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Ciao Bella
For Graziella, the quiet, cultured life she lived in Venice with her musician husband, Ugo, was everything she could have hoped for. But when Italy allied itself with Nazi Germany in 1940, her world changed forever. Ugo, trading in his violin for a gun, joined the Resistance, while Graziella was forced to seek refuge at his family’s farm in the nearby Euganean Hills. “Just until the war is over,” Ugo had promised, but it has been months now since the Nazis retreated, and no one has seen him since. With Ugo gone, it seems as if she will be trapped forever on this remote farm with her lost husband’s difficult family. So when an American soldier named Frank is stranded on the mountain, Graziella embraces this unexpected chance at being happy again. But as tempting as it is to leave behind this war-torn country and her painful memories for a new life in America, can she go without learning her husband’s fate? With quiet grace and humor, Ciao Bella explores the possibilities of love and redemption in the wake of war, showing that some of the hardest decisions come only after the fighting has stopped.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published October 13, 2009
8 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
Gina Buonaguro
5 books1,044 followersFREE SHORT CHRISTMAS STORY - All you have to do is sign up for my newsletters on my website before December 21, 2025. Please sign up for yourself and tell a friend too to receive CHRISTMAS IN ALCATRAZ (under my coauthored pen name)!
https://ginabu.eo.page/ginabu-com
Here's what one reviewer said about it: "What fun! This is a perfect holiday story that will make you smile and feel warm inside.
Nice to read about a couple in love, but not in the usual age group or setting. Alcatraz of all places! Absolutely charming, totally recommended!"
My historical novel, THE VIRGINS OF VENICE, won First Place Winner of the 2023 Chaucer Early Historical Fiction Award - please add it to your "want to read" list!
I am the coauthor with Janice Kirk of The Sidewalk Artist, Ciao Bella, and The Wolves of St. Peter's.
I along with Janice also have written under the pen name Meadow Taylor and have won one Canada Council for the Arts grant and two Ontario Arts Council grants.
Visit my website, join me on Facebook, and follow me on BookBub.
https://ginabu.eo.page/ginabu-com
Here's what one reviewer said about it: "What fun! This is a perfect holiday story that will make you smile and feel warm inside.
Nice to read about a couple in love, but not in the usual age group or setting. Alcatraz of all places! Absolutely charming, totally recommended!"
My historical novel, THE VIRGINS OF VENICE, won First Place Winner of the 2023 Chaucer Early Historical Fiction Award - please add it to your "want to read" list!
I am the coauthor with Janice Kirk of The Sidewalk Artist, Ciao Bella, and The Wolves of St. Peter's.
I along with Janice also have written under the pen name Meadow Taylor and have won one Canada Council for the Arts grant and two Ontario Arts Council grants.
Visit my website, join me on Facebook, and follow me on BookBub.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 2, 2017
A postal book club selection, this World War II novel, from the point of view of an Italian woman (girl, really) whose husband joins the Resistance after Germany occupies Italy. She is trying to keep her head up and her in laws alive. A solid okay
December 28, 2014
This book reads like the rough first draft of a really good novel. Unfortunately, the writing just doesn't match the potential of the premise. I would have enjoyed this much more if it had been primarily a story about an Italian family living through the trauma and aftermath WWII, with a complicated emotional relationship arising in the midst. But instead, it was primarily a complicated love triangle that just happened to be set in postwar Italy. The characters could have been really compelling if they had been more than a set of "types" fleshed out only through truly awful, trite dialogue. I read to the end, but really only because I'm so close to meeting my reading challenge for the year! Otherwise, I probably would have abandoned this one based on the dialogue alone. That said, there were so many good kernels of storytelling here. It could have been much more, but it felt like the authors settled for a pretty good romance story instead of creating something deeply moving.
August 18, 2017
The story was pleasant, but from the beginning, I felt the foreshadowing in this book registered high on the Richter scale. What I foresaw is exactly what happened. The ending tied up a lot of loose ends but did leave one question unanswered. I felt the authors did a lot more "telling" than "showing."
December 8, 2017
This novel takes readers to the high hills in Northern Italy. World War Two has finally ended and people are trying to put their lives back together after enduring the trying years of Fascist rule and the brutal years of the Nazi occupation. Grace, a Canadian from Toronto waits for the return of her Italian husband Ugo, a concert violinist who put down his instrument, took up a gun and joined the Resistance to help drive out the Nazis.
Grace, known as Graziella to her husband’s Italian family, has been caring for her father-in-law, a man who is increasingly failing and slowly sinking into dementia. Ugo’s large family includes several sisters but none of them ever accepted the foreign born Canadian wife their brother brought home. They have treated Grace poorly, frequently criticizing her and passing unkind remarks about the fact she has remained childless despite several years of marriage. The sisters spend most of their time with their own families, leaving the burden of caring for their father to Grace.
Grace is struggling to remain patient. The war has been over for many months now and no one has heard from Ugo since a disastrous raid on a German storehouse filled with guns and ammunition. Almost all the men who went off to fight have returned, yet still there is no sign of Ugo. Even his once weekly letters have stopped. Many believe he has been killed, but he could be wounded, captured by the enemy or somewhere in hiding. Grace knows she is foolish to keep hanging unto hope. She may never have confirmation of Ugo’s death, however she refuses to give up, not that she is certain he will return, but completely unable to think of anything other than him coming back to her. She is desperate to leave this rural hillside farm and get back to the peaceful quiet and cultured life she and Ugo once enjoyed living in their small apartment in Venice.
An American soldier named Frank Austin arrives on the farm after his motorcycle breaks down as he tried to manage the steep hilly countryside. He needs help to repair it and has neither the tools nor the know how for the job. Grace tells him that her husband will return shortly, careful not to let him know she is alone with only her elderly frail father-in-law to protect her. Frank says he will wait for Ugo’s arrival as he is basically stuck, unable to get anywhere with his broken down bike. Grace allows him to sleep in the barn and gives him meals. Frank offers to help with some farm chores and chop wood in return for her kindness. After the first days when Ugo does not return, Grace admits to Frank that she does not know when or if Ugo will return.
As the days go by, the handsome soldier charms Ugo’s sisters, their husband’s and their children and Grace soon finds herself developing a growing affection for the kindly soldier. The two begin to develop a relationship but Grace fells guilty for her feelings. She is a married woman and still loves her husband. But Frank’s kindness in helping with the old man touches her heart and the two seem able to communicate despite the fact they speak different languages. Grace also finds it pleasant to speak English again as she gradually gets to know more and more about this handsome American who has unexpectedly landed on her doorstep.
Frank tells her he comes from a dairy farm in Vermont and has a ten year old sister named Clara. He says he missed the boat going back to America and so must pass a month in Italy before he can board the next one heading home. Meanwhile Ugo’s four sisters have increased their visits to the farm to see their father, bringing their extended families with them, curious about what is going on between Frank and Grace and eyeing the American as a potential husband for their daughters.
When Grace’s returning brother-in-law returns arrives with the news that Ugo was killed in action, Grace is devastated. At least she finally knows what happened to him. The town puts on a huge funeral, although her father-in-law, who has begun to think of Frank as his son Ugo, does not understand what is happening. Grace is now faced with a difficult decision. Frank wants to marry her and take her back to America. Grace has never been happy on the farm in Italy and does not look forward to a life as Ugo’s widow, trapped on a remote hillside with her husband’s difficult sisters who have never accepted her. It was too lonely an existence to even consider.
And then of course, Ugo suddenly appears.
These two authors have beautifully described the setting and the harsh realities that families suffered during the war. Grace’s character is well drawn, although considering this is a love story and Ugo and Frank are both vying for the one woman they both love, neither seems to have any great degree of depth or passion.
Initially the different family members and their relationships are difficult to sort out in the reader’s mind. But the plot is so very predictable that it destroys enjoyment of the story. Everything the reader expects will happen, does happen. The reader mentally predicts almost every turn in the plot as it unfolds, regretfully destroying enjoyment of what could have been something so much more than what it is, a rather sweet, nostalgic love story.
Grace, known as Graziella to her husband’s Italian family, has been caring for her father-in-law, a man who is increasingly failing and slowly sinking into dementia. Ugo’s large family includes several sisters but none of them ever accepted the foreign born Canadian wife their brother brought home. They have treated Grace poorly, frequently criticizing her and passing unkind remarks about the fact she has remained childless despite several years of marriage. The sisters spend most of their time with their own families, leaving the burden of caring for their father to Grace.
Grace is struggling to remain patient. The war has been over for many months now and no one has heard from Ugo since a disastrous raid on a German storehouse filled with guns and ammunition. Almost all the men who went off to fight have returned, yet still there is no sign of Ugo. Even his once weekly letters have stopped. Many believe he has been killed, but he could be wounded, captured by the enemy or somewhere in hiding. Grace knows she is foolish to keep hanging unto hope. She may never have confirmation of Ugo’s death, however she refuses to give up, not that she is certain he will return, but completely unable to think of anything other than him coming back to her. She is desperate to leave this rural hillside farm and get back to the peaceful quiet and cultured life she and Ugo once enjoyed living in their small apartment in Venice.
An American soldier named Frank Austin arrives on the farm after his motorcycle breaks down as he tried to manage the steep hilly countryside. He needs help to repair it and has neither the tools nor the know how for the job. Grace tells him that her husband will return shortly, careful not to let him know she is alone with only her elderly frail father-in-law to protect her. Frank says he will wait for Ugo’s arrival as he is basically stuck, unable to get anywhere with his broken down bike. Grace allows him to sleep in the barn and gives him meals. Frank offers to help with some farm chores and chop wood in return for her kindness. After the first days when Ugo does not return, Grace admits to Frank that she does not know when or if Ugo will return.
As the days go by, the handsome soldier charms Ugo’s sisters, their husband’s and their children and Grace soon finds herself developing a growing affection for the kindly soldier. The two begin to develop a relationship but Grace fells guilty for her feelings. She is a married woman and still loves her husband. But Frank’s kindness in helping with the old man touches her heart and the two seem able to communicate despite the fact they speak different languages. Grace also finds it pleasant to speak English again as she gradually gets to know more and more about this handsome American who has unexpectedly landed on her doorstep.
Frank tells her he comes from a dairy farm in Vermont and has a ten year old sister named Clara. He says he missed the boat going back to America and so must pass a month in Italy before he can board the next one heading home. Meanwhile Ugo’s four sisters have increased their visits to the farm to see their father, bringing their extended families with them, curious about what is going on between Frank and Grace and eyeing the American as a potential husband for their daughters.
When Grace’s returning brother-in-law returns arrives with the news that Ugo was killed in action, Grace is devastated. At least she finally knows what happened to him. The town puts on a huge funeral, although her father-in-law, who has begun to think of Frank as his son Ugo, does not understand what is happening. Grace is now faced with a difficult decision. Frank wants to marry her and take her back to America. Grace has never been happy on the farm in Italy and does not look forward to a life as Ugo’s widow, trapped on a remote hillside with her husband’s difficult sisters who have never accepted her. It was too lonely an existence to even consider.
And then of course, Ugo suddenly appears.
These two authors have beautifully described the setting and the harsh realities that families suffered during the war. Grace’s character is well drawn, although considering this is a love story and Ugo and Frank are both vying for the one woman they both love, neither seems to have any great degree of depth or passion.
Initially the different family members and their relationships are difficult to sort out in the reader’s mind. But the plot is so very predictable that it destroys enjoyment of the story. Everything the reader expects will happen, does happen. The reader mentally predicts almost every turn in the plot as it unfolds, regretfully destroying enjoyment of what could have been something so much more than what it is, a rather sweet, nostalgic love story.
December 4, 2009
Where to start with this one? I actually enjoyed it - although I did have a hard time getting into it at first. I found the beginning a bit slow and I was having a hard time memorizing the names and associating them with who they were and how they were associated with Graziella. Once I got past this though, I could not help but falling in love with this quirky Italian family. Graziella and Ugo's story is quite touching - they were in love and the war came between them. The love that grows between Frank and Graziella was done so well... in very short increments. It felt real, something that grew gradually, until it just was. It wasn't sporadic or something that caught you off guard. I really liked the "real-ness" feeling to it. I also loved reading about Italy and the effects the war had on its residents.
All in all, I was happy with this one. It leaves you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. With it's zany characters and wonderful writing - this is definitely one you won't want to miss out on.
All in all, I was happy with this one. It leaves you with a smile on your face and a warm feeling in your heart. With it's zany characters and wonderful writing - this is definitely one you won't want to miss out on.
February 8, 2010
I agree with the others, I did have a hard time getting into the story. I kept mixing up the 4 sisters who were named Maria and sometimes I felt that there were too many characters all together. I am glad that I stuck with the book because in the end it was a beautiful love story yet it also conveyed the tragedy of WWII and the effect of all of the lives that were touched by this war.
February 7, 2019
Ciao Bella by Gina Buonaguro & Janice Kirk as reviewed by Gail M. Murray
Buonaguro and Kirk have created a story full of mystery, challenge and love – outlining the effects of German occupation on Italy as quiet civilian lives are upended.
Graziellla, Grace, a Canadian girl married to Ugo, an Italian concert violinist, is stranded on his father’s farm high in the Euganean Hills, 60 km. south of Venice in the Venuto.
Ugo and Grace had met serving as medics during The Spanish Civil War and settled in Venice. It’s two months since the allies have liberated northern Italy and her husband, a leader of the partisans, has yet to return. Ugo’s sisters, who have all married local men, treat her like an outsider, call her a foreigner and engage in snide comments and gossip. She feels alienated.
Graziella is doing her best to care for Ugo’s father, Giovanni, who suffers from dementia. In the first section of the novel, Grazeilla recalls tender moments with Ugo. One night she awakes from a vivid dream – “Ugo stood at the foot of the bed as if she had conjured him up with her dream…..every bit as beautiful as when she had fallen in love with him during the terrible final days of the civil war.” (p26)
A botanist’s daughter, she had joined her father’s friend, Dr. Norman Bethune, in Spain after losing both parents in a car accident.
When American soldier Frank Austin’s motorcycle breaks down he takes refuge at the Nevivato farm and helps with chores. Frank awakens her to love and possibility and offers an escape to an easier life. She is torn between love of her missing husband and this handsome American soldier. Such is her turmoil – “not knowing how these emotions could exist side by side in her. This longing for Frank and this grief for Ugo.” She learns from Ugo’s nephew Tazio, a fellow partisan, that Frank has been shot. Prior to this, the community celebrated Tazio’s wedding, now they plan a funeral to celebrate Ugo.
At the wedding they sang Bella Ciao/Goodnight Sweetheart. More than a love song, it is a patriotic song of the Italian Resistance – the story of a partisan who died for liberty and whose mountain grave is marked by a beautiful flower. She thinks back to the night of the ice storm when Ugo had returned to the mountain. The novel’s title is apt covering both the themes of the resistance and romantic love. Can Graziella say goodbye to Ugo?
The night before she plans to leave with Frank, Ugo miraculously arrives home and she learns of his and Frank’s positions in the war and is faced with a choice – one that ends in hope.
Buonaguro and Kirk have created a story full of mystery, challenge and love – outlining the effects of German occupation on Italy as quiet civilian lives are upended.
Graziellla, Grace, a Canadian girl married to Ugo, an Italian concert violinist, is stranded on his father’s farm high in the Euganean Hills, 60 km. south of Venice in the Venuto.
Ugo and Grace had met serving as medics during The Spanish Civil War and settled in Venice. It’s two months since the allies have liberated northern Italy and her husband, a leader of the partisans, has yet to return. Ugo’s sisters, who have all married local men, treat her like an outsider, call her a foreigner and engage in snide comments and gossip. She feels alienated.
Graziella is doing her best to care for Ugo’s father, Giovanni, who suffers from dementia. In the first section of the novel, Grazeilla recalls tender moments with Ugo. One night she awakes from a vivid dream – “Ugo stood at the foot of the bed as if she had conjured him up with her dream…..every bit as beautiful as when she had fallen in love with him during the terrible final days of the civil war.” (p26)
A botanist’s daughter, she had joined her father’s friend, Dr. Norman Bethune, in Spain after losing both parents in a car accident.
When American soldier Frank Austin’s motorcycle breaks down he takes refuge at the Nevivato farm and helps with chores. Frank awakens her to love and possibility and offers an escape to an easier life. She is torn between love of her missing husband and this handsome American soldier. Such is her turmoil – “not knowing how these emotions could exist side by side in her. This longing for Frank and this grief for Ugo.” She learns from Ugo’s nephew Tazio, a fellow partisan, that Frank has been shot. Prior to this, the community celebrated Tazio’s wedding, now they plan a funeral to celebrate Ugo.
At the wedding they sang Bella Ciao/Goodnight Sweetheart. More than a love song, it is a patriotic song of the Italian Resistance – the story of a partisan who died for liberty and whose mountain grave is marked by a beautiful flower. She thinks back to the night of the ice storm when Ugo had returned to the mountain. The novel’s title is apt covering both the themes of the resistance and romantic love. Can Graziella say goodbye to Ugo?
The night before she plans to leave with Frank, Ugo miraculously arrives home and she learns of his and Frank’s positions in the war and is faced with a choice – one that ends in hope.
April 9, 2020
A beautiful story. The story is not action packed but a page turner because of the interest in the characters. While reading the book, I found myself doubting the book jacket and hoping for a happy ending without hurting anyone. Alas, the tough decision did come along for the main character and I would not have loved her less for either option. Well written. I hope to find more books to enjoy from these two authors. I could recommend this book to anyone who loves human interest tales or love stories.
July 8, 2023
Many years ago, I picked up this treasure at a Dollar Tree. The cover and title drew me in, and after all, it was only a dollar. Since purchasing this book, I’ve read it half a dozen times. Graziella is a relatable character faced with hard choices. She makes mistakes and learns lessons. The book affirms family, marriage, and life when things wrap up.
June 12, 2017
This book was not what I thought it was going to be--not enough feel of Italy and I didn't love the ending.
June 1, 2020
A beautifully written story. I loved this book!
March 13, 2019
I didn't really know too much about this one going into it. I basically knew it was about Italy during war times, and that it had a beautiful cover, but it had been sitting on my shelf for awhile and I wanted to try and finally give it a go. Unfortunately, it took me a really long time to get through this book, and that's sad considering it's only 256 pages. I just found the pacing was so slow, that it made my reading of it not enjoyable, and I kept putting it down to pick up a different book instead.
Aside from the pacing, I had way too hard of a time keeping all of Ugo's numerous family members straight. Maybe this wouldn't have been a problem for other readers, but I finally gave up on trying to remember who was who, as I felt I would have needed a detailed spreadsheet to be able to do so.
I did enjoy the historical components to the novel, and learning about how Italy and other parts of Europe were affected during these times. I also particularly enjoyed Grace's affinity for plants, and the numerous ways she used them as treatment for her many family members and friends.
A large portion of this novel is Grace looking back on her relationship with Ugo, while starting to build a new one with the stranded American soldier Frank, and to be perfectly honesty, I didn't really find either romance that interesting. I liked both the men as characters, but I felt that Grace truly wasn't happy during either relationship, and it more felt like she was using it as a means of escaping her current circumstances.
Overall, this one really failed to hold my interest, I didn't really enjoy the romance aspect, and I found the various characters to be too confusing for me to really even know what was happening to who. On top of all of that, I had guessed at the main plot twist very early into the story, and everything played out pretty much exactly as I'd expected it to.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐
I enjoyed the historical components, I applaud the authors on being able to blend their voices so seamlessly in the writing of Ciao Bella, but I wasn't personally a fan, and it won't be a reread for me in the future.
Aside from the pacing, I had way too hard of a time keeping all of Ugo's numerous family members straight. Maybe this wouldn't have been a problem for other readers, but I finally gave up on trying to remember who was who, as I felt I would have needed a detailed spreadsheet to be able to do so.
I did enjoy the historical components to the novel, and learning about how Italy and other parts of Europe were affected during these times. I also particularly enjoyed Grace's affinity for plants, and the numerous ways she used them as treatment for her many family members and friends.
A large portion of this novel is Grace looking back on her relationship with Ugo, while starting to build a new one with the stranded American soldier Frank, and to be perfectly honesty, I didn't really find either romance that interesting. I liked both the men as characters, but I felt that Grace truly wasn't happy during either relationship, and it more felt like she was using it as a means of escaping her current circumstances.
Overall, this one really failed to hold my interest, I didn't really enjoy the romance aspect, and I found the various characters to be too confusing for me to really even know what was happening to who. On top of all of that, I had guessed at the main plot twist very early into the story, and everything played out pretty much exactly as I'd expected it to.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐
I enjoyed the historical components, I applaud the authors on being able to blend their voices so seamlessly in the writing of Ciao Bella, but I wasn't personally a fan, and it won't be a reread for me in the future.
February 25, 2017
3.5 Liked the single viewpoint, nice writing and world building, but in a sea of WWII novels, pretty standard. Reminded me of several I have read in the past. Also, saw the ending coming from VERY early on, so good-just not stellar.
November 27, 2009
The beginning of Ciao Bella was very slow for me. I did not connect to any of the characters nor did I care what was happening in the book. As Ugo's family becomes more and more a fixture in the relationship between Frank and Graziella the book picked up it's pace. They gave the story a true sense of a loving and chaotic Italian family, the kind you only read about. With their constant interference, it seemed Graziella and Frank would never fall in love. Their love affair was so gradual and natural, it gave the reader a real sense of contentment. It was sweet and sentimental just like true love aught to be Then again there was always the question of Ugo, was he truly alive or did he parish in the war? In this book, tough choices are made and real men are given prominence.
In the acknowledgment, the authors say that the epilogue was written for "Lino and Poldo." I assume Lino and Poldo wanted to know what happen next, and I am so glad they did. The story would have never been complete with out the perfect finish that the epilogue provides to this sweet tale.
In the acknowledgment, the authors say that the epilogue was written for "Lino and Poldo." I assume Lino and Poldo wanted to know what happen next, and I am so glad they did. The story would have never been complete with out the perfect finish that the epilogue provides to this sweet tale.
January 31, 2013
This book was surprisingly delightful. I picked it up on a whim because I wanted to read something about Italy but had never heard of the authors. This book focuses on a small village where a large family deals with the trials that comes in a post World War II world. The main character, Grace (or Graciella) is charming and I could easily find myself in her shoes. Just when you get comfortable with the plot and characters, beware, because you are in for a roller coaster ride.
May 10, 2011
I learned alot about the Italian resistance movement during WWII and the hardships endured by the people there. The authors do a great job of rendering the beauty of the Italian countryside and lifestyle and telling an intriguing love story. I liked this writing team's first novel, The Sidewalk Artist, more but this is also a "good read."
June 12, 2011
I liked this story quite a bit. It had a simple story; a woman in Italy whose husband is believed to be dead falls in love with an American after WWII. After falling for the American solider her husband returns leaving her with the choice of staying with her husband or leaving for America. The obvious choice on paper (the husband) is not so easy.
February 11, 2014
I picked this book up because I thought there would be much more history about postwar Italy but it turned out to be more of a love story set during that time. I'm not big on love stories. For readers that are, this is a fine story, well played out (a tad predictable) and a fun read. What amazes me about this author duo is how well they write together while living in separate cities.
April 22, 2014
As usual, I seem to like things the masses don't necessarily love...and if I'd stopped reading before the epilogue, I might've even given it five stars. A book that tears apart your loyalties as much as this one does doesn't need all its edges smoothed out with a sappy epilogue. But I loved the rest of the book and it hooked me from page one.
June 16, 2016
I'm devouring books about Italy, and this sweet love story was quite enjoyable. Will Ugo return? Will Graziella continue to wait for him, or will she find love with Frank, the American who comes noisily up the mountain one day on his motorcycle?
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the location because they reminded me of the small Italian village my husband and I have fallen in love with.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the location because they reminded me of the small Italian village my husband and I have fallen in love with.
April 26, 2010
After forty pages, I gave up from lack of building tension. I just didn't connect to any of the characters so I went back to reading Civil & Strange instead. There's too many books out there to wallow in books you don't enjoy!
July 19, 2010
SUMMER READING CLUB: "Charming and affecting story takes place in small Italian Village just after WWII. Grace's husband doesn't come back and she doesn't know his fate. She falls in love with an American GI and longs to escape her husband's family and return to the U.S. What to do?!" -Mary Beck
June 7, 2012
I really liked this book, I couldn't put it down! Set in Italy after the war, it's a great read about family, love and loss. I was really rooting for the main character Graziella, and thought there were some great twists with the love triangle she was involved in.
March 30, 2010
"Do good whenever you can, love freedom above all, never renounce the truth." Ludwig Van Beethoven
May 7, 2010
I can't even remember what this book is about...bad sign...
October 6, 2011
A really charming story, full of trials and tribulations. Sacrifices for the better of other people. Portrayal of country life in Italy at the end of WWII.
August 11, 2013
Excellent book... caught the essence of being Italian during war time.. could picture myself there among the family.
April 6, 2014
Very much enjoyed this post WW II story set in a village near Venice. Interesting twists in the story.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews