There are not too many books featuring the fate of Jews and the anti-fascist resistance during WWII. Hence, my interest in Daughter of Genoa by Kat Devereaux, a writer using Italy as the main setting for her novels.
Anna Pastorino is the daughter of a Jewish antifascist, who lost almost everything, fighting for survival in 1944 Genoa. As her hiding place is destroyed by the bombing, her only chance is to answer the offer of a Catholic priest that promises to help her. Thus starts a new challenge where she may learn how and who to trust, in a world who seems to have almost lost its humanity.
The complex historical context challenges the characters, especially Anna, to evaluate their decision and reconsider their choices. Navigating the life during times of crisis, they are faced with extraordinary circumstances with dramatic effects on their lives and everyone else they are crossing paths with.
I loved very much Anna as a character, as well as her challenges and the ways in which the author is revealing her strength and character features during the many circumstances created by the war situation. The novel maintains a strong historical redline which is very important in understanding the story.
A recommended read for anyone interested in a historical read approached with fine empathy and historical understanding.
Rating: 4 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of the book tour but the opinions are, as usual, my own
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