Daughter of Genoa

by Kat Devereaux

The author of Escape to Florence returns with a thrilling adventure set in the war-torn 1940s and inspired by true events, about a young woman who risks everything to help Jewish Italians flee the fascists, and falls in love with the brave aviator behind a daring secret rescue operation.

Anna's family fled to America years ago, to escape the Fascist regime, but Anna had stayed behind. Alone and terrified of discovery, Anna meets Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest who takes her to shopkeepers Bernardo and Silvia, an older couple who offer shelter and safety without question. But when Anna discovers that this kind, quiet couple is part of a network of ordinary people daring to help Father Vittorio smuggle Jewish citizens, stripped of their status and rights, out of Italy, she is determined to help.

Anna offers skills essential to the cause: she has a deft hand at ledgers and forgery, talents she learned at the high-powered job she held before the Racial Laws were passed—a past she conceals. Working in secrecy, not knowing others’ real names or sharing her own, Anna begins producing fake identity cards and soon meets another member of the operation: a man known as Mr. X., whom she recognizes instantly as the wealthy aviator Massimo Teglio. And suddenly, without warning—despite the threat of imprisonment, torture, and death—Anna finds herself taking the most dangerous of risk of all: falling in love. And she's not the only one.

Based on the true story of the DELASEM—the Delegation for the Assistance of Jewish Emigrants, an organization of brave volunteers working tirelessly to save innocent lives from the concentration camps—Daughter of Genoa is a poignant look at those who loved and lost yet continued to risk everything to create a better world.

Genres: Historical Fiction, World War II, Italy, Historical, Fiction, Adult Fiction, War

272 pages, Paperback

Published December 9, 2025

About the author

Kat Devereaux was born near Edinburgh, and has lived in the United States, Russia, France, Chile, Germany, and Italy. She now lives in the beautiful Czech city of Prague. She is a historian by training and an enthusiast by nature.

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genoa, 1944: Widowed and completely alone, Anna Pastorino has been trying to keep a low profile since the Germans invaded Italy in her tiny flat near the harbour, her parents and brother escaped to America and one night she loses everything in a bombing raid.

A Jesuit priest Father Vittoria notices her despair and offers to help, she has no choice but to accept, he takes her to a safe house above a printer's shop in a quiet street near via Assarotti. Here she meets Bernardo and Silvia, they share with her their home with her and pet cat and she becomes a member of a secret forgery team run by Massimo Teglio, “The Scarlet Pimpernel” or Mr. X and it has links to Father Francesco Repetto.

Anna or Matta has a sense of purpose, a circle of friends, and every Jewish person like herself they help is a victory against the Germans, prejudice and injustice. However, Anna and Father Vittoria have secrets that could endanger everyone, Genoa is full of dangerous and desperate people, who would report anyone suspicious and “The Scarlet Pimpernel” has a price on his head.

I received a copy of Daughter of Genoa by Kat Devereaux from Aria & Aries and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The characters in this narrative are amazing, brave, compelling and selfless.

Based on the actual work and individuals of DELASEM or The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee a network in Genoa, Italy, which provided fake papers and money during the Holocaust, a moving story of friendship, love, bravery, heroism, and how ordinary people did extraordinary things during one of the worst times in modern history and tyranny.

Five stars from me, a perfect blend of genuine and fictional characters and I highly recommend.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genoa, and the Italian city was filled with Germans in the 1940s and Anna - code name Marta - was alone and scared. She'd had the opportunity to flee Italy with her parents when they left for America, but Marta wanted to stay with her husband, Stefano. But when he was killed, she had nowhere to go, no one to help. After an air raid had sent everyone to the basement of the local hospital, Marta was leaving at the all clear, but she was dizzy, lightheaded, and when she collapsed, a Jesuit priest, Father Vittorio, found her and took her to safety. It turned out that Father Vittorio, along with her two hosts - Bernardo & Silvia - plus Mr X, were assisting Jews from the country, hidden behind the church. The operation was the DELASEM - Delegation for the Assistance of Jewish Emigrants - and Marta was determined to help.

As the group stealthily ushered families across the border into Switzerland, Marta, Father Vittorio and Mr X spent their time making papers for those escaping. The Germans suspected, but couldn't find anything out. But of course, danger was around the corner. Would Marta escape persecution? She was a Jew herself. And would anyone else escape? The kind hearted volunteers who saved thousands...

Daughter of Genoa by Kat Devereaux is based on the true story of DELASEM; the courage of those who worked tirelessly against the Germans; the determination of those in the front line, working daily to free more from persecution. The author's notes at the end of the book, with explanation of how this story came about, is poignant and important. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Head of Zeus for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Madeline Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story, The Daughter of Genoa is a moving and inspiring story, revealing the hope, humanity, and quiet heroism of ordinary people in their extraordinary efforts to help others. A powerful journey of heartbreak, love, and bravery, this is a book that will stay with readers for a long time.

[Tatum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughter of Genoa by Kat Devereaux offers a thoughtful look at a lesser known part of WWII as three Italians risk their lives forging papers to help Jewish families escape. Anna’s fear and quiet bravery provide the emotional center while Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest, brings a more unusual viewpoint for the genre. The history of DELASEM adds depth and realism. The writing is engaging though at times uneven in perspective shifts and the ending feels a little abrupt. The love triangle was an unexpected touch that added complexity without overshadowing the central story. This was a balanced and compelling read that highlights courage and sacrifice in a dangerous time. Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for this early release in exchange for my review.

[Cheryl Sokoloff]

“Based on a true story, The Daughter of Genoa … reveals the hope, humanity and quiet heroism of ordinary people in their extraordinary efforts to help others.” - Madeline Martin

“A vivid historical portrait of the pivotal yet overlooked struggle to save Italian Jews in WWII.” - Shelly Sanders.

Based on true events. 💔

[✨Ruthie · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 20%

I tried, I really did, but by the end, I just wasn't clicking with the characters at all. The sentences felt clunky and slightly cheesy, and I couldn't help but cringe in some spots. However, I really do love the plot, and the storyline was clearly there. I just struggled to keep reading through the awkward sentences.

Thank you SO much Harper Perennial and Paperbacks, and Netgalley for the eARC!

All thoughts are my own.

[Marie Girulat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and @harperperennial for the #gifted book.

I absolutely loved diving into this historical fiction gem! It beautifully unfolds the true story of DELASEM, the Delegation for the Assistance of Jewish Immigrants, an organization that fought valiantly to rescue innocent lives from the horrors of concentration camps. The way real people and events intertwine within the narrative makes it all the more captivating.

The writing itself pulls you in, allowing you to become emotionally invested in the characters’ journeys. Anna’s evolution from a frightened fugitive to a determined forger is profoundly moving. She's not perfect—flawed, brave, and achingly human. The love story that blossoms between Massimo and Anna is raw and powerful, not to mention the poignant tale of Father Vittorio that adds incredible depth.

I found myself wishing for more when the ending arrived a little too soon for my liking. I craved just a few extra chapters to explore the futures of these remarkable characters.

This story is a stirring exploration of resistance, identity, and the small, brave acts of defiance that can ripple through history. If you have a passion for tales of hidden courage and the bonds of found family, this book will linger in your heart long after you turn the last page.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank to @harperperennial for the complimentary copy of this book. I was gifted the book in exchange for my honest review.

This book is based on the true story of DELASEM -the Delegation for the Assistance of Jewish Emigrants. This organization was founded during WWII for the purpose of saving innocent lives from the Nazi concentration camps. They forged documents, helped people find hiding places, and even helped some escape to safer countries.

📝Synopsis: Anna has found herself alone, a widow with no means of taking care of herself. Italy’s Racial Laws have made it illegal for her to hold a job. Through the kindness of a Red Cross and the help of Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest, she finds safety in the home of Bernard and Silvia.

It is there she offers her skills as a bookkeeper and discovers she has a natural skill in forgery. Anna begins helping Father Vittorio and Mr. X produce false identity cards. As the days pass and the dangers increase Anna finds herself falling in love. This inspiring story shows the hope and bravery of ordinary people willing to risk their very lives to save others.

💬My thoughts:
I find myself hard to please when it comes to WWII fiction. At times the story felt a bit predictable. There was part of the plot I suspected right away that was confirmed later in the book. The book ended very abruptly and left the story feeling unfinished, but the reasons for that make sense once you read the author’s notes. I appreciated the development of the character of Father Vittorio and the inner turmoil he felt over his religious duties and human feelings. I appreciated the research the author put into the story and the workings of the DELASEM and how she highlighted the bravery of ordinary people who risked everything during one of history’s darkest times.

⚠️Content warning:
There are several scenes with kissing and a fade to black scene of two unmarried individuals.

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction set in and around the second world war always draws me in. I have read previous books by Kat Devereaux, so I knew I would be in for a great read.

1944 in Genoa, Anna Pastorino is doing her best to keep surviving in a place where being Jewish is enough to make you a victim. After an air raid her home and everything in it is destroyed, she is helped by a monk. This changes her life in more ways than she could realise.

Kat Devereaux had based this intense and emotional story on real people. This made such an authentic and powerful read. I always appreciate the amount of research that goes into this type of story, and Daughter of Genoa is one such book.

I have read such a lot of books set in this period, but not one that explores the Italian people's war. To read of Anna's journey and the part she plays in helping kept me so engrossed. The characters had enough detail that I was invested to the point that I felt every emotion as the story unfolded.

The time flew so fast as I flipped the pages, and before I knew it, it was bedtime! It was so well written that I just couldn't stop reading! A totally engrossing and important story.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual viewpoint— two actually— of the Second World War and the Holocaust.
Anna is alone and afraid, a young Jewish woman in Italy. Vittorio is a Jesuit priest with a bad cough. His character made this a fascinating read for me. Not many fiction writers write about priests— or positively about priests. “Hero” would be a stretch, but he’s not a villain either— just a human.
Anna and Vittorio share parts of a mission to help Italian Jews avoid being rounded up and sent off to nobody knows where. Secrecy and discretion are vital; whom to trust? What is safe to disclose to the people around them? They rely on other people’s kindness and things start to become undone by someone’s cruelty.
Some of the other characters are fascinating historical figures, and postscripts tell us what became of them. I really appreciated this book for telling the role of Catholic priests in rescuing Jews. The Church was the most successful organization helping Jews across Europe escape the death camps. I enjoyed the realism after being disappointed by other WW2 historical fiction with bizarre errors, like the concentration camp concert featuring a concerto by Mendelssohn, a banned composer under the Third Reich.
I read this as a free ARC on Netgalley.

[ReadThruTheNight · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of history, namely the deportation of Jews from Italy by German forces. It tells the story of three Italians who forge identification papers to rescue Italian Jews. The lives of a young Jewish girl, a Jewish pilot, and a Jesuit priest intersect as they aid DELSAM, an underground network helping Jews flee the Nazi regime.

The writing is engaging and accessible, making it easy to become invested in the characters.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Publishing for providing an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Anna’s home is bombed and fearing being discovered by fascists and nazis, she has to put a little trust in a Jesuit priest and the family he hides her with. While living her new life she becomes a part of the resistance where her past of love and loss meets her determination to help others in hiding. #bookstagram #bookreview #loveyourlibrary #readersgonnaread #pagesandprimrose

[Grandma Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding narration. Fast paced. Well researched. Informative. This story caught my attention and kept it. The author transported me back in time and place. Awesome characters.

I was blessed with an audio ARC. Thank you, NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Zoe Zeid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfectly adequate historical fiction book and a quick read. I enjoyed learning about DELASEM, however, the characters were a bit flat.

[Chrissy Vaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love a good WWII story--but the bar is high after reading emotionally devastating beauties like The Nightingale, All The Light You Cannot See, and We Were the Lucky Ones.

Compared to my reaction to the abovementioned, Daughter of Genoa felt like a solid three-star read for me. I loved learning about the true story of the DELASEM—the Delegation for the Assistance of Jewish Emigrants, an organization of brave volunteers working tirelessly to save innocent lives from the concentration camps--but the matter of fact, rather flat writing prevented me from getting real emotional connection with these characters and the story.

+++
Thanks to Net Galley and Harper for this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book of firsts for me. It's the first and certainly not the last I've read from Devereaux, and it's the first time I've heard of the Italian peoples war.

It's been a while since I've read a good historical fiction that had me totally immersed in the story as much as this one did.

Narrated from the POV of Anna and priest Vittorio the story is powerful, emotive, and absolutely captivating. It's also based on true events which brought it home a whole lot more too.

[Veru · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tuhle knihu jsem mohla přečíst ještě před oficiálním vydáním a říkám vám, že je hrozná.
Vůbec to nedává smysl, všichni tam jen pijí čaj nebo brandy a mluví o knihách. Na to, že je válka, jsou tam všichni v pohodě a nic nedělají a to jak si povídají a o čem mluví, nedává smysl. A už vůbec nic nedává smysl, když uvážíme kdo je hlavní postava a co se kolem děje.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of Genoa by Kat Devereaux.
Thank you to Harper Perennial for my gifted copy.

Kat Devereaux’s Daughter of Genoa is the kind of book that convinces you you’re reading something “important,” which is true, but it also lures you in with enough emotion and tension that you forget you promised yourself an early bedtime. Set in Nazi-occupied Genoa, the story feels like slipping into someone else’s life and immediately worrying about the choices they’re making, even though you can’t do a thing to stop them. Anna Pastorino—widowed, Jewish, and slowly unraveling in her tiny flat by the harbour—has been surviving on scraps of luck and even smaller scraps of hope. That ends when a bomb wipes out her home and pushes her straight into the path of Father Vittorio, who appears with the exact energy of a man who has rescued too many people and aged five years each time.

Anna’s new “temporary refuge” turns out to be the upstairs flat of a printers’ shop that doubles as a forgery workshop for an underground resistance network. One minute she’s barely making it through the day, and the next she’s helping craft false identity papers for Jewish families desperate to escape Italy. It’s all very noble, very dangerous and very stressful—exactly the kind of setup that guarantees you’re about to get attached to everyone involved.

Bernardo and Silvia, who run the shop, feel like the sort of people who make you tea while telling you firmly that you’re staying for dinner. Massimo Teglio, the enigmatic Mr. X, has the charisma of a man who knows he’s charming and tries not to use it irresponsibly but fails anyway. And Father Vittorio’s quiet steadiness brings a different pull, which is how we end up with a love triangle that manages to be tender, complicated and not remotely distracting from the danger swirling around them. Devereaux does something rare: she lets romance heighten the stakes instead of softening them.

The writing captures the claustrophobia of occupied Genoa without drowning the reader in gloom. Devereaux leans into the small details—whispers in hallways, the tightening of shoulders when boots hit the cobblestones outside, the way people choose their words like they’re weighing explosives. And then there’s Anna’s transformation, which is the beating heart of the story. She doesn’t suddenly turn brave; she just keeps choosing action over fear, even on days when she can barely stand. It’s imperfect, messy resilience, which is the only kind that feels real.

One line I keep thinking about: “Courage isn’t loud. Most days, it barely whispers.” It captures the whole spirit of the novel—ordinary people carrying out extraordinary acts, not because they’re fearless, but because someone has to.

If I have one complaint, it’s that the ending arrived sooner than I was emotionally prepared for. After following Anna through bombings, forged papers, dangerous loyalties and an impossible love triangle, I wanted a few more pages to let her future settle. It’s not that the story needed more drama; I just wasn’t ready to close the door on her yet.

But the strength of the book lies in how human it is. The risk, the tenderness, the grief, the fleeting moments of warmth—it all builds into a portrait of resistance that feels both intimate and vast. Devereaux honors the real history of DELASEM with care while giving readers characters who breathe on the page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 stars
A moving, atmospheric and quietly powerful novel that balances fear, love and resilience. Perfect for readers who want historical fiction with depth, heart and a pulse.

#DaughterofGenoa #KatDevereaux #HarperPerennial #HistoricalFiction #WWIIReads #BookReview #ARCReview #Bookstagram #ReadersOfInstagram #WomenInHistory #ResistanceStories #HistoricalRomance

[Emma Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Historians estimate that at least eighty per cent of Italian Jews survived the war.'

Kat Devereaux's author's note explains that this fact was due, in large part, to the persistence and determination of the individuals and groups who committed to rescue Jews trapped in Italy when the Nazis occupied and patrolled it. This hidden history was what made me choose to read 'Daughter of Genoa'; I had never previously heard of DELASEM, the government organisation that became a clandestine movement helping Jews to leave the country, and was intrigued to learn more about the febrile situation.

-- What's it about? --

Genoa, 1944. Anna Pastorino, daughter of a prominent Jewish anti-fascist, lives a small life, hidden away in a flat near the harbour, fearful that every knock at the door could herald discovery by the authorities. When the flat is destroyed by an RAF bomb, Anna must trust a Jesuit priest, Father Vittorio, to deliver her to safety.

Vittorio takes Anna to live with friends of his and Anna quickly realises that Silvia and Barnardo, her hosts, are using their printing shop for dangerous work. Keen to support their efforts, and to spend more time with their collaborator, Mr X, (whom Anna recognises as a celebrity aviator,) and Vittorio, Anna uses her pre-war skills to support their resistance efforts.

Soon, Anna grows closer to Vittorio and Mr X, but when a secret from her past bubbles up, it puts at risk everything she now holds dear...

-- What's it like? --

Full of the kind of drama you would expect from the blurb, but Devereaux's light touch meant I never experienced the events as intensely as I might have anticipated. (I still vividly associate Helen Dunmore's 'The Siege' with raw hunger, starvation and desperation, several years after reading it.)

'It's extraordinary how the most unpleasant things stay with us the longest.'

A short prologue establishes that this story is a deeply personal one for Anna; her hatred for an as yet unidentified Commendatore is clearly stated, though, again, perhaps more acknowledged than felt by the reader. This is an interesting opening choice for a novel which could be read as a wartime romance; clearly Devereaux wishes to create suspense as we wonder what terrible thing this Commendatore has done.

The novel ends abruptly, with good reason, but despite a detailed author's note regarding the historical realities, Anna's story feels a little unfinished. Surely, years later, she would be reflecting on Mr X, or some aspect of her post-war life, rather than simply on her loathing from the Commendatore? That said, the story of her time in Genoa is finished, so perhaps I am just more of a romantic at heart than I realised!

-- Final thoughts --

'Daughter of Genoa' introduced me to an interesting chapter in Genoa's history and I liked Devereaux's clarity about which elements were factual and which were fictitious. The historical background seemed convincing and the plot logical, but I would have liked to feel more intensity in a war time story.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and a spot on the blog tour.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love historical fiction with danger, heart, and a dash of forbidden romance—this one’s about to steal your whole afternoon.

So, let me tell you: the moment I cracked open Daughter of Genoa, I thought I was settling in for a standard historical fiction vibe. You know war, heartbreak, danger. But oh no. Kat Devereaux said, “Buckle up,” and suddenly I was fully transported into the shadowy, pulse-thumping, please don’t get caught streets of 1940s Italy.

From the second Anna stepped onto the page, alone and trying her absolute best not to get herself arrested relatable, I was rooting for her. And then she meets Father Vittorio who’s basically the undercover priest version of I know a guy and before I know it, I’m swept into an underground network of brave, ordinary heroes doing extraordinary things. Shopkeepers, priests, secret forgers honestly, I would’ve lasted two minutes before tripping over my own fear.

The moment Anna starts using her talent for ledgers and forgery, though? Great! That’s when I knew I was about to be extremely invested. Watching her step into her power quietly, dangerously, beautifully felt like witnessing someone rediscover their purpose in the most terrifying circumstances imaginable.

And then there’s Mr. X.
A mysterious aviator with a secret identity?
Sir. Please.

When Anna realizes he’s Massimo Teglio wealthy pilot extraordinaire my romantic reader brain went straight into overdrive. Give me danger, courage, and forbidden wartime love, and I will devour it like a snack. This book absolutely feeds fans of WWII romance, historical suspense, and resistance fiction.

But what really stuck with me is the real history behind the story the courage of DELASEM, the ordinary volunteers risking everything to save Jewish Italians during the fascist regime. The bravery, the heartbreak, the quiet acts of love that helped people survive the darkest era it all hits with emotional weight. Devereaux blends danger, humanity, and true events so well I kept having to pause just to breathe.

By the end, I was left with that perfect mix of heartbreak, admiration, and that tiny spark of hope that whispers: “There were heroes everywhere quiet ones, hidden ones, ones history almost forgot.”

Daughter of Genoa isn’t just a story you read. It’s one you feel. A must-read for fans of WWII historical fiction, brave heroines, and slow-burn wartime romance.

[Bzz Kolla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for this eCopy to review

I didn’t expect a wartime resistance story to feel so intimate and emotionally resonant, but Daughter of Genoa did just that. Kat Devereaux delivers a beautifully layered novel inspired by true events, where love, courage, and quiet defiance bloom in the shadows of fascist Italy.

📖 Plot Summary
Set in Nazi-occupied Genoa during the final years of World War II, the story follows Anna, a young Jewish widow hiding in plain sight. After an air raid destroys her home, she’s rescued by Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest, and taken to a safe house run by the kind-hearted Bernardo and Silvia. There, Anna assumes a new identity and becomes part of a clandestine resistance network helping Jewish citizens escape persecution.

Anna’s secretarial skills honed during her former life make her an invaluable asset. As she begins producing false identity papers, she meets “Mr. X,” the enigmatic Massimo Teglio, a wealthy aviator and the mastermind behind the rescue operation. Amid the danger, a love triangle quietly unfolds between Anna, Massimo, and Father Vittorio, each man representing a different kind of devotion.

The novel is inspired by the real-life DELASEM network, and its emotional core lies in the bravery of ordinary people who risked everything to save others.

💔 What I Loved
Anna’s Voice: Her transformation from fearful fugitive to determined forger is compelling. She’s flawed, brave, and deeply human.

The Setting: Devereaux captures the claustrophobia of occupied Genoa with haunting precision, the fear, the silence, the coded glances. It’s atmospheric without being overwrought.

The Romance: The love triangle is subtle but powerful. It’s not about choosing between men, it’s about choosing who you become in the face of love and loss.

Historical Depth: The inclusion of real figures and events gives the story weight. The afterword adds even more poignancy, tying fiction to fact.

🕊️ Final Thoughts
Daughter of Genoa is a novel about resistance, identity, and the small acts of rebellion that ripple into history. It’s perfect for fans of The Nightingale or The Book Thief. If you’re drawn to stories of hidden courage and found family, this one will stay with you.

[Laryssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A truly exceptional novel inspired by the real-life heroes of the Italian resistance movement. This novel is captivating from the very first page, plunging the reader into the heart of Nazi-occupied Italy in 1944.

Deveraux paints a harrowing picture of life amidst the bombing, fighting, and constant fear, and the tolls this takes on the body and mind. The story centers on Anna Pastorino [Marta], a young Jewish widow who loses her home in an Allied air raid and is forced to accept help from a Jesuit priest, Father Vittorio. This leads her into a clandestine world of the DELASEM organization, a secret network working tirelessly to forge documents and save Jewish lives from concentration camps.

The author's vivid descriptions of the characters, scenes, and hilly Genoa terrain transport the reader to the claustrophobic and dangerous streets of the Italian city. The tension is palpable as Anna, Father Vittorio, and other ordinary citizens risk their lives daily in quiet acts of immense bravery. The author's impeccable research is evident, blending fictional characters with real historical figures like Massimo Teglio, known as the "Scarlet Pimpernel". The dual perspectives of Anna and Father Vittorio add further emotional depth, exploring the moral complexities, internal conflicts, and unexpected love that blossoms amid the devastation.

This is a poignant and deeply moving story of hope, humanity, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tyranny. The Daughter of Genoa is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and stories of quiet courage.

I also would like to express gratitude to the author for a foreword of "Essential Information" the reader should know prior to going into this book. So many times, I'm pausing in the middle of a book to google and research, and this is so very helpful. This is not my first book by Kat Deveraux, and it will certainly not be the last!

Thank you so much Harper Perennial and Netgalley for my complimentary advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Daughter of Genoa is told through dual perspectives—Vittorio and Anna—which is a structure I usually enjoy. Here, though, one perspective is written in first person and the other in close third, and that imbalance felt distracting rather than intentional. I found myself wondering why Vittorio—one of the two main characters and someone based on a real person—was kept at such a narrative distance.

Set in Italy and centered on a clandestine organization, the story sounds like it should be tense and dangerous, but it never really feels that way. I kept waiting for a twist or a moment where the stakes would finally land. While there are a few interesting coincidences, many of them are revealed as stories from the past instead of unfolding in real time, which made the novel feel more like it was being told to me rather than experienced alongside the characters.

One narrative choice that initially intrigued me—but ultimately confused me—was Anna occasionally addressing her former Commandatore directly. It added mystery early on, but because this device disappears for long stretches and then reappears sporadically later in the book, it ended up feeling more convenient than purposeful. Another distracting choice was italicizing dialogue when the characters are speaking English. Since the entire book is written in English, this felt unnecessary; using occasional Italian phrases would have felt far more authentic. (There is some German included, which made the choice feel even stranger.)

I did appreciate the slight bookish theme, but overall there was a flatness to the story. Very little actually happens until the final 10%, when action finally appears—only for the book to end abruptly just as it becomes engaging. After such a slow buildup, that ending felt especially unsatisfying.

Ultimately, this one didn’t work for me. The premise and setting had potential, but the narrative decisions kept me at a distance, and I never fully connected to the story or its stakes.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a lot of WWII historical fiction and it always surprises me when I find a book about something that I never knew about. This book was about the work of the Delegation for the Assistance of Jewish Emigrants that kept innocent people out of the concentration camps in Italy. Volunteers to the group worked tirelessly to do what they could to help people survive and often put their own lives in jeopardy due to the work that they were doing.

Anna was hiding in plain sight in Genoa. She stayed in her apartment and tried not to draw attention to herself when she had to go out. She was Jewish and she was in Genoa by herself. Her husband had been killed and her parents and her brother moved to America. when Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest first sees her, he just knows that she is trying to keep herself safe and when he offers to take her to a safe house, she agrees because she knows how much danger she's really in. At first the older couple offer shelter and safety without question. When she finds out that they work with the priest to smuggle Jewish people out of Italy, she is anxious to help. They find out that Anna is a very talented forger and she begins to help create fake identity cards. She and Father Vittorio put their lives in danger as they hide secrets that may affect the organization but they continue to do what they can to help people escape.

I found this book full of facts and history but thought that there could have been more development of the main characters. The author did extensive research for this book and it's evident throughout. She did an excellent job of using real people along with her fictional characters. I definitely enjoyed the book and learning more about this resistance group that I'd never read about in the past. The world right now shows a lot of cruelty of one group of people toward another so it's always refreshing to read about a group who put their lives in danger to help other people.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨What was the good in setting aside all my justified fears, in choosing to trust these people if they couldn’t bring themselves to trust me? ✨

✨” Your survival alone is a gift. It defies every foul act, every vile intention. Don’t underestimate it, I beg you” ✨

✨A righteous man is a great prize for the evil one. He seeks to attack us at our weakest point✨

✨It’s as if he had only been relieved of one torment only so he can more fully experience another ✨
~
📖Summary:

Anna’s family escaped Fascist Italy for America, but she remained behind, hiding in fear. A Jesuit priest, Father Vittorio, brings her to Bernardo and Silvia, a kind couple quietly aiding a network that smuggles persecuted Jewish citizens out of Italy. When Anna learns of their mission, she joins them, using her secret skills in bookkeeping and forgery to create false identity papers.

Working under aliases, Anna encounters “Mr. X,” whom she recognizes as aviator Massimo Teglio—and despite the deadly risks, they fall in love. Inspired by the real DELASEM resistance network, Daughter of Genoa tells the story of ordinary people who risked everything to save lives during Italy’s darkest years.

🖊️💞My thoughts:

This is a beautifully passionate wartime resistance story, and Kat peels back its layers with incredible skill. The emotional turmoil of the characters is heartbreaking, but Father Vittorio especially moved me—his struggle between his faith and the desires of the flesh is written with such empathy and restraint that it brought me to tears. The story reveals humanity at both its best and its worst, leaving you both heartbroken and heart warmed. This was my first book by this amazing author, and I can’t believe I waited so long—I’ll definitely be reading more of her work.
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Thank you again SO MUCH netgalley and Harper Perennial Paperbacks for this arc, stay blessed everyone!

[Dina Ovando-Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my 1st book by Kat Devereaux and I found it interesting enough that I've browsed her other books.
Daughter of Genoa is based on the true and little known history of the DELASEM—the Delegation for the Assistance of Jewish Emigrants, an organization of brave volunteers who worked despite the personal danger to save innocent lives from the concentration camps.
The main characters are Anna, a young Jewish widow, Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest who is helping as well as the mysterious Mr. X., the wealthy aviator Massimo Teglio and shopkeepers Bernardo and Silvia, an older couple who offer shelter and safety to Anna.
The historical details shine here, well describing the WW II invasion in Italy and the impact to the country and the various citizens. There is suspense, betrayal, romance and interesting points of view from all of them as they contributed to saving others in a variety of ways.
The layers and unveiling of some of the backstories and how they intertwined were well done and had some good plot twists.
The 3.5 star rating was for the intermittent uneven pacing, loss of time lines, some lack of character development and engagement with the story.
There was non graphic content appropriate to war, romance without intimate details and mild language. The author's notes brought some closure to the story, especially for the ending.
Overall, I was engaged a fair amount and learned a lot about how Italy was impacted by WW II and the brave individuals who risked their lives for others.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial Paperback for the privilege of the ARC, it was a pleasure. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Teresa Auch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of Genoa is a heart-rending novel about a young widow unable to escape Mussolini's fascist regime in Genoa. Caught in the throes of war, Anna finds herself alone; her family having fled to America while she stays behind with her husband while I finishes up my schooling, only to find that dream shattered. As a Jew, she must now live in secret and in silence, living from hand to mouth, and learning to trust strangers that happen into her life.

Anna’s path intersects with that of a Jesuit priest, Father Vittorio, who rescues her after an intense air raid. Father Vittorio, along an elderly couple, Silvia and Bernardo, are several members of an underground network who helps to get undesirables out of Italy. The Jesuit priest, recognizing Anna’s talent, education and other assorted skills, enlists her help in creating counterfeit identify cards for Jews trying to escape war-torn Italy, along with the help of another operative, Mr. X. Anna recognizes Mr. X as a well-known wealthy pilot, and they soon become enamored with one another. What ensues is an incredible story of love, loss, cunning and ingenuity, with sacrifices being made by everyone involved.

Although I enjoy reading novels based on WWII and its aftermath. On an emotional level, this book felt especially heavy. Its basis in real events made it deeply moving, portraying both the danger faced by those targeted within the community and the risks that non-Jews took to help others. Considering current global events, this novel’s multiple themes feel particularly relevant, yet I believe that the horrors of war can never be ignored or white-washed. A must-read for everyone.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wonderfully researched and written novel is based on real life heroes in Italy, the Delegation for the Assistance of Jewish Emigrants. These volunteers risked their lives working to save innocent men and women from concentration camps.

Anna is all alone. Her family fled to America, but she stayed behind. A young widow whose home is destroyed in an air raid, she is left with nowhere to turn. Father Vittorio, a Jesuit priest offers to help. He brings her to Bernard and Silvia, local shopkeepers who take her in. She soon discovers that the couple, along with Father Vittorio and a larger network of people are working together to help smuggle Jewish people out of Italy. Anna joins the cause forging essential documents.

With a blend of real and fictional characters, Daughter of Genoa explores the life of Anna and other members of the organization and the daily risks they take to help save innocent lives while tying in a love story. Author Kat Devereaux does a wonderful job creating both a beautiful and terrifying back drop as well as characters that the reader can connect with. I especially loved that it was based on real people and organizations as I always enjoy WWII historical fiction and love when I can walk away with not only a great story but new knowledge that I can then research and build on.

Thank you to Harper Perennial for the gifted copy of this book as well as Harper Audio Adult for the audio copy. I love being able to both read and listen to a book because I walk away with two very memorable experiences. Narrator Carlotta Brentan and the production crew did a very good job of bringing this book to life.

[Marea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells a story of a woman named Anna who had to overcome death, secrets and more in order to survive. It is set in Genoa, Italy in 1944, a time when the Germans still controlled the town and every person, especially if Jewish was at risk. Even though she was given a chance to escape with her parents and brother to the United States, Anna decided to stay to be with her husband. She figured as long as they would be hidden in some way, they would be safe. But risks are not always worth taking as in a short amount of time not only did Anna lose her husband, but she also lost their apartment during an air raid. Father Vittoria, a Jesuit priest offered her help and she gladly took it. Not realizing that it too came with risks. The priest and the safe house owners were part of a forgery team, helping Jews get the paperwork to leave the country. She needed to become a member because she was now more than ever determined to help others. Would she and the others be able to continue their work or were their lives on the line because there was now a chance of being caught.

This book tells a story based on true events about how hundreds of people took the chance to help others flee the continent controlled by a group of people who would stop at nothing to make it theirs. To truly understand and read this book you do need to be in the right mindset because it is not for everyone. There can be times when you don’t want to stop reading and others when you need to put it down and walk away.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinon.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hitler and the invasion of Italy. This time it takes place in Genoa, Italy, and our main character is a woman named Marta who has lost literally… everything. It’s the 1940’s. And everything is falling apart…

A priest finds her and helps to hide her away with a couple who willingly work to harbor Jewish people who are fleeing and/or in danger. This also puts the couple at risk, as they face the same punishment as the Jews if they are found to be helping them.

There are many pieces of the puzzle at play in this one, as we see how the priest, and an entire network of people all work together to help others. And, the fact that this is based on a true story makes it that much more special!

There are also some love interests noted, although one of them seemed far-fetched to me, but that’s just my opinion…

Again, lots of moving parts (and this sometimes mixed me up a bit) but what a sad, crazy, emotional story.

3 1/2 stars for me, rounded up to 4! ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

#DaughterOfGenoa by @KatDevereaux and narrated nicely by @CarlottaBrenton.

**** This one has NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, so keep your eyes 👀 open for it on 12/9/25!! ****

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #HarperAudioAdult and #HarperPerennial for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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