Blood Relatives

by Helen Spring

'Sometimes it takes life experiences in order for us to understand what is our true place in the world.' It is 1943, and World War Two rages throughout Europe. In Italy, a young American Victoria Sullivan, has adopted her dual Italian nationality in order to survive the German occupation. As the Allied armies advance towards Rome, she becomes involved in assisting her step-brother James and his handsome friend Guy to invade the German Northern HQ with disastrous results. As she hides out in the mountains above Rome, Victoria is unsure where she really belongs, and where her true allegiance lies. Is it here? Her Italian blood relatives certainly think so, but when the chance comes her heart draws her back to New York,and her beloved adoptive parents. Does the blood that courses through our veins decide who we are? Or are the bonds of parental love and upbringing more influential? Is there a moral truth to be found in this dilemma? These questions are at the heart of this tale of Victoria's journey to maturity, and Helen Spring weaves an irresistible mix of wartime adventure and social history with integrity and tenderness.

240 pages, Paperback

First published June 13, 2013

Reviews

[Allyson Abbott]

Another great book by Helen Spring. If you have read The Chainmakers, then this book is a must. It jumps forward 20 years or so and the baby, that they were asked to look after at the end of The Chainmakers, is none in war torn Italy, and although a proud owner of a large villa, is forced by the invading force to live in a tiny cottage.
Helen Spring always manages to captivate her readers by detailed knowledge of the geographical location in which she bases her tales, and this is no different. She brings the Italian countryside to life, as well as making sure you appreciate the devastation that caused there during its occupation.
A good tale of a strong minded woman who stands up for herself. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romanced entwined with a realistic story. But read Chainmakers first!

[Tina Tamman]

This is a very satisfying story that focuses on the rear of WWII - Italy in 1944, to be precise. If you are in resistance or try to help, you may never know whether you really made a contribution or what it actually amounted to. And you may be cut up about the death of a friend who may have survived if you had done something differently. I loved this aspect of the book: the story of unsung heroes.
It is not great literature, however. The layout defects are minor and not really worth a mention, but the love story is clumsy and the ending in particular is awkward.