This poignant novel offers a compelling portrayal of a WWII internment camp in Le Case, Italy, interwoven with the story of the Italian resistance and the love between René and Anna. It powerfully explores the extremes of human nature—both the profound sacrifices we make for love and the staggering brutality we are capable of. The novel provided fascinating insight into this shocking chapter of history, particularly within the Italian context, which I found especially engaging. However, certain nuances seem to have been lost in translation, and at times the narrative felt somewhat flat. Despite this, it remains an evocative, informative, and deeply moving read.

Tuscany 1943, all the Jews were rounded up and forced into the Bishop’’s Villa to await deportation to a prison. This is based on a real story.

A very good novel ! I found it rather interesting and clever to evoke the Second World War through the eyes of a cobbler (aiming at mending shoes, but not only shoes...). Based on real events , this novel perfectly illustrates hypocrisy, shame at hiding the truth of what actually happened in the Villa during the war. Nevertheless, the war brought out crucial personal psychological skills the cobbler would never have known or dared believe he had.... Very well and subtly rendered by the author! A thought provoking novel well worth knowing.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.