Tag Archive | Siobhan Daiko

The Tuscan Orphan by Siobhan Daiko

Nov14

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.

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The Girl From Venice by Siobhan Daiko

Jun13

So Powerful, So Brave

The Girl From Venice by Siobhan Daiko is a powerful dual timeline novel that has its roots in fact.

The tale is set in 2010 and also during World War II in Italy. It is a search for roots after a grandmother has passed away. All her life, her upbringing has been kept secret for fear of re-living the past. “A painful past still too raw to re-live.” Finding a photo, leads to a trip of discovery that reveals not only the past but also sheds light on roots for the present.

Italy 2010 was very different from war torn Italy. In 2010 the reader ‘feels’ the light, the heat, the food and the welcoming atmosphere. All of which spring to life under the artistic pen of Siobhan Daiko.

In complete contrast Italy during the war years was a terrifying place to be especially if you were Jewish. After Italy’s ceasefire with Britain and America, the Nazi’s marched in, rounding up the Jewish people. Bitter battles with partisans followed, with severe reprisals. Siobhan Daiko has captured the fear and also shown the bravery of the ordinary citizens.

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The Flame Tree by Siobhan Daiko

Jan19

Extraordinary Bravery

The Flame Tree by Siobhan Daiko is a fascinating historical novel and part of the Hong Kong Collection.

The story is fictional but has its roots in fact. It is set in 1939 and into the World War II years in Hong Kong. I was educated as I read about the brave people of Hong Kong during the war.

Ordinary men and women were flung into war after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour in December 1941. As a British colony, the Hong Kong people fought against the Japanese.

Some young British men living in Hong Kong formed an elite group Z. They were fearless in their fight.

We see the difficulties facing a young British man and a Eurasian woman, the daughter of a prominent Hong Kong citizen. To be seen with the man would mean ruin for the young woman. Love must find a way.

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