Despite getting off to a somewhat slow start, I found myself engrossed in this fascinating novel that's part contemporary mystery and part historical fiction. I've read quite a few novels set during World War II, but this is the first one that has been set in Nazi-occupied Italy, and I appreciated the chance to learn about how the Italian partisans fought against both the Nazis and the Fascists. The writing was beautifully descriptive, and the dialogue was smooth and believable. My favorite parts were the journal entries that described the events in 1943 and 1944 in Florence, but I was also caught up in the present day mystery that Inspector Pallioti is attempting to solve. My only complaint is that I would have liked the focus to be a little more on the historical side and a little less on the present, because some of the current day sections got a little long and tedious. This is the best book I've read in quite a while, and I'm glad I kept reading through the slow beginning and wasn't put off by the length (and weight!) of the book. I am not sure I have read a book that I have enjoyed so much but yet struggled with also. My 'struggles' are the reason this book get's 4 stars and not 5. The story begins in Italy where the armistice has just been signed which promptly sends the country spiralling into war.The story focusses on the Carmaccio family. The two sisters Issa and Cati couldn't be more different. Issa is fearless and strong, Cati is nervy. It is not long before Issa, Enrico (Issa's brother) and her father join the resistance. For a time Cati turns a blind eye and does not want to acknowledge this, however ultimately she is forced to join them. Cati records her experiences in a diary. It is this diary that provides the sisters story years later.Senior Policeman Palliotti is investigating an old mans murder then another, then another...When Palliotti becomes in possession of Cati's diary the past and present intertwine.The storyline is gripping. emotional and complicated! I had to google Italy's war just to give me some context. I also got really confused as more and more characters were introduced. I had to keep flicking back to understand who was who as most of the characters had at least 2 names.The current day story was written equally as well as the war time story which is something not all writers can pull off.All in all I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking up other works by this author.
What do You think about The Villa Triste (2000)?
Surprised by all the twists to this story, so glad I found this book. History & mystery!
—Vevans
Lovely blend of two of my favorite genres: historical fiction and murder mystery.
—tshongchu
Very evocative of Firenze in two different times.
—May
