Entertaining, Educating & Enjoyable
The Tuscan Orphan by Siobhan Daiko is a powerful historical novel that I just could not put down.
It is set in Italy during the latter years of World War II. We follow three main characters – an American nurse, an Italian resistance member and a young Tuscan orphan. Their lives will become entwined as the Nazi bombardment continues and the allies fight for peace.
I thought the beginning and the ending were extremely well thought out. I loved how the same character speaks in both, with the result that the reader feels that the circle has closed.
We ‘see’ some things through the eyes of an innocent child. It brings the horrors of war even closer as the innocent should be protected and not have to be subjected to the Nazi reign of terror.
The events really happened though the characters are fictional. Very little is heard of the Italian campaign as the events in France over shadow it. But the Nazis and the fascists were brutal. The battles in Italy were terrible. No one could escape the war.
In between times, life still went on. People fell in love and seized the day. “The future is uncertain for us all. It’s better to live in the present.” Everyone took life a day at a time. Everyone worried and feared losing loved ones because you just never knew.
The landscape of Italy came alive under the author’s marvellous pen. Siobhan vividly painted the landscape for us. The heat, beauty and vitality of Italy sprang to life as our senses were bombarded. The beauty of the scenery was in sharp contrast to the brutality of war. This was not fields of mud but a hot, vibrant landscape.
I really enjoyed The Tuscan Orphan. I was equally entertained, educated and horrified by the events in Italy. It is a fabulous read.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
The Tuscan Orphan
1944 – When an air raid strikes the hospital she’s been working in, Carrie’s life irrevocably changes. But as a nurse in the middle of wartime, she has no time to grieve, as she has too many people relying on her.
For resistance fighter, Vito, nothing is more important than seeking vengeance for the atrocities his fellow comrades have suffered. But when he liberates a convent, finding a group of Jewish children in hiding, he suddenly has even more to fight for.
Little Mimi is injured, scared and alone. Together Carrie and Vito vow to find her parents, a loving home. But under the shadow of war, is it wise to make promises you’re not sure you can keep?
Heartbreaking and immersive, this powerful story of the strength of the human spirit will delight fans of Kristin Hannah, Fiona Valpy and Rhys Bowen
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/tuscanorphansocial
Author Bio –
Siobhan Daiko writes powerful and sweeping historical fiction set in Italy during the second World War, with strong women at its heart. She now lives near Venice, having been a teacher in Wales for many years.
Social Media Links –
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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/siobhan-daiko
