindi il lavoro nella resa del testo in italiano. L'attenzione di Daiko all'autenticità cresce in questo secondo volume, ancora più bello per alcuni aspetti, ancora meglio del primo poiché ha maturità e equilibrio nella organizzazione della dualLine. Il filone noir è un elemento di ricchezza, la Daiko ha scavato in profondità per individuare la complessità del movimento di Resistenza in Italia, immergendo il lettore in una storia dalle emozioni e dalle immagini vivide. Tra la note di Dalla, il profumo del ragù e dell’Alchermes, il sapore voluttuoso di una piadina e di un San Giovese, la bellezza delle piazze e delle torri, senza tralasciare la polvere da sparo, il sangue e la paura, l’ orrore della repressione e della violenza, i palcoscenici di Piazza del Nettuno e gli scenari insospettabili dell'Operazione Radio. Racconta vite fragili e tenaci, tra Casacche e bandiere mobili, tra gappisti repubblichini e nazifascisti. Si tratta di schieramenti e fronti labili, in cui solo l’amore sa distinguere ciò che è vero e compiere scelte, anche quelle più coraggiose e più dolorose.
È inconfondibile l’amore della autrice per il nostro Paese - non quello da cartolina badate bene - quanto piuttosto un legame profondo, di chi conosce l’Italia con le sue storture, contraddizioni, campanilismi, con le sue ferite mai rimarginate, tra bellezza mozzafiato, magnificenza del patrimonio culturale - paesistico e decadenza.
Ciò che fa davvero la differenza sono i personaggi, pensati e costruiti, contestualizzati nelle azioni, compiute in quel momento e in quell’ ambiente. Sono veri protagonisti, che non si dimenticano, perché i loro comportamenti, dal più nobile al più detestabile e turpe, sono riconoscibili, autentici, coerenti. Messi di fronte a scelte difficili, i personaggi rivelano il loro carattere più intimo, mostrano chi sono veramente. La Daiko adatta la trama al personaggio letterario, il cui comportamento è sempre riconoscibile ma non prevedibile, non è solo funzionale, è la trama che diventa la sua storia.
Così il nostro Passato sembra meno lontano, soffiamo via un po’ di polvere dai ricordi e le vecchie foto ingiallite recuperano tutti i loro colori. Quelli della passione, dell’amore, del coraggio e della speranza.
Una serie, Girls from the Italian Resistance, con cui Siobhan Daiko ci consente sempre di tuffarci nuovamente nella Grande Storia grazie alle emozioni di ogni piccola, preziosissima storia.
Saffron
June 29, 2022
A poignant and deeply moving story, The Girl from Bologna tells the account of a courageous woman who experienced the horrors of war in Bologna, Italy during World War II. As the story unfolds, we seamlessly move between this period and the 1980's, when Leila begins to record her memoirs while she welcomes a Welsh student into her home. Ms Daiko's novel is a page-turner filled with many heartbreaking moments. I felt like it was well-researched and the descriptive writing style made me feel like I was there watching the events unfold and experiencing the emotions of all the characters. I highly recommend!
July 18, 2022
In 1944, Bologna is becoming increasingly unsafe to remain in. German soldiers walk the streets, and bombs are regularly dropped, killing hundreds of innocents. Leila Venturi remains in the city with her brother when their parents leave to stay somewhere safer. The city is her home, where her brother, best friend, Rebecca, and sweetheart, Paolo, live.
But Rebecca is a Jew, and while she has taken every precaution to pretend that she is not, her family is deported, and all that Leila knows is that she has been taken to a concentration camp. With her best friend’s life in danger, Leila cannot simply sit around and wait for the Allies to take Bologna from the Germans – she must step in and help the process. There is a group of gappisti that Paolo has joined, and Leila makes her desire to join them very clear.
In 1981, Leila takes in an exchange student, Rhiannon, in a bid to not feel as alone in an empty house. While Rhiannon is staying, Leila decides that she should make an account of what she lived through during the war, for there was recently a terrorist attack on a Bologna station and has brought the memories back into her mind. But, as she records the events she experienced, the past seems to be coming back in more ways than one. Rhiannon and Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, find themselves in the middle of things they can’t quite understand, and somehow, it all connects into the things Leila is recording.
This book has an entirely different approach to the dual-timeline aspect than previous books I have read by this author. Instead of different chapters for the past and the present, although the present is still at least 40 years ago, we only see the past through Leila’s recordings. She dictates her story to a recorder, which is when we find out about her past. Most of the story is actually set in the 1980s, although, as always, the past is never gone, and things Leila has seen in her life are prevalent to everything that Rhiannon and Gianluca are experiencing.
I loved Leila, she is an absolutely lovely person. The effort she goes to, to make sure Rhiannon is comfortable, shows how much she cares. She spends hours preparing wonderful meals, to introduce Rhiannon to Italian culture, and answers all of her questions and more. Rhiannon is also a character I absolutely adored. She came to Italy to better her speaking abilities in Italian, but she finds so much more than practice in Leila’s house. Leila and Rhiannon become like family in the few weeks they are together, and knowing each other certainly changes the paths their lives take.
By showing the past through Leila’s recordings, you might assume there wouldn’t be much of a connection to the past, with a lack of details of the events, and emotions lost in the format. This is not the case. Instead, the emotions are shown through Leila, for even nearly forty years on, she still feels what she felt then. She still feels the love for Paolo, and still grieves for those she lost. It is almost more emotional because the emotions were so strong at the time, they are still present in Leila’s life, and still affecting her.
I can’t talk about everything that happens with Rhiannon too much, because I don’t want to give away the plot. She meets another exchange student, although Marie is from France, not Wales like herself. While it seems logical that Marie and Rhiannon would become good friends, as they’re both strangers to Italy, and learning together, Rhiannon can’t help but feel wary towards Marie. There is something off about her, and the more Rhiannon learns, the more questions she faces. There is a mystery, and it is shocking to read it unfold, for you only learn the truth near the very end of the book, so you are kept guessing within minimal solid information for a while.
With the mix of culture, history, and mystery, this is a book that has a bit of everything, and has combined them all perfectly. Once again, Siobhan Daiko does not disappoint. I have read all the books (so far) in the ‘Girls from the Italian Resistance: Heart-breaking page-turners, based on actual events in Italy during World War 2’ series, and I have loved every single one of them. I look forward to seeing what else this author writes!
But Rebecca is a Jew, and while she has taken every precaution to pretend that she is not, her family is deported, and all that Leila knows is that she has been taken to a concentration camp. With her best friend’s life in danger, Leila cannot simply sit around and wait for the Allies to take Bologna from the Germans – she must step in and help the process. There is a group of gappisti that Paolo has joined, and Leila makes her desire to join them very clear.
In 1981, Leila takes in an exchange student, Rhiannon, in a bid to not feel as alone in an empty house. While Rhiannon is staying, Leila decides that she should make an account of what she lived through during the war, for there was recently a terrorist attack on a Bologna station and has brought the memories back into her mind. But, as she records the events she experienced, the past seems to be coming back in more ways than one. Rhiannon and Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, find themselves in the middle of things they can’t quite understand, and somehow, it all connects into the things Leila is recording.
This book has an entirely different approach to the dual-timeline aspect than previous books I have read by this author. Instead of different chapters for the past and the present, although the present is still at least 40 years ago, we only see the past through Leila’s recordings. She dictates her story to a recorder, which is when we find out about her past. Most of the story is actually set in the 1980s, although, as always, the past is never gone, and things Leila has seen in her life are prevalent to everything that Rhiannon and Gianluca are experiencing.
I loved Leila, she is an absolutely lovely person. The effort she goes to, to make sure Rhiannon is comfortable, shows how much she cares. She spends hours preparing wonderful meals, to introduce Rhiannon to Italian culture, and answers all of her questions and more. Rhiannon is also a character I absolutely adored. She came to Italy to better her speaking abilities in Italian, but she finds so much more than practice in Leila’s house. Leila and Rhiannon become like family in the few weeks they are together, and knowing each other certainly changes the paths their lives take.
By showing the past through Leila’s recordings, you might assume there wouldn’t be much of a connection to the past, with a lack of details of the events, and emotions lost in the format. This is not the case. Instead, the emotions are shown through Leila, for even nearly forty years on, she still feels what she felt then. She still feels the love for Paolo, and still grieves for those she lost. It is almost more emotional because the emotions were so strong at the time, they are still present in Leila’s life, and still affecting her.
I can’t talk about everything that happens with Rhiannon too much, because I don’t want to give away the plot. She meets another exchange student, although Marie is from France, not Wales like herself. While it seems logical that Marie and Rhiannon would become good friends, as they’re both strangers to Italy, and learning together, Rhiannon can’t help but feel wary towards Marie. There is something off about her, and the more Rhiannon learns, the more questions she faces. There is a mystery, and it is shocking to read it unfold, for you only learn the truth near the very end of the book, so you are kept guessing within minimal solid information for a while.
With the mix of culture, history, and mystery, this is a book that has a bit of everything, and has combined them all perfectly. Once again, Siobhan Daiko does not disappoint. I have read all the books (so far) in the ‘Girls from the Italian Resistance: Heart-breaking page-turners, based on actual events in Italy during World War 2’ series, and I have loved every single one of them. I look forward to seeing what else this author writes!
September 10, 2022
Even though I rarely read WWII fiction, I was intrigued by the title and theme, so had to give this story a try – and it was well worth my time. I learnt so much about Italian history, and even though I remember the events from the 1980s, I never knew much about their background.
The Girl from Bologna tells the tale of Leila, a young woman growing up in a country in turmoil. Despite the German occupation, her studies continue, although fighting regularly ensues between the communist and the fascist factions that divide the Italian people. Leila is somewhat naive at the beginning of the novel. She spends much time with her best friend, Rebecca, but when she discovers them taken one day – their Jewish heritage revealed by someone despite their conversion – she wants to get involved in active resistance – and is shocked that not only her older brother (and Rebecca's student crush), Daniele, but also her fiancé, Paolo, are involved. But daily life is dangerous, and it's not only the Germans they have to fear...
Fast forward to 1981, and young student Rhiannon rents a room from an elderly Leila for the duration of her language study exchange. Soon, the women develop a strong bond. Leila is in the process of recording her wartime experiences for posterity, to be shared among her family only, but her journalist nephew Gianluca soon discovers a link between Leila's past and his current investigation. When Rhiannon meets a mysterious fellow student, the plot thickens.
I liked Leila's character a lot. With a calm, quiet intelligence, she joins the resistance perhaps not quite fully aware of the serious danger she finds herself in. Leila's story is realistically told, and the author does not shy away from showing the horrors of war, including the abhorrent treatment of women prisoners. I found it gripping and, for me, those scenes added a strong sense of place and time. The violence is not gratuitous, and the worst details are spared. But we get a true picture.
Rhiannon is a sensitive girl, hurt in the past by an ignorant ex-boyfriend, so when she and Gianluca become close, she is wary. But she's also honest and open, and her blossoming friendship with Leila makes for wonderful reading. I liked the way she got herself into trouble, inadvertently and, in a mirror image of wartime Leila, finds the spirit to fight for a way out. Just like Leila did...and does!
There are several secondary characters who are crucial to the plot, both in the 1940s as well as the 1980s. The resistance is well portrayed, with all their frustrations, fears, and daring strikes – but also their tragic losses.
I did have a small issue with a secondary character in the modern setting, Marie, whose story and fate seems a little too convenient. But that's a small point in an otherwise riveting plot.
The author often uses Italian, which I enjoyed (though as an Italian speaker, I skipped the translations / explanations that Ms Daiko provided), and some German too, but always easy to comprehend within the setting.
The Girl from Bologna is a moving story of the brave girls and women who fought and plotted alongside the men during World War II, and whose personal fate – if caught – matched that of their male counterparts in terms of torture. The violation of female captives is a common act of war, and I'm glad Ms Daiko has included the subject, and she treated it very respectfully.
The novel took me back in time, and I was eager to read about Leila's story in particular. The modern tale – part mystery, part romance – adds a post-war point of view to it and, by referencing more recent events, showed that, even in the 1980s, Italy was still much divided...
A highly recommended read.
Note: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
The Girl from Bologna tells the tale of Leila, a young woman growing up in a country in turmoil. Despite the German occupation, her studies continue, although fighting regularly ensues between the communist and the fascist factions that divide the Italian people. Leila is somewhat naive at the beginning of the novel. She spends much time with her best friend, Rebecca, but when she discovers them taken one day – their Jewish heritage revealed by someone despite their conversion – she wants to get involved in active resistance – and is shocked that not only her older brother (and Rebecca's student crush), Daniele, but also her fiancé, Paolo, are involved. But daily life is dangerous, and it's not only the Germans they have to fear...
Fast forward to 1981, and young student Rhiannon rents a room from an elderly Leila for the duration of her language study exchange. Soon, the women develop a strong bond. Leila is in the process of recording her wartime experiences for posterity, to be shared among her family only, but her journalist nephew Gianluca soon discovers a link between Leila's past and his current investigation. When Rhiannon meets a mysterious fellow student, the plot thickens.
I liked Leila's character a lot. With a calm, quiet intelligence, she joins the resistance perhaps not quite fully aware of the serious danger she finds herself in. Leila's story is realistically told, and the author does not shy away from showing the horrors of war, including the abhorrent treatment of women prisoners. I found it gripping and, for me, those scenes added a strong sense of place and time. The violence is not gratuitous, and the worst details are spared. But we get a true picture.
Rhiannon is a sensitive girl, hurt in the past by an ignorant ex-boyfriend, so when she and Gianluca become close, she is wary. But she's also honest and open, and her blossoming friendship with Leila makes for wonderful reading. I liked the way she got herself into trouble, inadvertently and, in a mirror image of wartime Leila, finds the spirit to fight for a way out. Just like Leila did...and does!
There are several secondary characters who are crucial to the plot, both in the 1940s as well as the 1980s. The resistance is well portrayed, with all their frustrations, fears, and daring strikes – but also their tragic losses.
I did have a small issue with a secondary character in the modern setting, Marie, whose story and fate seems a little too convenient. But that's a small point in an otherwise riveting plot.
The author often uses Italian, which I enjoyed (though as an Italian speaker, I skipped the translations / explanations that Ms Daiko provided), and some German too, but always easy to comprehend within the setting.
The Girl from Bologna is a moving story of the brave girls and women who fought and plotted alongside the men during World War II, and whose personal fate – if caught – matched that of their male counterparts in terms of torture. The violation of female captives is a common act of war, and I'm glad Ms Daiko has included the subject, and she treated it very respectfully.
The novel took me back in time, and I was eager to read about Leila's story in particular. The modern tale – part mystery, part romance – adds a post-war point of view to it and, by referencing more recent events, showed that, even in the 1980s, Italy was still much divided...
A highly recommended read.
Note: I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All views expressed are my own.
October 3, 2022
La ragazza di Bologna è un romanzo che si svolge su due piani temporali: il primo nel 1944 in una Bologna che, dopo l'armistizio, attende speranzosa l'arrivo degli americani ed intanto è stremata dalle rappresaglie e violenze dei fascisti; il secondo nel 1981, alla fine degli anni di piombo, in una Bologna ancora scossa dalla tremenda strage alla Stazione ferroviaria.
Due periodi bui e difficili per il nostro paese, due periodi di angoscia, paura, confusione e destabilizzazione dello stato. I personaggi sono inventati ma quasi tutti i fatti narrati sono accaduti realmente e devo dire che leggere questo libro è stata un' interessante ed intensa lezione di storia: per quanto riguarda la Seconda Guerra Mondiale, a scuola si studia tutto a grandi linee ed invece qui c'è un approfondimento preciso su ciò che successe a Bologna e che non conoscevo. Penso che l'autrice abbia fatto un buon lavoro di ricerca e con la sua storia abbia saputo trasmettere sia il terrore di quel periodo sia il coraggio di tutte quelle persone comuni che hanno lottato e dato la vita per riacquistare la libertà.
Nel 1981 Leila Venturi è un insegnante in pensione che, resasi conto di come la storia possa ripetersi e di quanto, quindi, sia importante conoscerla e capirla, decide di rinvangare il passato e raccontare la sua storia. Nel '44, Leila, non ancora ventenne, si era unita ai partigiani dopo la deportazione della sua migliore amica in un campo di concentramento. Leila ricorda minuziosamente gli attacchi dei fascisti, le controffensive dei partigiani, del suo ruolo, delle perdite dei compagni, degli amici in un crescendo di tensione ed ansia.
Nel presente, intanto, ospita per qualche mese nella sua casa una ragazza gallese, Rhiannon, che sta studiando italiano. Rhiannon fa conoscenza con una ragazza libanese che sembra nascondere qualcosa, soprattutto perché frequenta una persona losca e pericolosa, che, purtroppo, Leila conosce bene dai tempi in cui si era unita ai partigiani. Le due protagoniste sono ben caratterizzate: donne coraggiose, altruiste, forti.
Tra passato e "presente" la storia scorre, coinvolge e sconvolge sempre più fino all'epilogo che ho proprio apprezzato.
L'unico aspetto che non mi ha entusiasmato particolarmente, anche se non è predominante nella storia, è il lato romance del presente perché si sviluppa troppo velocemente come nel volume precedente.
Comunque, questa serie sulle donne della Resistenza merita davvero.
Due periodi bui e difficili per il nostro paese, due periodi di angoscia, paura, confusione e destabilizzazione dello stato. I personaggi sono inventati ma quasi tutti i fatti narrati sono accaduti realmente e devo dire che leggere questo libro è stata un' interessante ed intensa lezione di storia: per quanto riguarda la Seconda Guerra Mondiale, a scuola si studia tutto a grandi linee ed invece qui c'è un approfondimento preciso su ciò che successe a Bologna e che non conoscevo. Penso che l'autrice abbia fatto un buon lavoro di ricerca e con la sua storia abbia saputo trasmettere sia il terrore di quel periodo sia il coraggio di tutte quelle persone comuni che hanno lottato e dato la vita per riacquistare la libertà.
Nel 1981 Leila Venturi è un insegnante in pensione che, resasi conto di come la storia possa ripetersi e di quanto, quindi, sia importante conoscerla e capirla, decide di rinvangare il passato e raccontare la sua storia. Nel '44, Leila, non ancora ventenne, si era unita ai partigiani dopo la deportazione della sua migliore amica in un campo di concentramento. Leila ricorda minuziosamente gli attacchi dei fascisti, le controffensive dei partigiani, del suo ruolo, delle perdite dei compagni, degli amici in un crescendo di tensione ed ansia.
Nel presente, intanto, ospita per qualche mese nella sua casa una ragazza gallese, Rhiannon, che sta studiando italiano. Rhiannon fa conoscenza con una ragazza libanese che sembra nascondere qualcosa, soprattutto perché frequenta una persona losca e pericolosa, che, purtroppo, Leila conosce bene dai tempi in cui si era unita ai partigiani. Le due protagoniste sono ben caratterizzate: donne coraggiose, altruiste, forti.
Tra passato e "presente" la storia scorre, coinvolge e sconvolge sempre più fino all'epilogo che ho proprio apprezzato.
L'unico aspetto che non mi ha entusiasmato particolarmente, anche se non è predominante nella storia, è il lato romance del presente perché si sviluppa troppo velocemente come nel volume precedente.
Comunque, questa serie sulle donne della Resistenza merita davvero.
July 15, 2022
If you read a book by an author and love it, you generally look out for their books in the future. If you’ve read two books, and are presented with an opportunity to read a third? I didn’t even have to think before I said yes, absolutely, I want to read this book.
After a terrorist attack brings back memories of the war, Leila Venturi decides to start recording her life story, or rather, what she did during the war. She has an exchange student, Rhiannon, living in her house, which provides her with some company, which is especially helpful after recording the more harrowing memories Leila has. But as Leila is reliving the past, aspects of the past impact Rhiannon, and while memories can bring pain, so can things happening in the present.
The majority of this novel is set in 1981, with Leila, Rhiannon, and Leila’s nephew, Gianluca. Gianluca and Rhiannon find themselves becoming good friends, as he shows her around Bologna, and they both end up amongst what is causing trouble in the present. Rhiannon has a classmate who Gianluca thinks is acting strange, and when they see her with a right-wing newspaper owner, confusion arises, especially when Marie finds out Gianluca is an investigative journalist, and suddenly doesn’t want to see him anymore. This book certainly has enough mystery to keep you reading!
Not too much of this book is actually set in 1944. We visit the past while Leila records her memories, but it almost seems like this is only a part of the story to provide backstory, and give you an insight into how you should feel about certain characters. I would’ve loved to spend more time with Leila in 1944, but I think the book was written in this way to show you Leila as Rhiannon sees her – you don’t get any information that Rhiannon doesn’t also get.
This is a really great book, and I loved reading it. There are certainly some twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting, and I was very invested in the whole Marie/right-wing newspaper owner/Gianluca situation. Overall, a gripping story, but I do wish the attention on 1944 and 1981 had a more even split.
I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
After a terrorist attack brings back memories of the war, Leila Venturi decides to start recording her life story, or rather, what she did during the war. She has an exchange student, Rhiannon, living in her house, which provides her with some company, which is especially helpful after recording the more harrowing memories Leila has. But as Leila is reliving the past, aspects of the past impact Rhiannon, and while memories can bring pain, so can things happening in the present.
The majority of this novel is set in 1981, with Leila, Rhiannon, and Leila’s nephew, Gianluca. Gianluca and Rhiannon find themselves becoming good friends, as he shows her around Bologna, and they both end up amongst what is causing trouble in the present. Rhiannon has a classmate who Gianluca thinks is acting strange, and when they see her with a right-wing newspaper owner, confusion arises, especially when Marie finds out Gianluca is an investigative journalist, and suddenly doesn’t want to see him anymore. This book certainly has enough mystery to keep you reading!
Not too much of this book is actually set in 1944. We visit the past while Leila records her memories, but it almost seems like this is only a part of the story to provide backstory, and give you an insight into how you should feel about certain characters. I would’ve loved to spend more time with Leila in 1944, but I think the book was written in this way to show you Leila as Rhiannon sees her – you don’t get any information that Rhiannon doesn’t also get.
This is a really great book, and I loved reading it. There are certainly some twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting, and I was very invested in the whole Marie/right-wing newspaper owner/Gianluca situation. Overall, a gripping story, but I do wish the attention on 1944 and 1981 had a more even split.
I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
July 27, 2022
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Bologna, Italy, 1943, and the streets are filled with German soldiers. Nineteen-year-old Lina Venturi is shocked into joining the Resistance after her beloved best friend Rebecca, the daughter of a prominent Jewish businessman, is ruthlessly deported to a concentration camp.
In the spring of 1981, exchange student Rhiannon Hughes arrives in Bologna to study at the university. There, she rents a room from Lina, who is now middle-aged and infirm. Lina’s nephew, Gianluca, offers to show Rhiannon around but Lina warns her off him.
Soon Rhiannon finds herself being drawn into a web of intrigue. What is Gianluca’s interest in a far-right group? And how is this nefarious leader of this group connected to Lina? As dark secrets emerge from the past, Rhiannon is faced with a terrible choice. Will she take her courage into both hands and risk everything?
An evocative, compelling read, “The Girl from Bologna” is a story of love lost, daring exploits, and heart wrenching redemption.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out 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:
I like this book because it gives an interesting historical perspective of life in Italy and mainly the Bologna area during WII. The book has interesting well developed characters, their actions were well explained and the plot is solid and nicely written, the story flows well with the right amount of suspense, a bit romance mixed with some of historical facts which created a captivating story that was suspenseful till the end.
Review copy provided by NetGalley at no cost to me.
Bologna, Italy, 1943, and the streets are filled with German soldiers. Nineteen-year-old Lina Venturi is shocked into joining the Resistance after her beloved best friend Rebecca, the daughter of a prominent Jewish businessman, is ruthlessly deported to a concentration camp.
In the spring of 1981, exchange student Rhiannon Hughes arrives in Bologna to study at the university. There, she rents a room from Lina, who is now middle-aged and infirm. Lina’s nephew, Gianluca, offers to show Rhiannon around but Lina warns her off him.
Soon Rhiannon finds herself being drawn into a web of intrigue. What is Gianluca’s interest in a far-right group? And how is this nefarious leader of this group connected to Lina? As dark secrets emerge from the past, Rhiannon is faced with a terrible choice. Will she take her courage into both hands and risk everything?
An evocative, compelling read, “The Girl from Bologna” is a story of love lost, daring exploits, and heart wrenching redemption.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out 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:
I like this book because it gives an interesting historical perspective of life in Italy and mainly the Bologna area during WII. The book has interesting well developed characters, their actions were well explained and the plot is solid and nicely written, the story flows well with the right amount of suspense, a bit romance mixed with some of historical facts which created a captivating story that was suspenseful till the end.
Review copy provided by NetGalley at no cost to me.
July 10, 2022
3.5 ⭐
The past has a way of haunting the present, and that is evident in this tale of Italy during WWII and the resistance. Fans of World War II novels and women's roles during the war will enjoy this story.
The book is told from two time periods, 1943 and 1981.
In 1943, Lina is just out of school when Italy is incessantly bombed and the Nazis control the city. The fascists are as brutal as the Nazis and take particular joy in torturing and questioning the towns people. Life is full of danger and fear and the people are holding their breath for liberation and the end of the war.
When Lina's best friend, Rebecca, and her family are taken to Auschwitz, she is called to do something to oppose the war and fight. She joins the resistance with her boyfriend and they take risk after risk opposing the Nazis and fascists.
In 1981, Rhiannon rents a room from Lina as a local student and they quickly build a friendship. When one of Rhiannon's classmates is not as she seems, they discover a connection to Lina's old nemesis from the war.
What will happen when they dig deeper and confront Lina's past?
This book was enjoyable, but read more like a young adult novel to me and lacked some of the captivating storytelling and character development that I look for in a 5⭐ book.
Trigger warning: rape
Thank you to #netgalley for an advanced review copy.
The past has a way of haunting the present, and that is evident in this tale of Italy during WWII and the resistance. Fans of World War II novels and women's roles during the war will enjoy this story.
The book is told from two time periods, 1943 and 1981.
In 1943, Lina is just out of school when Italy is incessantly bombed and the Nazis control the city. The fascists are as brutal as the Nazis and take particular joy in torturing and questioning the towns people. Life is full of danger and fear and the people are holding their breath for liberation and the end of the war.
When Lina's best friend, Rebecca, and her family are taken to Auschwitz, she is called to do something to oppose the war and fight. She joins the resistance with her boyfriend and they take risk after risk opposing the Nazis and fascists.
In 1981, Rhiannon rents a room from Lina as a local student and they quickly build a friendship. When one of Rhiannon's classmates is not as she seems, they discover a connection to Lina's old nemesis from the war.
What will happen when they dig deeper and confront Lina's past?
This book was enjoyable, but read more like a young adult novel to me and lacked some of the captivating storytelling and character development that I look for in a 5⭐ book.
Trigger warning: rape
Thank you to #netgalley for an advanced review copy.
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