The Italian Girl’s Secret – ARC Book Review

Italy, 1943. In the hills outside Naples, the silver moon shines brightly on a whitewashed farmhouse. An urgent knock on the door breaks the silence: and in that moment, one young woman’s act of incredible bravery changes the course of the war.

For Carmela del Bosco, a farm girl in a remote Italian village, sheltering an English spy is the most dangerous thing she could do. If she’s caught by the fascists it would be the end, especially for her beloved grandmother sleeping soundly upstairs. But taking in the pleading brown eyes of the man calling himself Sebastiano slumped at her door, and his terrible injuries inflicted by the Nazi occupiers, Carmela remembers how Nonna always taught her right from wrong. Risking everything, she hides him in a ruined tower on the edge of the farm.

Each day Carmela tends his wounds, and the passion that kindles between them is a light in the darkest time. Sebastiano has information that could end the war, and needs her help to send it. But tracking down fellow members of the resistenza in the mountains meansrisking her life and bringing danger to everyone she knows.

Carmela knows she must find the courage to do what’s right for her country. But if she leaves the farm, will she ever see her beloved nonna again? And will her sacrifice tear her away from the only man she’s ever loved, forever?

No. of pages:- 306 pages

Publisher:- Bookouture

Date publisher:- will be published on September 10th 2021

Genre:- Historical Fiction

Rating:- 4.5/5 stars

Checklist

Is the historical fiction based on WWII? Check
Is it based about the brave women during WWII? Check
Did I enjoy the novel? Absolutely check!

Set in Naples in 1943, the story starts with a girl named Carmela who hides an English spy named Sebastiano who happened to be the half brother of Danielo. Italy is a fascist country and a firm Nazi supporter so if Carmela is caught, she will be sentenced to death. The story talks about this brave woman, who risked her own life to help the English spy .

I have to say, I really like the author’s style of writing. The vivid descriptions of the places in Naples and around Italy makes me as a reader feel like I am in the part of this story with Carmella. I really like the plot of the story and it always amazed me these brave young women like Carmella would risk their own lives to fight against the Nazis. As a result, the author did a good job writing this story beautifully. I do like the names of the dog and donkey–Renzo the dog. Overall, this story is captivating, emotional that will draw you the reader to the story! Another thing I liked about this book is the slow budding romance between Carmella and Sebastiano.

If you want to read a book based on WWII, I would highly recommend this book–will not leave you disappointed!

Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.