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The Girl Who Escaped
Italy, 1940. The girl sobs and rages as her father tells her the terrible news. “Italy is entering the war alongside Germany. Jews are to be arrested and sent to camps. We have to be ready.”
As fascists march across the cobbled piazzas and past the towered buildings of her beloved home city, twenty-year-old Devora’s worst fears come true. Along with her Jewish parents and twin little brothers they are torn away from everything they love and sent to an internment camp huddled in the mountains. Her father promises this war will not last long…
When they are offered a miraculous chance of escape by her childhood friend Luigi, who risks everything to smuggle vital information into the camp, the family clambers under barbed wire and races for the border. But Devora is forced to make a devastating choice between saving a stranger’s life and joining her parents. As shots fire in the moonless night, the family is separated.
Haunted by the question of whether they are dead or alive, all Devora can do for their future is throw herself into helping Luigi in the Italian resistenza in the fight for liberty. But posing as a maid for a German commander to gather secret intelligence, Devora is sure she sees her friend one night, in a Nazi uniform…
Is Devora in more danger than ever? And will her family ever be reunited – or will the war tear them apart?
An absolutely devastating but ultimately uplifting historical novel about how love and hope can get us through the darkest times. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Rhys Bowen and Soraya M. Lane.
Read what everyone’s saying about The Girl Who Escaped:
‘Absolutely stunning… takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions… Captivating… devastatingly heartbreaking… My heart was in my throat and I had tears running down my eyes… DO NOT PICK THIS UP UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!… I completely fell in love.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow… another captivating on-the-edge-of-your-seat story by Angela Petch!… Stunning… Broke my heart… This deeply moving novel pierced my heart… I highly recommend.’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Emotional, heart-wrenching and unforgettable… Beautifully written… full of intrigue, emotion, drama and intensity… touches the heart and will keep readers glued to its pages… enthralling… simply superb… must-read.’ Bookish Jottings
‘Beautifully written… Gripping, absorbing and emotive… have a box of tissues handy… Heart-wrenching emotion.’ Sunflowerpublishing.com, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Absolutely gripping and beautifully written… Really pulled at my heart-strings… I resented every occasion when I had to stop reading to do other things, as I was so keen to
As fascists march across the cobbled piazzas and past the towered buildings of her beloved home city, twenty-year-old Devora’s worst fears come true. Along with her Jewish parents and twin little brothers they are torn away from everything they love and sent to an internment camp huddled in the mountains. Her father promises this war will not last long…
When they are offered a miraculous chance of escape by her childhood friend Luigi, who risks everything to smuggle vital information into the camp, the family clambers under barbed wire and races for the border. But Devora is forced to make a devastating choice between saving a stranger’s life and joining her parents. As shots fire in the moonless night, the family is separated.
Haunted by the question of whether they are dead or alive, all Devora can do for their future is throw herself into helping Luigi in the Italian resistenza in the fight for liberty. But posing as a maid for a German commander to gather secret intelligence, Devora is sure she sees her friend one night, in a Nazi uniform…
Is Devora in more danger than ever? And will her family ever be reunited – or will the war tear them apart?
An absolutely devastating but ultimately uplifting historical novel about how love and hope can get us through the darkest times. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Rhys Bowen and Soraya M. Lane.
Read what everyone’s saying about The Girl Who Escaped:
‘Absolutely stunning… takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions… Captivating… devastatingly heartbreaking… My heart was in my throat and I had tears running down my eyes… DO NOT PICK THIS UP UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!… I completely fell in love.’ Bookworm86, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Wow… another captivating on-the-edge-of-your-seat story by Angela Petch!… Stunning… Broke my heart… This deeply moving novel pierced my heart… I highly recommend.’ Cindy L Spear, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Emotional, heart-wrenching and unforgettable… Beautifully written… full of intrigue, emotion, drama and intensity… touches the heart and will keep readers glued to its pages… enthralling… simply superb… must-read.’ Bookish Jottings
‘Beautifully written… Gripping, absorbing and emotive… have a box of tissues handy… Heart-wrenching emotion.’ Sunflowerpublishing.com, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Absolutely gripping and beautifully written… Really pulled at my heart-strings… I resented every occasion when I had to stop reading to do other things, as I was so keen to
404 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2023
673 people are currently reading
466 people want to read
About the author
Angela Petch
18 books211 followersBorn in Germany on account of my father being stationed there in the British army, post-war, I have not stopped travelling and collecting stories since. The remainder of my childhood was spent in Rome, I married in Italy, worked for a Dutch company, lived in Tanzania, East Africa and now divide my year between Tuscany and West Sussex, England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 21, 2023
The Girl Who Escaped is a gripping historical fiction story based on a real character, her husband's grandfather. The prologue and epilogue are set in 1988, but they sandwich a story beginning in the summer of 1940 in Urbino, Italy. Four friends: Devora, Luigi, Enrico and Sabrina, are students and the story tells of the irrevocable changes in their lives and friendship during WWII. Devora is Jewish, but born in Italy along with her twin brothers. Her parents moved there in 1918, surely they will be safe from Hitler's craziness. When her parents are moved to an internment camp outside Urbino, Devora and their live in help, Anna Maria, remain in their home to look after ten year old twins Arturo and Alfredo. Her parents ask them to come and live with them in Villa Oliveto, assuming the war will end soon. They eventually escape only to be recaptured, but Devora escapes and makes her way to the Italian resistenza back in Urbino. When will this war end? When will she be reunited with her family?
This was a heartbreaking story, as they all are when dealing with this time in history. I didn't know much about what happened in Italy during the war, so I was invested in the story, not only for Luigi's and Devora's story, but to learn a bit more about the Italian situation. I also learned a bit about Libya and the history of their conquerors. The writing was wonderful, flowing, and descriptive, keeping me glued to the story as it unfolded. The characters were extremely well written. Devora was a strong, independent woman who was not to be pushed aside. She took risks to help her country and people. She was feisty and stubborn as well. Her growth and development in the story was excellent and so realistic. Luigi (Gigi) was an exceptional character and the one based on Angela's grandfather-in-law. He worked for the government registering births and deaths, so was able to change records and save others, thus putting himself in danger. He never waffled from the course and worked diligently for the partigiani. He loved Devora, although she never saw it, and helped her and her family when he could. He was a hero, yet humble. The story of tragedy, the treatment of the Jewish people, the horror of war, the fear, and the difficulties of those left behind was felt on each page. This is also a story of hope, strength, courage and resilience as the Italian people never gave up, even though they were in the midst of the war and occupation. My daughter-in-law's family lived in the Apennine Mountain area and their home was actually taken over by the German's, so although there was not a lot of the story dealing with that situation, it gave me a bit of a background and connection to the area. This is a story that I will not soon forget. The bravery of the characters in the story is inspiring and the hope along the way is uplifting. Make sure you read the author's notes at the end of the book, as it gives a bit more information as well as the research this story entailed. I definitely recommend The Girl Who Escaped to those interested in WWII stories, Historical Fiction and stories set in Italy. I know I will be reading more books by Angela Petch in the future.
This was a heartbreaking story, as they all are when dealing with this time in history. I didn't know much about what happened in Italy during the war, so I was invested in the story, not only for Luigi's and Devora's story, but to learn a bit more about the Italian situation. I also learned a bit about Libya and the history of their conquerors. The writing was wonderful, flowing, and descriptive, keeping me glued to the story as it unfolded. The characters were extremely well written. Devora was a strong, independent woman who was not to be pushed aside. She took risks to help her country and people. She was feisty and stubborn as well. Her growth and development in the story was excellent and so realistic. Luigi (Gigi) was an exceptional character and the one based on Angela's grandfather-in-law. He worked for the government registering births and deaths, so was able to change records and save others, thus putting himself in danger. He never waffled from the course and worked diligently for the partigiani. He loved Devora, although she never saw it, and helped her and her family when he could. He was a hero, yet humble. The story of tragedy, the treatment of the Jewish people, the horror of war, the fear, and the difficulties of those left behind was felt on each page. This is also a story of hope, strength, courage and resilience as the Italian people never gave up, even though they were in the midst of the war and occupation. My daughter-in-law's family lived in the Apennine Mountain area and their home was actually taken over by the German's, so although there was not a lot of the story dealing with that situation, it gave me a bit of a background and connection to the area. This is a story that I will not soon forget. The bravery of the characters in the story is inspiring and the hope along the way is uplifting. Make sure you read the author's notes at the end of the book, as it gives a bit more information as well as the research this story entailed. I definitely recommend The Girl Who Escaped to those interested in WWII stories, Historical Fiction and stories set in Italy. I know I will be reading more books by Angela Petch in the future.
April 21, 2023
The Girl Who Escaped is the latest novel from Angela Petch and without doubt this is certainly her best book yet. I felt it was so well written with excellent pacing and plot development, a brilliant storyline and setting and a varied cast of characters who all bring so much individually to the book. This was an action packed read and an emotional rollercoaster with many highs and lows and unfortunately at times the bad times outnumbered the good which only fuels the emotion the reader feels. There was no let up in events with something seeming to happen with each turn of the page. Therefore, the reader never got the chance to become bored or feel as if there were lulls or pages of filler. Instead, every character and scene were essential to the overall plot and the tension just increased with each new chapter.
I found this to be a deeply satisfying and informative read. It was an eye opener as to the Jews plight in Italy and I found it staggering that over 80% of the Jews in Italy survived thanks to the resistance work of so many and the fact as the author herself said people had a moral conscience. But 80% of the Jewish population in other European countries did not make it. That really does speak volumes for the Italian people.
Devora lives in the city of Urbino in Italy, with her parents and twin brothers. The family are Jewish, her parents having left Germany many years ago but now once again the situation regarding Jews has caught up with them. It’s 1940 and Hitler’s racial laws are in full force and war has been ongoing for some time. Mussolini has sided with Hitler and entered the war. Any foreign Jews residing in Italy have to pack up their homes and are sent to internment camps. These rules do not apply to Devora or her brothers as they were born in Italy. Yet, that’s not to say laws do not affect them as they have been unable to attend school and university for some time. Devora’s long held desire to become a doctor has been curtailed as she can no longer study medicine. She can’t understand why all this is happening to her family. ’It’s as if we are a herd of cattle, branded with different colours because of our worth.'
Devora alongside the family maid Anna Maria cares for her brothers, Arturo and Alfredo, and she is forced to grow up pretty fast. Initially, I couldn’t quite understand how the internment camp seemed to be good from the letters her parents sent her. When you read the word camp you think of Auschwitz or Dachau and the horrific conditions and unimaginable cruelty that occurred there, but things seemed different here. A year later and her parents send word that they feel it is safe for Devora and her siblings to come and live at the camp. To be honest I thought it was madness, that her parents weren’t fully aware of what was going on. That if their children were free they should stay that way. Devora soon feels like she is a bird with clipped wings. She is stifled and curtailed in the camp even though she does begin to help the doctor and gain some experience but all she wants to do is return to her home and see Enrico. Enrico alongside Luigi and Sabrina have been her friends since school but as the times change, loyalties will become tested and it will prove difficult to know who is on what side?
There are various short chapters told from Enrico’s point of view. He enlists in the army and seems to go against everything that Devora and Luigi believe in. So for this reason, I couldn’t understand how Devora was so obsessed and completely in love with him. It was evident to the reader that this wasn’t reciprocated so why did she continue to write letters to him and long for him in the way she did? I feared at one point that she would put Enrico before her family as she just seemed so infatuated with him. He just seemed too big for his boots and someone who could flip at any possible moment. That he wasn’t someone to be trusted. He had his own clear love and even though names weren’t mentioned I had a smug smile on my face when this was revealed much later on in the book because I had gotten it perfectly right and it definitely made Devora look upon Enrico in a different light. Why on earth couldn’t she see what was right before her eyes? That Luigi was the one for her. He was so loyal and devoted and just the perfectly written male character. He was there for Devora and her family every time they fell and he helped bring her back from the brink of awful situations numerous times. But I suppose when you are so caught up with someone, your heart doesn’t always allow you to see the good that is right before you.
Time passes in the camp and Mussolini is deposed. The family believe that good times are on the horizon but Luigi through his resistance work knows that the worst is yet to come. Although the Allies may have reached Italian soil the Germans will retaliate and no Jew will be spared. I thought Luigi really stepped up to the plate when Devora and her family needed it the most. He provided the family with an escape route and I found all the little details surrounding the organisation of this and all the various people that you would have thought were just going about their ordinary business had such important roles to play.
From here on in, there was no let up in different events and your heart is broken at some of the things that occur. Through what some would call fate Devora is separated from her family and my opinion of her really rose when she decides to Join Luigi and the resistance fighters. What follows is an incredible story full of twists and turns and edge of your seat stuff where remarkable bravery is demonstrated in the face of a menacing situation and injustice and hatred are rife. No one is safe But Luigi and Devora will do everything in their power and capabilities to protect people even if it means putting their lives on the line time and time again.
The Girl Who Escaped was an excellent read, a real page turner which showed how when people come together and unite as one it allows the human spirit to conquer evil. Devora goes on such a journey and turns from a flawed and somewhat innocent teenager to a strong, independent, fierce woman full of courage, ambition and loyalty in the face of adversity. She was certainly not the same person that we met in chapter one by the end of the book and despite the awful experiences and the losses she goes through she emerges all the better for it. More wise, caring and considerate and she sees things an awful lot more clearly than she has done before. Angela Petch highlights the importance of solidarity in the face of so much adversity and again I have learned about an aspect of the war that I didn’t know anything about before. Having finished the book, I have a new understanding and deeper appreciation of what went on in Italy during the war and that’s all thanks to the wonderful, fascinating and admirable characters that the author created. This was an accomplished novel which made you connect with the characters and the story being told and it’s as if Angela Petch has really found her groove so to speak with her writing as she said herself in her ends notes- it was a difficult book to write but thankfully she did because I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
I found this to be a deeply satisfying and informative read. It was an eye opener as to the Jews plight in Italy and I found it staggering that over 80% of the Jews in Italy survived thanks to the resistance work of so many and the fact as the author herself said people had a moral conscience. But 80% of the Jewish population in other European countries did not make it. That really does speak volumes for the Italian people.
Devora lives in the city of Urbino in Italy, with her parents and twin brothers. The family are Jewish, her parents having left Germany many years ago but now once again the situation regarding Jews has caught up with them. It’s 1940 and Hitler’s racial laws are in full force and war has been ongoing for some time. Mussolini has sided with Hitler and entered the war. Any foreign Jews residing in Italy have to pack up their homes and are sent to internment camps. These rules do not apply to Devora or her brothers as they were born in Italy. Yet, that’s not to say laws do not affect them as they have been unable to attend school and university for some time. Devora’s long held desire to become a doctor has been curtailed as she can no longer study medicine. She can’t understand why all this is happening to her family. ’It’s as if we are a herd of cattle, branded with different colours because of our worth.'
Devora alongside the family maid Anna Maria cares for her brothers, Arturo and Alfredo, and she is forced to grow up pretty fast. Initially, I couldn’t quite understand how the internment camp seemed to be good from the letters her parents sent her. When you read the word camp you think of Auschwitz or Dachau and the horrific conditions and unimaginable cruelty that occurred there, but things seemed different here. A year later and her parents send word that they feel it is safe for Devora and her siblings to come and live at the camp. To be honest I thought it was madness, that her parents weren’t fully aware of what was going on. That if their children were free they should stay that way. Devora soon feels like she is a bird with clipped wings. She is stifled and curtailed in the camp even though she does begin to help the doctor and gain some experience but all she wants to do is return to her home and see Enrico. Enrico alongside Luigi and Sabrina have been her friends since school but as the times change, loyalties will become tested and it will prove difficult to know who is on what side?
There are various short chapters told from Enrico’s point of view. He enlists in the army and seems to go against everything that Devora and Luigi believe in. So for this reason, I couldn’t understand how Devora was so obsessed and completely in love with him. It was evident to the reader that this wasn’t reciprocated so why did she continue to write letters to him and long for him in the way she did? I feared at one point that she would put Enrico before her family as she just seemed so infatuated with him. He just seemed too big for his boots and someone who could flip at any possible moment. That he wasn’t someone to be trusted. He had his own clear love and even though names weren’t mentioned I had a smug smile on my face when this was revealed much later on in the book because I had gotten it perfectly right and it definitely made Devora look upon Enrico in a different light. Why on earth couldn’t she see what was right before her eyes? That Luigi was the one for her. He was so loyal and devoted and just the perfectly written male character. He was there for Devora and her family every time they fell and he helped bring her back from the brink of awful situations numerous times. But I suppose when you are so caught up with someone, your heart doesn’t always allow you to see the good that is right before you.
Time passes in the camp and Mussolini is deposed. The family believe that good times are on the horizon but Luigi through his resistance work knows that the worst is yet to come. Although the Allies may have reached Italian soil the Germans will retaliate and no Jew will be spared. I thought Luigi really stepped up to the plate when Devora and her family needed it the most. He provided the family with an escape route and I found all the little details surrounding the organisation of this and all the various people that you would have thought were just going about their ordinary business had such important roles to play.
From here on in, there was no let up in different events and your heart is broken at some of the things that occur. Through what some would call fate Devora is separated from her family and my opinion of her really rose when she decides to Join Luigi and the resistance fighters. What follows is an incredible story full of twists and turns and edge of your seat stuff where remarkable bravery is demonstrated in the face of a menacing situation and injustice and hatred are rife. No one is safe But Luigi and Devora will do everything in their power and capabilities to protect people even if it means putting their lives on the line time and time again.
The Girl Who Escaped was an excellent read, a real page turner which showed how when people come together and unite as one it allows the human spirit to conquer evil. Devora goes on such a journey and turns from a flawed and somewhat innocent teenager to a strong, independent, fierce woman full of courage, ambition and loyalty in the face of adversity. She was certainly not the same person that we met in chapter one by the end of the book and despite the awful experiences and the losses she goes through she emerges all the better for it. More wise, caring and considerate and she sees things an awful lot more clearly than she has done before. Angela Petch highlights the importance of solidarity in the face of so much adversity and again I have learned about an aspect of the war that I didn’t know anything about before. Having finished the book, I have a new understanding and deeper appreciation of what went on in Italy during the war and that’s all thanks to the wonderful, fascinating and admirable characters that the author created. This was an accomplished novel which made you connect with the characters and the story being told and it’s as if Angela Petch has really found her groove so to speak with her writing as she said herself in her ends notes- it was a difficult book to write but thankfully she did because I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
April 16, 2023
Wow, what another captivating on-the-edge-of-your-seat story by Angela Petch! The detail in this narrative is stunning. The knowledge from her personal research has added another layer of authenticity. By the end of the story, I certainly felt as if I had walked a mile in the shoes of Devora, an Italian Jew, and others. Her friend, Luigi was a favourite. Devoted, gentle, unselfish and caring. And, Enrico, the other man in her sphere, was cut from quite a different cloth. Self-absorbed and often seeking gratification for himself. And as Devora says, ‘elusive and mysterious as ever.’ Devora’s infatuation with Enrico initially clouds her vision but her feelings for him go through some changes with the passage of time. At one point, trust is challenged with thoughts of possible betrayal. That question mark hangs heavy over her life.
I have to say I admired Devora’s feistiness, her desire to focus on medicine, to contribute to the war with the best talents she had. Her steadfastness and love for her family were also quite heart-warming, even lasting well beyond their differences.
There is little joy for the characters in this novel. With war comes separation from families and premature death. I felt so often the pain and anguish of the Jewish people who were treated badly for their faith. The needless torture and hardship the war imposed on such innocent souls broke my heart and Angela delivered this reality in such a profound way (as she always does). The racial laws meant they were constantly on the move seeking hiding places. Never safe, always filled with fear. The one shining thing in this whole mess was how the kindness of strangers flooded their lives. There were people who took risks to save those who did not deserve to be hunted down like animals by legions of Hitler’s soldiers.
But there are moments of reprieve: places that become special to those needing solace. Devora has an olive tree where she likes to go. The knobbly trunk gives her comfort. Olive trees represent peace. Whether this is why she feels a sense of calm under its branches, I don’t know but it is a nice thought: this symbol of something she and all those caught in the ugly war desired with all their hearts. Ida also speaks of the grove and how her ‘tears have watered’ it: a sentiment echoed by Devora. Together they bury the family’s candlestick (menorah) beneath the tangled roots of an olive tree with Ida saying a prayer for peace. It is a very moving scene, knowing they must move on, leave all they love to flee danger. But will there be any place they will be free? As they move like ‘tall shadows in the eerie light’ Devora feels ‘each step’ is ‘like a long goodbye…’
The story also addresses love: who should expect it? The views of the era are echoed in Anna Maria’s words when Devora asks her if she has ever been in love. ‘Do you think it’s possible for a woman like me to be in love? A woman past her prime, not beautiful, uneducated, with no dowry to her name?’ Devora’s response to her is so true: 'I don’t think any of those are necessary for a woman…to have feelings.' Of course, we learn more about Anna Maria’s past love and what happened, her loss and disappointment.
Besides grief, this story does have moments of hope. Though there will be great loss for many of the characters, maturity brings to light a lasting love in Devora’s life. And possibly the opportunity to forgive. Or not.
I found the ending truly excellent. Like Devora, I whispered, too, ‘I’ll never forget you.’ This deeply moving novel pierced my heart and made me feel the anguish of the victims. I longed as Devora, to wave a magic wand and see these people ‘return to their carefree days before war had shattered their lives.’ … ‘to banish despots and ensure nobody died prematurely in such barbaric ways.’ This novel is a testament to the Jewish people’s suffering and their resilience. And of those who were saved—those who managed to escape. It also brings to light the internment camps in Italy and how they were different from the rest of Europe.
I believe Angela Petch accomplishes her mission to show that ‘goodness exists amidst evil’. For the generosity of spirit rose up once Italy joined the allies in 1943. This, as I mentioned before, is the shining grace of this story. I highly recommend this outstanding novel. The Girl Who Escaped deserves to be remembered. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
I have to say I admired Devora’s feistiness, her desire to focus on medicine, to contribute to the war with the best talents she had. Her steadfastness and love for her family were also quite heart-warming, even lasting well beyond their differences.
There is little joy for the characters in this novel. With war comes separation from families and premature death. I felt so often the pain and anguish of the Jewish people who were treated badly for their faith. The needless torture and hardship the war imposed on such innocent souls broke my heart and Angela delivered this reality in such a profound way (as she always does). The racial laws meant they were constantly on the move seeking hiding places. Never safe, always filled with fear. The one shining thing in this whole mess was how the kindness of strangers flooded their lives. There were people who took risks to save those who did not deserve to be hunted down like animals by legions of Hitler’s soldiers.
But there are moments of reprieve: places that become special to those needing solace. Devora has an olive tree where she likes to go. The knobbly trunk gives her comfort. Olive trees represent peace. Whether this is why she feels a sense of calm under its branches, I don’t know but it is a nice thought: this symbol of something she and all those caught in the ugly war desired with all their hearts. Ida also speaks of the grove and how her ‘tears have watered’ it: a sentiment echoed by Devora. Together they bury the family’s candlestick (menorah) beneath the tangled roots of an olive tree with Ida saying a prayer for peace. It is a very moving scene, knowing they must move on, leave all they love to flee danger. But will there be any place they will be free? As they move like ‘tall shadows in the eerie light’ Devora feels ‘each step’ is ‘like a long goodbye…’
The story also addresses love: who should expect it? The views of the era are echoed in Anna Maria’s words when Devora asks her if she has ever been in love. ‘Do you think it’s possible for a woman like me to be in love? A woman past her prime, not beautiful, uneducated, with no dowry to her name?’ Devora’s response to her is so true: 'I don’t think any of those are necessary for a woman…to have feelings.' Of course, we learn more about Anna Maria’s past love and what happened, her loss and disappointment.
Besides grief, this story does have moments of hope. Though there will be great loss for many of the characters, maturity brings to light a lasting love in Devora’s life. And possibly the opportunity to forgive. Or not.
I found the ending truly excellent. Like Devora, I whispered, too, ‘I’ll never forget you.’ This deeply moving novel pierced my heart and made me feel the anguish of the victims. I longed as Devora, to wave a magic wand and see these people ‘return to their carefree days before war had shattered their lives.’ … ‘to banish despots and ensure nobody died prematurely in such barbaric ways.’ This novel is a testament to the Jewish people’s suffering and their resilience. And of those who were saved—those who managed to escape. It also brings to light the internment camps in Italy and how they were different from the rest of Europe.
I believe Angela Petch accomplishes her mission to show that ‘goodness exists amidst evil’. For the generosity of spirit rose up once Italy joined the allies in 1943. This, as I mentioned before, is the shining grace of this story. I highly recommend this outstanding novel. The Girl Who Escaped deserves to be remembered. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
April 21, 2023
In 1938 a group of four friends take a photo of themselves together and promise to meet up again in 50 years time. In 1988, some of the friends turn up, having not seen each other for years. But it isn't necessarily a joyful reunion. After all, a lot happen during WWII, and it isn't easy to forget, or forgive, even after all this time.
The central character in the story is Devora, an Italian born Jew of German descent who has grown up in Italy. Her friends are Enrico, son of local nobility and the boy that she thinks she loves, Sabrina, who also loves Enrico and Luigi, all round good guy.
Prior to the introduction of racial laws, Devora was a medical student, studying hard to become a doctor. Now, she helps out where she can, but her life is turned upside down when further racial laws are introduced and her parents are interred as foreign Jews. She is left to care for her two younger brothers, who are exempt from the laws, for now. Her life is challenging, but she still looks forward to her occasional meeting with the unworthy Enrico. Well, she doesn't see him as unworthy, but I certainly did.
When Enrico is sent off to fight, he meets a young woman and soon makes it his mission to protect her at all costs, no matter that he must keep her very existence a secret. The thing with Enrico is that he is a somewhat slippery character, and he is always looking out for Enrico first and foremost.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2023...
The central character in the story is Devora, an Italian born Jew of German descent who has grown up in Italy. Her friends are Enrico, son of local nobility and the boy that she thinks she loves, Sabrina, who also loves Enrico and Luigi, all round good guy.
Prior to the introduction of racial laws, Devora was a medical student, studying hard to become a doctor. Now, she helps out where she can, but her life is turned upside down when further racial laws are introduced and her parents are interred as foreign Jews. She is left to care for her two younger brothers, who are exempt from the laws, for now. Her life is challenging, but she still looks forward to her occasional meeting with the unworthy Enrico. Well, she doesn't see him as unworthy, but I certainly did.
When Enrico is sent off to fight, he meets a young woman and soon makes it his mission to protect her at all costs, no matter that he must keep her very existence a secret. The thing with Enrico is that he is a somewhat slippery character, and he is always looking out for Enrico first and foremost.
To read more head to
http://www.theintrepidreader.com/2023...
April 20, 2023
1940-Italy
“Italy is entering the war alongside Germany. Jews are to be arrested and sent to camps. We have to be ready.”
Twenty-year-old Devora and her family must leave their town as fascists enter their city. Devora, her parents and twin brothers are now set in the mountains in an internment camp. One of her childhood friends Lugi offers to help them escape.
Escaping will not be easy and choices are made. As the family tries to escape they are separated. Devora his separated from her family and prays they are survived, but she must move forward with her life. She ends up working with the Italian resistance. Her brace decision to disguise herself as a mid to a German commander gives her a unique opportunity.
Will Devora find her family or are they lost to her forever? Will she be discovered? If you’re a historical fiction, this one is enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley, Angela Petch and Bookouture for this novel due out April 23, 2023.
“Italy is entering the war alongside Germany. Jews are to be arrested and sent to camps. We have to be ready.”
Twenty-year-old Devora and her family must leave their town as fascists enter their city. Devora, her parents and twin brothers are now set in the mountains in an internment camp. One of her childhood friends Lugi offers to help them escape.
Escaping will not be easy and choices are made. As the family tries to escape they are separated. Devora his separated from her family and prays they are survived, but she must move forward with her life. She ends up working with the Italian resistance. Her brace decision to disguise herself as a mid to a German commander gives her a unique opportunity.
Will Devora find her family or are they lost to her forever? Will she be discovered? If you’re a historical fiction, this one is enjoyable.
Thank you NetGalley, Angela Petch and Bookouture for this novel due out April 23, 2023.
April 21, 2023
The Girl Who Escaped
By Angela Petch
Description
Italy, 1940. The girl sobs and rages as her father tells her the terrible news. “Italy is entering the war alongside Germany. Jews are to be arrested and sent to camps. We have to be ready.”
As fascists march across the cobbled piazzas and past the towered buildings of her beloved home city, twenty-year-old Devora’s worst fears come true. Along with her Jewish parents and twin little brothers they are torn away from everything they love and sent to an internment camp huddled in the mountains. Her father promises this war will not last long…
When they are offered a miraculous chance of escape by her childhood friend Luigi, who risks everything to smuggle vital information into the camp, the family clambers under barbed wire and races for the border. But Devora is forced to make a devastating choice between saving a stranger’s life and joining her parents. As shots fire in the moonless night, the family is separated.
Haunted by the question of whether they are dead or alive, all Devora can do for their future is throw herself into helping Luigi in the Italian resistenza in the fight for liberty. But posing as a maid for a German commander to gather secret intelligence, Devora is sure she sees her friend one night, in a Nazi uniform…
Is Devora in more danger than ever? And will her family ever be reunited – or will the war tear them apart?
An absolutely devastating but ultimately uplifting historical novel about how love and hope can get us through the darkest times. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Rhys Bowen and Soraya M. Lane.
MY REVIEW:
Another beautifully written story by Sig Petch. It’s gripping, absorbing and emotive. I feel strongly that this book should come with a health warning “this story may upset you so have a box of tissues handy.” This is a book that you read, then keep thinking about. You cannot even begin to imagine what life was like for the Jews and it’s hard to process the suffering, the hardships, the indignity and the loss suffered by many.
There are many stories about people who saved the Jews from the Nazi atrocities in WWII, many of which are still little known or even unknown. How unbelievable that the authors should discover that her husband’s Italian grandfather was an active partisan during the war and in fact, received a medal for it.
The story begins with a creased and faded black and white photograph dated 1938, of four characters, Devora, Sabrina, Enrico and Luigi.
“It showed four young people, one with a dog at his feet. At aged 18, everything seemed possible. On the back was scribbled ‘see you in fifty years’”
The photograph represents youth, innocence, possibilities, hope and friendship. Of lives and loves yet unknown. Unwittingly, they get caught up in the politics and warfare of the second world war so what they experience is tragedy, danger and detachment from a world they knew.
The writing style of the author is just superb and including true stories in her fictional novels is her unique way of communicating with her readers. She has a duty to give the reader a brutal account. This is history and this is the reality of war and her beautifully crafted characters draw you into the horrors they witness and the life-or-death choices they have to make to survive.
It is still not possible to explain definitively the motives that prompted Mussolini to initiate in the autumn of 1938 a racial policy strongly derivative of the German model. But for Jewish families living in Italy, like Devora, one of the young girls in the photo, life would change forever. It began with ‘ethnic cleansing.’ Mussolini’s Fascist government forbade Jewish children to attend public or private schools, ordered the dismissal of Jews from professorships in all universities and banned Jews from the civil service, the military as well as the banking and insurance industries. In the opening scenes, Devora’s father gives her devastating news. Immediately, the reader feels the heart-wrenching emotion of a family about to be pulled apart.
‘“This morning, my friend in the police department warned me that they are coming to fetch your mother and me. Foreign Jews are to be arrested and sent to internment camps.” Fear gripped Devora. The world about her stopped still.
“I don’t understand. Why are we being sorted like this, as if we are a herd of cattle, branded with different colours because of our worth?” Her tears fell as life as she had known it cracked into tiny shards.
“Where will they take you papa? I can’t bear it.” She crept into his arms sobbing’
Devora’s parents are sent to an internment camp near Arezzo and her university studies to become a doctor are abruptly terminated. Fate alone will determine her destiny. The way that the author peels back the layers of her main characters to reveal the complexity and disparities of human behaviour in extreme circumstances is sublime. She uses the two young men, Luigi and Enrico to show the choices to be made. Fight for the fascist side or join the resistance as a partisan. How can they reconcile their personal conscience with their political conscience and how can we, as readers even begin to think of the consequences of either, that they faced? Luigi’s double life must have been incredibly dangerous as an active and secret member of the partisans, while working for the local council, having to appear to be on the side of the fascists yet all the while, forging documents and identities to help those who were enemies of the state like the Jews. Carefree, privileged Enrico, the hedonist, simply does his duty, no more, no less. There is more to life than thinking about the political implications of Italy losing the war.
‘“With the allies on our doorstep, the Tedeschi or crucci as some call the Germans, will now flood into Italy. I fear we shall see much more bloodshed before life improves,” said Luigi. “Let’s change the subject,” Enrico interrupted. “Viviamo alla giornata! Let’s live for the day. I know a little trattoria in Civitella!”’
Contrastingly the fourth character in the photo is Sabrina a shallow opportunist. She and Devora met in the infants class at school yet their lives as teenagers divide when her friend distances herself from knowing a Jew and looks the other way. I think the dialogue is evidence of the author’s contempt of such ignorance and small-mindedness by creating this one-dimensional character, whose opinions are racist, prejudiced and discriminating.
“Devora, you must not come here. It’s against the law. We are not supposed to frequent with Jews. I don’t know if we can see each other again.” “What are you talking about Sabrina? So much for friendship. Surely you don’t believe in all this rubbish about the Jews?”
“Papa says the reason why Italy is going through such difficulties is because of the Jews, It’s not just about religion, it’s about weakening the Aryan race.” Devora spluttered. “You’re not serious.”
It is hard to choose a passage from the book which captures the descriptive ability of the author. She controls the pace, the mood and the tension so perfectly. She provides panoramic images of both background and foreground such as the Jewish ghetto of Via delle Stallacce where Devora lived with her family, the clandestine and perilous trek of the partisans and scouts leading prisoners of war out of Italy to Switzerland, the medieval walled city of Urbino and the twin towers of the 15th-century Palazzo Ducale. Her descriptions illuminate the emotion and state of mind in both the character and the reader.
‘Luigi looked at his beloved countryside. The contadini (Italian farmers) had been unable to harvest their wheat during the skirmishes. Pink and golden stalks lay crushed where tanks had rolled over the crops. A German semovente, lay twisted, a helmet perched on top of the assault gun, spent shell cases littering the parched grass. A dead cow lay in the hot sun, its stomach bloated, legs in the air. Luigi listened to flies buzzing in the distance, feasting on its rotting flesh. A barn smouldered in the distance, smoke curling into a perfect blue sky, mingling with battle fire in the distance. A perfect sky in an imperfect landscape, Luigi thought ruefully.’
Why I recommend this book
The Girl Who Escaped is an utterly convincing story with four main characters and heart-breaking events which pull you in and carry you along on an emotional rollercoaster. It is a compelling read and thought-provoking read. Essentially, this story is the narrative of the resistance and the incredible bravery and acts of kindness shown by many Italians who risked their lives to save Jews from certain death in Nazi concentration camps. However, an Angela Petch novel would be incomplete without love, sensitivity, tenderness and passion. The love between Devora’s mother and father. Devora’s teenage crush on Enrico. The love of a devoted housekeeper, Anna Maria, the love between friends forged from an act of kindness and an enduring devotion from Luigi.
Not only was the level of research done by the author to create this story so meticulously performed but the atmospheric fictional interpretation of loss, betrayal, courage and fortitude is highly charged with poignancy and sensitivity. This is a past that should not stay buried. The accounts of heroism and bravery of Italian individuals should be heard and honoured. As individual memories of the Holocaust have almost disappeared with the gradual passing away of the survivors and witnesses, the only remains are private artifacts from families which may become public and we have to thank the author and her family for translating such treasures into a cultural account.
What can we take from this story? Certainly, the reader feels uplifted by one girl’s resilience and resolve in the face of such hatred against the Jews. Should Devora let go of any bitterness and forgive? For me, I can empathise with the author who speaks through Devora to validate the phrase ‘Lest We Forget, ’ to remember always the service and sacrifice of people who served in the war.
“If I were to forgive what was done to my family, then it would be like denying what they went through. The perpetrators would have to ask me for forgiveness and I can’t. The Nazi’s were pure evil. I need to hold onto the pain. It’s part of me. If I let go, then I let go of mother, father and my brother, not to mention all the other victims.”
In the author’s note, she tells us that she wrote the book as a kind of homage to the Italians, to their courage and their compassion. Her mission was successful. There are no victors in war, there is death and brutality on both sides but I feel her story provides a legacy of fortitude, strength of character and bravery that I hope continues in our world today.
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." "We are most alive when we are in love."
― Lao Tzu
AUTHOR BIO:
Angela Petch is a USA Today bestselling author and an award-winning writer of fiction and the occasional poem. Every summer she moves to Tuscany for six months where she and her husband own a renovated watermill which they let out. When not exploring our unspoiled corner of the Apennines, she disappears to her writing desk at the top of our converted stable.
In her Italian handbag or hiking rucksack she always makes sure to store a notebook and pen to jot down ideas.
The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of her family live. When she’s not helping out with grandchildren, she catches up with writer friends.
Author social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angela_maur...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angela_Petch
Website: https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpres...
BOOK BLURB:
Published by Bookcouture
Available on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3UYCi8u
By Angela Petch
Description
Italy, 1940. The girl sobs and rages as her father tells her the terrible news. “Italy is entering the war alongside Germany. Jews are to be arrested and sent to camps. We have to be ready.”
As fascists march across the cobbled piazzas and past the towered buildings of her beloved home city, twenty-year-old Devora’s worst fears come true. Along with her Jewish parents and twin little brothers they are torn away from everything they love and sent to an internment camp huddled in the mountains. Her father promises this war will not last long…
When they are offered a miraculous chance of escape by her childhood friend Luigi, who risks everything to smuggle vital information into the camp, the family clambers under barbed wire and races for the border. But Devora is forced to make a devastating choice between saving a stranger’s life and joining her parents. As shots fire in the moonless night, the family is separated.
Haunted by the question of whether they are dead or alive, all Devora can do for their future is throw herself into helping Luigi in the Italian resistenza in the fight for liberty. But posing as a maid for a German commander to gather secret intelligence, Devora is sure she sees her friend one night, in a Nazi uniform…
Is Devora in more danger than ever? And will her family ever be reunited – or will the war tear them apart?
An absolutely devastating but ultimately uplifting historical novel about how love and hope can get us through the darkest times. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Rhys Bowen and Soraya M. Lane.
MY REVIEW:
Another beautifully written story by Sig Petch. It’s gripping, absorbing and emotive. I feel strongly that this book should come with a health warning “this story may upset you so have a box of tissues handy.” This is a book that you read, then keep thinking about. You cannot even begin to imagine what life was like for the Jews and it’s hard to process the suffering, the hardships, the indignity and the loss suffered by many.
There are many stories about people who saved the Jews from the Nazi atrocities in WWII, many of which are still little known or even unknown. How unbelievable that the authors should discover that her husband’s Italian grandfather was an active partisan during the war and in fact, received a medal for it.
The story begins with a creased and faded black and white photograph dated 1938, of four characters, Devora, Sabrina, Enrico and Luigi.
“It showed four young people, one with a dog at his feet. At aged 18, everything seemed possible. On the back was scribbled ‘see you in fifty years’”
The photograph represents youth, innocence, possibilities, hope and friendship. Of lives and loves yet unknown. Unwittingly, they get caught up in the politics and warfare of the second world war so what they experience is tragedy, danger and detachment from a world they knew.
The writing style of the author is just superb and including true stories in her fictional novels is her unique way of communicating with her readers. She has a duty to give the reader a brutal account. This is history and this is the reality of war and her beautifully crafted characters draw you into the horrors they witness and the life-or-death choices they have to make to survive.
It is still not possible to explain definitively the motives that prompted Mussolini to initiate in the autumn of 1938 a racial policy strongly derivative of the German model. But for Jewish families living in Italy, like Devora, one of the young girls in the photo, life would change forever. It began with ‘ethnic cleansing.’ Mussolini’s Fascist government forbade Jewish children to attend public or private schools, ordered the dismissal of Jews from professorships in all universities and banned Jews from the civil service, the military as well as the banking and insurance industries. In the opening scenes, Devora’s father gives her devastating news. Immediately, the reader feels the heart-wrenching emotion of a family about to be pulled apart.
‘“This morning, my friend in the police department warned me that they are coming to fetch your mother and me. Foreign Jews are to be arrested and sent to internment camps.” Fear gripped Devora. The world about her stopped still.
“I don’t understand. Why are we being sorted like this, as if we are a herd of cattle, branded with different colours because of our worth?” Her tears fell as life as she had known it cracked into tiny shards.
“Where will they take you papa? I can’t bear it.” She crept into his arms sobbing’
Devora’s parents are sent to an internment camp near Arezzo and her university studies to become a doctor are abruptly terminated. Fate alone will determine her destiny. The way that the author peels back the layers of her main characters to reveal the complexity and disparities of human behaviour in extreme circumstances is sublime. She uses the two young men, Luigi and Enrico to show the choices to be made. Fight for the fascist side or join the resistance as a partisan. How can they reconcile their personal conscience with their political conscience and how can we, as readers even begin to think of the consequences of either, that they faced? Luigi’s double life must have been incredibly dangerous as an active and secret member of the partisans, while working for the local council, having to appear to be on the side of the fascists yet all the while, forging documents and identities to help those who were enemies of the state like the Jews. Carefree, privileged Enrico, the hedonist, simply does his duty, no more, no less. There is more to life than thinking about the political implications of Italy losing the war.
‘“With the allies on our doorstep, the Tedeschi or crucci as some call the Germans, will now flood into Italy. I fear we shall see much more bloodshed before life improves,” said Luigi. “Let’s change the subject,” Enrico interrupted. “Viviamo alla giornata! Let’s live for the day. I know a little trattoria in Civitella!”’
Contrastingly the fourth character in the photo is Sabrina a shallow opportunist. She and Devora met in the infants class at school yet their lives as teenagers divide when her friend distances herself from knowing a Jew and looks the other way. I think the dialogue is evidence of the author’s contempt of such ignorance and small-mindedness by creating this one-dimensional character, whose opinions are racist, prejudiced and discriminating.
“Devora, you must not come here. It’s against the law. We are not supposed to frequent with Jews. I don’t know if we can see each other again.” “What are you talking about Sabrina? So much for friendship. Surely you don’t believe in all this rubbish about the Jews?”
“Papa says the reason why Italy is going through such difficulties is because of the Jews, It’s not just about religion, it’s about weakening the Aryan race.” Devora spluttered. “You’re not serious.”
It is hard to choose a passage from the book which captures the descriptive ability of the author. She controls the pace, the mood and the tension so perfectly. She provides panoramic images of both background and foreground such as the Jewish ghetto of Via delle Stallacce where Devora lived with her family, the clandestine and perilous trek of the partisans and scouts leading prisoners of war out of Italy to Switzerland, the medieval walled city of Urbino and the twin towers of the 15th-century Palazzo Ducale. Her descriptions illuminate the emotion and state of mind in both the character and the reader.
‘Luigi looked at his beloved countryside. The contadini (Italian farmers) had been unable to harvest their wheat during the skirmishes. Pink and golden stalks lay crushed where tanks had rolled over the crops. A German semovente, lay twisted, a helmet perched on top of the assault gun, spent shell cases littering the parched grass. A dead cow lay in the hot sun, its stomach bloated, legs in the air. Luigi listened to flies buzzing in the distance, feasting on its rotting flesh. A barn smouldered in the distance, smoke curling into a perfect blue sky, mingling with battle fire in the distance. A perfect sky in an imperfect landscape, Luigi thought ruefully.’
Why I recommend this book
The Girl Who Escaped is an utterly convincing story with four main characters and heart-breaking events which pull you in and carry you along on an emotional rollercoaster. It is a compelling read and thought-provoking read. Essentially, this story is the narrative of the resistance and the incredible bravery and acts of kindness shown by many Italians who risked their lives to save Jews from certain death in Nazi concentration camps. However, an Angela Petch novel would be incomplete without love, sensitivity, tenderness and passion. The love between Devora’s mother and father. Devora’s teenage crush on Enrico. The love of a devoted housekeeper, Anna Maria, the love between friends forged from an act of kindness and an enduring devotion from Luigi.
Not only was the level of research done by the author to create this story so meticulously performed but the atmospheric fictional interpretation of loss, betrayal, courage and fortitude is highly charged with poignancy and sensitivity. This is a past that should not stay buried. The accounts of heroism and bravery of Italian individuals should be heard and honoured. As individual memories of the Holocaust have almost disappeared with the gradual passing away of the survivors and witnesses, the only remains are private artifacts from families which may become public and we have to thank the author and her family for translating such treasures into a cultural account.
What can we take from this story? Certainly, the reader feels uplifted by one girl’s resilience and resolve in the face of such hatred against the Jews. Should Devora let go of any bitterness and forgive? For me, I can empathise with the author who speaks through Devora to validate the phrase ‘Lest We Forget, ’ to remember always the service and sacrifice of people who served in the war.
“If I were to forgive what was done to my family, then it would be like denying what they went through. The perpetrators would have to ask me for forgiveness and I can’t. The Nazi’s were pure evil. I need to hold onto the pain. It’s part of me. If I let go, then I let go of mother, father and my brother, not to mention all the other victims.”
In the author’s note, she tells us that she wrote the book as a kind of homage to the Italians, to their courage and their compassion. Her mission was successful. There are no victors in war, there is death and brutality on both sides but I feel her story provides a legacy of fortitude, strength of character and bravery that I hope continues in our world today.
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." "We are most alive when we are in love."
― Lao Tzu
AUTHOR BIO:
Angela Petch is a USA Today bestselling author and an award-winning writer of fiction and the occasional poem. Every summer she moves to Tuscany for six months where she and her husband own a renovated watermill which they let out. When not exploring our unspoiled corner of the Apennines, she disappears to her writing desk at the top of our converted stable.
In her Italian handbag or hiking rucksack she always makes sure to store a notebook and pen to jot down ideas.
The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of her family live. When she’s not helping out with grandchildren, she catches up with writer friends.
Author social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angela_maur...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angela_Petch
Website: https://angelapetchsblogsite.wordpres...
BOOK BLURB:
Published by Bookcouture
Available on Amazon
https://amzn.to/3UYCi8u
May 1, 2023
This book was very surprising to me. The summary of the book didn’t really capture the book at all in my opinion, but anyways….. I thought this book was absolutely beautiful. I loved the way she captured what people in that time were actually going through. You could literally feel the heartbreak they were feeling. I read a lot of historical fictions and have read a lot about WWII and you don’t really see a lot coming from Italys point of view which I Loved. I was so happy about the ending and was rooting for Luigi the whole time!!! I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future!!
Thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for letting me read the Arc Of this book
Thank you NetGalley, author and publisher for letting me read the Arc Of this book
February 18, 2024
World War Two drama ‘The Girl Who Escaped’ by Angela Petch is a heartbreaking slow-burner that had me reading late at night to finish it.
The story about four friends in the small Italian town of Urbino begins with a Prologue set in 1988. Enrico, waiting for a reunion with his childhood friends, looks at a photograph of them taken fifty years earlier, before the war, on a mountain hike. Young. Carefree. Unsuspecting.
In 1940 in Urbino, 20-year-old medical student Devora Lassa is struggling to accept how her movements, as a Jew, are now limited by law. She is unable to study, is seen as different. Sabrina Merli, who has a long-standing crush on Conte Enrico di Villanova, is jealous at a party when Enrico greets Devora with a kiss on both cheeks. Luigi Michelozzi, a civil servant, watches, quiet and thoughtful.
After the party, Devora’s world is thrown into chaos when her father explains the hard truth. Tomorrow, Italy will enter the war on the side of Germany and the racial laws applying to Jewish people will again be changed. Her parents, who were born in Germany but are Italian citizens, must leave in the morning for an internment camp near Arezzo. Their Jewish neighbours, not Italian citizens, are being deported. As Devora and her two younger twin brothers were born in Italy they are able to stay in the family home in Urbino but now Devora, helped by their maid Anna Maria, must become parents to the boys.
This the story of Devora, whose life within a matter of hours changes out of all recognition. She is the girl who escapes a multitude of times, but in wartime Italy it is difficult to know where is safe, who is trustworthy, strangers who help, friends who change sides, neighbours who spy, Italians who are fascists or ‘partigianos’ (resistance fighters), German soldiers who are fascists and torturers or world-weary soldiers missing their own families. Every decision Devora makes affects not just herself but those closest to her. When Luigi warns her to leave Urbino, the three siblings are reunited with their parents at Villa Oliveto, the internment camp turned into a Jewish community by its inmates, with gardening, theatre, medical treatment. But is anywhere safe?
Devora runs and runs again, and comes to hate herself for not turning and fighting. When she joins the ‘resistenza,’ she needs every ounce of bravery, ingenuity and intelligence to survive. But in Urbino, no-one can predict who will betray you, who wants to help, who is setting a trap. She is a fantastic heroine, we live with her day-by-day as she begins to understand what is happening to her country, as she grows from indignant student to strong fighter. She must learn to move in the shadows, how to act a role, when to keep quiet and when step forwards. Her character development is compelling. Luigi is fascinating too, his job registering births and deaths allows him to falsify records to protect people. We see a little of Enrico, an arrogant, flashy personality who I had no time for, and even less of Sabrina. I needed to know more about Sabrina’s behaviour throughout the war, to understand her experiences. She blows with the wind, supporting whoever she thinks will be of advantage to her, her loyalty is an enigma. Some people fight to survive, others stay quiet and collaborate.
‘The Girl Who Escaped’ portrays the reality of wartime Italy, focussing on one town and the four friends. At times its not an easy read, the plight of ordinary people persecuted for no other reason than their religion is not new but Petch maintains the suspense to the end so we don’t know who betrays who.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
The story about four friends in the small Italian town of Urbino begins with a Prologue set in 1988. Enrico, waiting for a reunion with his childhood friends, looks at a photograph of them taken fifty years earlier, before the war, on a mountain hike. Young. Carefree. Unsuspecting.
In 1940 in Urbino, 20-year-old medical student Devora Lassa is struggling to accept how her movements, as a Jew, are now limited by law. She is unable to study, is seen as different. Sabrina Merli, who has a long-standing crush on Conte Enrico di Villanova, is jealous at a party when Enrico greets Devora with a kiss on both cheeks. Luigi Michelozzi, a civil servant, watches, quiet and thoughtful.
After the party, Devora’s world is thrown into chaos when her father explains the hard truth. Tomorrow, Italy will enter the war on the side of Germany and the racial laws applying to Jewish people will again be changed. Her parents, who were born in Germany but are Italian citizens, must leave in the morning for an internment camp near Arezzo. Their Jewish neighbours, not Italian citizens, are being deported. As Devora and her two younger twin brothers were born in Italy they are able to stay in the family home in Urbino but now Devora, helped by their maid Anna Maria, must become parents to the boys.
This the story of Devora, whose life within a matter of hours changes out of all recognition. She is the girl who escapes a multitude of times, but in wartime Italy it is difficult to know where is safe, who is trustworthy, strangers who help, friends who change sides, neighbours who spy, Italians who are fascists or ‘partigianos’ (resistance fighters), German soldiers who are fascists and torturers or world-weary soldiers missing their own families. Every decision Devora makes affects not just herself but those closest to her. When Luigi warns her to leave Urbino, the three siblings are reunited with their parents at Villa Oliveto, the internment camp turned into a Jewish community by its inmates, with gardening, theatre, medical treatment. But is anywhere safe?
Devora runs and runs again, and comes to hate herself for not turning and fighting. When she joins the ‘resistenza,’ she needs every ounce of bravery, ingenuity and intelligence to survive. But in Urbino, no-one can predict who will betray you, who wants to help, who is setting a trap. She is a fantastic heroine, we live with her day-by-day as she begins to understand what is happening to her country, as she grows from indignant student to strong fighter. She must learn to move in the shadows, how to act a role, when to keep quiet and when step forwards. Her character development is compelling. Luigi is fascinating too, his job registering births and deaths allows him to falsify records to protect people. We see a little of Enrico, an arrogant, flashy personality who I had no time for, and even less of Sabrina. I needed to know more about Sabrina’s behaviour throughout the war, to understand her experiences. She blows with the wind, supporting whoever she thinks will be of advantage to her, her loyalty is an enigma. Some people fight to survive, others stay quiet and collaborate.
‘The Girl Who Escaped’ portrays the reality of wartime Italy, focussing on one town and the four friends. At times its not an easy read, the plight of ordinary people persecuted for no other reason than their religion is not new but Petch maintains the suspense to the end so we don’t know who betrays who.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
April 19, 2023
Devora is the heroine of this novel. Born in Italy to Jewish parents who fled Germany and the horrors of persecution during WW1, she is happily living in Urbino, studying with the ambition to become a doctor, with a group of friends and a teenage crush on the local heart-throb. However, the rise of the fascists and invasion by the Nazis threaten her future and the safety of her parent and twin brothers. Devora must discover new strengths and resources within herself if she is to have the opportunity to grow up and realise her dreams, and she also needs to determine who her true friends are. A spirited and rebellious girl, she must grow up quickly.
I enjoyed getting to know Devora and her journey to adulthood against the background of the War in a setting I was somewhat unfamiliar with: the Italian Resistance and the risks taken in outwitting the enemy as part of the fight for survival. Urbino is a beautiful, hill-top walled city, a world heritage centre in the Marche region of the Appennines which played a significant part in the Renaissance and was the birthplace of the artist Raphael. It looks absolutely beautiful and luckily it was not bombed during the war and remained relatively unscathed. I recommend a quick search to discover more about this beautiful place, but I digress...
This is a moving story of bravery and collaboration against a common enemy, with a satisfying ending.
It is a good read, too. Thanks to Bookouture for the opportunity to enjoy this book.
October 16, 2023
Sometimes I think that when I read the phrase another "Utterly heartbreaking and emotional WW2 historical story" one more time I am going to scream, but I like historical books set in Italy and war stories are very popular at the moment so I decided to read this one as well.
I must say that I quite like the books in this series and I was pleasantly surprised that this one tells the story in quite a chronological order without constant switches to another place and set of protagonists. Makes a nice change from the obligate split time, split person formula for once.
Having said that, I really don't get why the the actual story is sandwiched between an epilogue and an ending that is set in the present day. Somehow it seems today's authors need to stick to this kind of formulae to tell their story.
The story itself is interesting, well written and it is difficult to put down. What made it interesting is how the different characters were split between those who aided the resistance, took a stance somewhere between and the flimsy Sabrina who had no qualms to turn against her friend and become friendly first with the Germans and then change her allegiance to the Americans the moment the Germans were driven out.
What I liked was that there were a couple of interesting side stories as well. I also loved the setting in the lovely town of Urbino.
I read an advance reader copy which was provided to me by Netgalley
I must say that I quite like the books in this series and I was pleasantly surprised that this one tells the story in quite a chronological order without constant switches to another place and set of protagonists. Makes a nice change from the obligate split time, split person formula for once.
Having said that, I really don't get why the the actual story is sandwiched between an epilogue and an ending that is set in the present day. Somehow it seems today's authors need to stick to this kind of formulae to tell their story.
The story itself is interesting, well written and it is difficult to put down. What made it interesting is how the different characters were split between those who aided the resistance, took a stance somewhere between and the flimsy Sabrina who had no qualms to turn against her friend and become friendly first with the Germans and then change her allegiance to the Americans the moment the Germans were driven out.
What I liked was that there were a couple of interesting side stories as well. I also loved the setting in the lovely town of Urbino.
I read an advance reader copy which was provided to me by Netgalley
April 20, 2023
Mesmerizing, I was captivated as I read this. As I was whisked away to Italy, I found the descriptions to be breathtaking as I imagined the beauty all around me.
The unimaginable happens as outspoken Devora and her Jewish parents and brothers are taken and sent to an internment camp hidden away in the mountains.
Trying to reassure her, her father tells her it won't be long.
Another captivating read by this author. Her obvious attention to research leads to the authenticity of her writing. I have read many books on WWII but had little knowledge of Italian Jews during this time period. Devora was not one to sit back when offered help from a childhood friend she will do everything she can to help her family escape.
The book is not a light read but rather deals with the realism we see during a war. Premature death and unwarranted mistreatment and separation of families because of their religious belief are just some of the things present.
Even through times of turmoil we find glimpses of happier times, peace and love.
Devora is a courageous woman who though she goes through many hardships her strength and resilience shines through.
A must read for lovers of historical fiction. This book will not be soon forgotten.
Pub Date 19 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The unimaginable happens as outspoken Devora and her Jewish parents and brothers are taken and sent to an internment camp hidden away in the mountains.
Trying to reassure her, her father tells her it won't be long.
Another captivating read by this author. Her obvious attention to research leads to the authenticity of her writing. I have read many books on WWII but had little knowledge of Italian Jews during this time period. Devora was not one to sit back when offered help from a childhood friend she will do everything she can to help her family escape.
The book is not a light read but rather deals with the realism we see during a war. Premature death and unwarranted mistreatment and separation of families because of their religious belief are just some of the things present.
Even through times of turmoil we find glimpses of happier times, peace and love.
Devora is a courageous woman who though she goes through many hardships her strength and resilience shines through.
A must read for lovers of historical fiction. This book will not be soon forgotten.
Pub Date 19 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 26, 2023
1940, Urbino, Italy.
Young Devora is studying to be a doctor, but her plan is shattered when Mussolini sides with the Germans and declares all Jewish people undesirables. As war breaks out, the German invasion of Italy advances, and the only plan is to get out. With help from her friend Luigi, Devora and her family must embark on a perilous escape to cross the border into Switzerland. Faced with an unexpectedly dire situation, Devora is separated from her family. Devora is desperate to be reunited with her loved ones, and she can no longer remain passive in her hatred for the detestable enemy. Devora bravely becomes a member of the Italian resistance to fight against the evil invading her beloved Italy.
The Girl Who Escaped is exceptionally well-researched with factual historical details. Not only does Angela Petch depict the brutal reality of WWII for those who survived the invasion of their small villages, towns, and hamlets, she weaves a beautiful story based around an actual person—a hero who risked everything for his family, comune and country.
Having parents and family that endured the Tedeschi occupation of Italy, Angela’s books, full of authentic characters, storylines that swell your heart, and rich with historic Tuscany, are near and dear to my heart.
You must read The Girl Who Escaped.
Young Devora is studying to be a doctor, but her plan is shattered when Mussolini sides with the Germans and declares all Jewish people undesirables. As war breaks out, the German invasion of Italy advances, and the only plan is to get out. With help from her friend Luigi, Devora and her family must embark on a perilous escape to cross the border into Switzerland. Faced with an unexpectedly dire situation, Devora is separated from her family. Devora is desperate to be reunited with her loved ones, and she can no longer remain passive in her hatred for the detestable enemy. Devora bravely becomes a member of the Italian resistance to fight against the evil invading her beloved Italy.
The Girl Who Escaped is exceptionally well-researched with factual historical details. Not only does Angela Petch depict the brutal reality of WWII for those who survived the invasion of their small villages, towns, and hamlets, she weaves a beautiful story based around an actual person—a hero who risked everything for his family, comune and country.
Having parents and family that endured the Tedeschi occupation of Italy, Angela’s books, full of authentic characters, storylines that swell your heart, and rich with historic Tuscany, are near and dear to my heart.
You must read The Girl Who Escaped.
June 19, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.
I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author, but this one might be my favourite, Her characters are so well written and heartfelt. In 1938, four friends take a picture together and vow to meet up in 50 years. Flash to 50 years later when only two of the subjects show up in 1988. We then learn the heartbreaking story behind these chaeracters lives. This story is about Devora, an italian jewish girl, starting at the beginning of the WWII. Devora's parents are forced to leave to an internment camp and she and her young brothers are placed in the care of a family friend, Anna Maria. As Devora, who wanted to study medicine, but is no longer allowed to go to school, tries to navigate this new world, not undertstanding the sudden hatred of jews, we are transported into her timeline. It is so easy to feel what Devora was feeling, to imagine her sitting with her olive tree, trying to find peace.
I loved the way this story was written, the author must have invested so much time into research. Cannot wait for this author's next book.
I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author, but this one might be my favourite, Her characters are so well written and heartfelt. In 1938, four friends take a picture together and vow to meet up in 50 years. Flash to 50 years later when only two of the subjects show up in 1988. We then learn the heartbreaking story behind these chaeracters lives. This story is about Devora, an italian jewish girl, starting at the beginning of the WWII. Devora's parents are forced to leave to an internment camp and she and her young brothers are placed in the care of a family friend, Anna Maria. As Devora, who wanted to study medicine, but is no longer allowed to go to school, tries to navigate this new world, not undertstanding the sudden hatred of jews, we are transported into her timeline. It is so easy to feel what Devora was feeling, to imagine her sitting with her olive tree, trying to find peace.
I loved the way this story was written, the author must have invested so much time into research. Cannot wait for this author's next book.
May 7, 2023
To my generation, the Baby Boomers, WW2 was something our parents talked about – recent yet remote. To those who have come after, it’s just as much ancient history as the Armada or Henry VIII’s marital difficulties. What Angela’s book does is to capture vividly, and sometimes horrifically, what life was like for ordinary people under a fascist regime, persecuted for no other reason but their race. The Girl Who Escaped is, at times, not an easy read, but it’s a salutary reminder of what happened and what might, if we are not careful, happen again. But this is a novel, not a history lesson or a political treatise, and as a novel it works well.
The characters have a depth to them: the shallow, vain Enrico has a caring side, albeit well hidden, and not all Germans are monsters. The courage and risk-taking of the partigiani is heart-stopping. The ending is bittersweet: ‘happy’ enough to lift the reader’s spirits, but realistic too. My only quibble is with the title – I wanted to shout ‘spoiler alert!’ Devora is our heroine and, yes, we know she is going to survive, probably, but there’s no need to tell us so: the pleasure is in the suspense.
The characters have a depth to them: the shallow, vain Enrico has a caring side, albeit well hidden, and not all Germans are monsters. The courage and risk-taking of the partigiani is heart-stopping. The ending is bittersweet: ‘happy’ enough to lift the reader’s spirits, but realistic too. My only quibble is with the title – I wanted to shout ‘spoiler alert!’ Devora is our heroine and, yes, we know she is going to survive, probably, but there’s no need to tell us so: the pleasure is in the suspense.
April 19, 2023
'The Girl Who Escaped' is another superb novel by Angela Petch. I was totally engrossed in the story from the first page through to the very satisfying, uplifting conclusion. I was there, in Italy, in WW2, with the characters who are well-rounded and come alive on the page. I particularly warmed to Devora, the novel's strong and brave main character. The beautifully written narrative drew me in, giving insight into her daring and dangerous decisions, her dilemmas, her thoughts, and her emotions. The brutality experienced at the time, especially by members of the Jewish community, was not glossed over but, as a reader, I was trusting that love and hope would eventually triumph over the evils of the occupation. The wonderful story stayed with me long after I'd finished reading it and I have no hesitation in recommending this well-researched novel.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC.
March 31, 2023
I’m not sure I can think of enough superlatives for this book. Absolutely gripping and beautifully written, with such realistically drawn, complex characters whose dilemmas really pulled at my heartstrings. Devora, in particular, was a wonderful, emotionally rich and strong protagonist. The cruelty and injustice of WWII are powerfully depicted, along with its impact on ordinary people of different classes and faiths. This story doesn’t offer any trite answers, but nor does it leave the reader without hope. The setting of the book was superbly crafted, in terms of both time and place. I resented every occasion when I had to stop reading to do other things, as I was so keen to go on devouring the story. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy via Netgalley and Bookouture, in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy via Netgalley and Bookouture, in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2023
Historical fiction with some spice 🌶️
This is my first read by Angela and though I mostly enjoyed it I struggled with there being so many Italian words in the first half of the book that I didn’t understand. I was reading an early electronic version though so maybe the final version or print will include some definitions? There was some unexpected but we’ll written spicy scenes that we don’t typically get in historical fiction. It took me a while to piece how Enrico’s story line would come together with the main plot but the epilogue brought it all together. Aside from there being a lot of words I didn’t quite understand in the beginning the novel was well written and the storyline captivating. I enjoyed the main character Devora and was glad that she did eventually get closure.
Thank you to the Author, Bookouture and Netgalley for the eARC
This is my first read by Angela and though I mostly enjoyed it I struggled with there being so many Italian words in the first half of the book that I didn’t understand. I was reading an early electronic version though so maybe the final version or print will include some definitions? There was some unexpected but we’ll written spicy scenes that we don’t typically get in historical fiction. It took me a while to piece how Enrico’s story line would come together with the main plot but the epilogue brought it all together. Aside from there being a lot of words I didn’t quite understand in the beginning the novel was well written and the storyline captivating. I enjoyed the main character Devora and was glad that she did eventually get closure.
Thank you to the Author, Bookouture and Netgalley for the eARC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2023
I have read most if not all Angela Petch’s books. She writes very well researched gripping historical fiction stories set in Italy during WWII. This latest title is yet another story of love, hope, betrayal, the horrors of war but also how the human spirit can triumph even during horrific times.
The main character Devora is training to be a Dr but as she is of Jewish descent she is no longer allowed access to education. Her family is forced to move from their village home to an internment camp but life isn’t so bad as some other Jewish families have. As time goes on they are forced to move again but the family become separated and Devora must use her wits and skills to survive until she can reunite with them.
This is one of those books you cannot put down till the end and then it will stay with you for days. Highly recommended for historical fiction readers.
The main character Devora is training to be a Dr but as she is of Jewish descent she is no longer allowed access to education. Her family is forced to move from their village home to an internment camp but life isn’t so bad as some other Jewish families have. As time goes on they are forced to move again but the family become separated and Devora must use her wits and skills to survive until she can reunite with them.
This is one of those books you cannot put down till the end and then it will stay with you for days. Highly recommended for historical fiction readers.
May 28, 2023
A riveting story!
The Girl Who Escaped is a truly emotional story about a young Jewish girl in Italy trying to survive during World War II. There is so much in this story about how people react during war, how they either unite to fight back, become friendly with the Nazis, turn on one another or simply strive only to exist as best they can. Dreams are put aside or taken away, those who used to be friends are now considered as questionable in their loyalties. Families are broken up as they are either hauled off to work camps or other more deadly locations or fleeing the enemy and hiding. The Girl Who Escaped, Devora, faces her fears, her losses, her desire to do more, in a world gone deadly. Who can she trust? How can she help? This is an important story to read about the consequences of war, and I highly recommend it.
The Girl Who Escaped is a truly emotional story about a young Jewish girl in Italy trying to survive during World War II. There is so much in this story about how people react during war, how they either unite to fight back, become friendly with the Nazis, turn on one another or simply strive only to exist as best they can. Dreams are put aside or taken away, those who used to be friends are now considered as questionable in their loyalties. Families are broken up as they are either hauled off to work camps or other more deadly locations or fleeing the enemy and hiding. The Girl Who Escaped, Devora, faces her fears, her losses, her desire to do more, in a world gone deadly. Who can she trust? How can she help? This is an important story to read about the consequences of war, and I highly recommend it.
July 30, 2024
A Jewish girl and her family leave Germany to live in Italy. Deborah has dreamed of becoming a Doctor but when war breaks out she finds out who her true friends are. She is no longer able to continue her studies because Mussolini sides with Hitler and Jews are rounded up. Devora has always been attracted to Enrico, her school friend, as too is her best friend Sabrina. Devora's parents are taken away and she is left to care for her young brothers for a while. Whilst trying to flee to Switzerland Devora is separated from her family. She feels an intense need to help Italy to be free from the Nazi's and joins the resistance. When the war is over she realises that her school friend Luigi, a resistance fighter, is a true friend and helps her to raise her brother, her only surviving family member.
December 16, 2024
Angela Petch’s ‘The Girl who Escaped’ is a hymn to the human spirit, love, honour, friendship and liberty, but this meticulously researched historical novel also explores the darker side of human nature. The consequences of Mussolini’s shameful racial laws are clearly depicted through the tribulations of the strong female protagonist Devora.
I devoured this book in three days, gripped by a fascinating tale centred on Urbino in central-northern Italy in the 1930s and 40s. The book is so readable because it is based on reality and the heartbreaking events ring so true that the reader is swept along on the same roller-coaster of emotions as those who lived through the period. The author’s intimate knowledge of Italy contributes strongly to this minor masterpiece, which thoroughly deserves a 5-star rating.
I devoured this book in three days, gripped by a fascinating tale centred on Urbino in central-northern Italy in the 1930s and 40s. The book is so readable because it is based on reality and the heartbreaking events ring so true that the reader is swept along on the same roller-coaster of emotions as those who lived through the period. The author’s intimate knowledge of Italy contributes strongly to this minor masterpiece, which thoroughly deserves a 5-star rating.
June 3, 2023
The Girl Who Escaped tells the emotional story of Devora, a young Jewish woman fighting for survival during the Second World War in Urbino, Italy. Starting as an innocent young woman on a path to becoming a doctor, Devora’s experiences and will to survive against the odds make for a page-turning read, full of emotional highs and devastating lows. Devora’s strength and courage are the driving force throughout the plot. Well-researched and based on elements of truth, the book depicts the horror of war while bringing to life the intensely human connections that come to the fore when all else seems lost. The Girl Who Escaped was a compelling read, with characters whose plight will stay with you long after the final page has been read.
March 30, 2023
Enjoyed it but it wasn't my favorite book by the author. I felt like there was something missing. I also didn't love any of the characters. I couldn't understand how Devora didn't see how much Luigi loved her. It took how many years and her brother pointing it out to her. Then all of a sudden she loves him. Throughout the whole book she pines for Enricho. He never did anything to help her or her family. I'm not sure how Devora managed to survive with all the risks that she took. How didn't anyone recognize her back in her home town? I loved the description of Italy, I felt like I was right there with the Lassa family. I enjoyed the story and writing style.
I definitely recommend the book, especially if you read the previous books about Tuscany. I look forward to reading more books by the author. I loved the cover of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I definitely recommend the book, especially if you read the previous books about Tuscany. I look forward to reading more books by the author. I loved the cover of the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 20, 2023
Historical fiction at it's best! Set in Italy during WWII, this story follows multiple POVS and has a dual timeline- all my favorite elements! Our main protagonist, Devora, shows the resilience and courage of girls and women during this horrific time. We also see what a difference many made in the efforts to sabotage and defeat the Nazis- such courage! I enjoyed the perspective from the setting in Italy and outside of actual internment camps- this was a fresh perspective from many WWII historical fiction books. It is very character driven and the plot moves along at a good pace. I highly recommend this one!
December 4, 2023
I was hooked into Devora’s life, a young Jewish woman, from the outset and had to know what happened to her. Discovering how she adapted to the challenges in WW2 Italy was frightening and inspirational. I also had a soft spot for kind, brave and patient Luigi. Petch has a real talent for breathing life into characters, ensuring you really care about them. This is an original insight into the hidden war fought by ordinary people to protect fellow human beings. Petch shines the light of hope in a dark time, revealing people matter. Devora’s father says, ‘I know the goodness of people here.’ This Girl Who Escaped is also tribute to the humanity of the generous Italian people.
April 12, 2023
Another great book from Angela Petch, set in Le Marche during the Second World War. Based on a true story, it shows the hardships and tragedies of Jewish families living in Urbino under Mussolini's rule.
The author writes a wonderful narrative that pulls you into the story, and she brings you closer to understanding what people went through in those times. The characters come to life and you want to know how it ends for them.
If you love historical fiction set during the Second World War, this is a must read! Recommended.
The author writes a wonderful narrative that pulls you into the story, and she brings you closer to understanding what people went through in those times. The characters come to life and you want to know how it ends for them.
If you love historical fiction set during the Second World War, this is a must read! Recommended.
July 11, 2023
The Girl who only partially Escaped
It is difficult to rate this book. 3.5 would have been my choice, but half stars are not an option. There was a certain degree of interest, but I felt the storyline was too similar to other books I've read. Also, with focus given on the fact that Devora had been betrayed, I was disappointed that the betrayer was not definitively identified. Finally, the death of Anna Maria and the German soldier could have been explained more thoroughly.
It is difficult to rate this book. 3.5 would have been my choice, but half stars are not an option. There was a certain degree of interest, but I felt the storyline was too similar to other books I've read. Also, with focus given on the fact that Devora had been betrayed, I was disappointed that the betrayer was not definitively identified. Finally, the death of Anna Maria and the German soldier could have been explained more thoroughly.
May 18, 2025
Torned review
I found this book difficult to read. Things that didn't seem that important to the story bogged down the read and made it a struggle at times. I found myself skipping over the parts that were, in my opinion unnecessary to the story. I did; however, finish the book. There is a good story there which compelled me to finish the book.
I found this book difficult to read. Things that didn't seem that important to the story bogged down the read and made it a struggle at times. I found myself skipping over the parts that were, in my opinion unnecessary to the story. I did; however, finish the book. There is a good story there which compelled me to finish the book.
September 25, 2023
The girl who escaped:
This book expressed so many emotions,love,pain,determination,happiness,loneliness,strenth,loss bravery,it was captivating.So many suffered,some never returning those that did had the strength to make the best of what they had to survive.
This book expressed so many emotions,love,pain,determination,happiness,loneliness,strenth,loss bravery,it was captivating.So many suffered,some never returning those that did had the strength to make the best of what they had to survive.
November 18, 2023
The Girl Who Escaped
A truly gripping war time story with so much emotion. Throughout the book you are kept wondering about the characters who appear in it and whether some have betrayed their friends. The ending does not disappoint. You will not want to put this one down!
A truly gripping war time story with so much emotion. Throughout the book you are kept wondering about the characters who appear in it and whether some have betrayed their friends. The ending does not disappoint. You will not want to put this one down!
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