Saving Madonna

by Kate Bristow

“We are all saving our country, can’t you see? They might be fighting for our country’s very existence as a free nation. But I am fighting for what comes afterwards. I want to fight to save the madonnas and the concertos and the marble statues and holy relics that are part of our country’s very soul. Who are we, really, if we lose all that?”

Inspired by real events, an unforgettable story of love, courage and sacrifice to save a country's cultural heritage.

In the fall of 1943, the people of northern Italy are trying desperately to survive, caught up in the intense battles between partisans, fascist militia and the occupying Germans. Against this backdrop, based on actual events, SAVING MADONNA tells the story of Elena, a courageous young art curator, and Luca, a farmer trying to keep his family safe, who, together, risk everything to embark on a dangerous mission to help save Italy’s cultural heritage.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Italy

258 pages, Hardcover

Published October 21, 2023

Reviews

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book really made me think! Is trying to save famous, irreplaceable art worth dying for?

Kate Bristow’s book made me struggle with this thought. After learning about an honored hero, who help preserve Italy’s art for future generations, she did an extensive study and wrote this heart wrenching and informative novel.

Elena is the main character and as her family is trying keep their family and village safe from the Nazi’s and the Blackshirts, she is struggling with the urge to serve in her own way; to protect Italy’s famous artworks. It’s hard for some of her family members and neighbors to understand why this would even be important. It’s just art, right? That’s the struggle.

I enjoyed reading about a part of history that I didn’t know much about. The author explains in the afterward that although there is a movie depicting the British and American roles in saving art AFTER the war, there was little telling about the Italians that risked their lives DURING the war and right under the Nazi’s eyes.

It is not for the lighthearted due to sex, violence, rape and murder but it is a gripping tale that needed to be told.

Thank you to BookSirens and Kate Bristow for the advanced readers copy!! I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marija · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written story that took me back in history, about Italian people risking their lives to save art during the II World War. This is fiction, but based on real events, and is well researched. It's a great debut novel that I've finished in almost one sitting because it gripped me from the beginning and I had to see how it will develop and end.
Thank you to BookSirens, NetGalley, and Kate Bristow for the advanced readers' copy

[Lynne Hannmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the last few years there has been an increase in published historical fiction that is set in WWII Italy. Kate Bristow’s debut novel ‘Saving Madonna’ is a welcome addition to the genre for two reasons. First, it is inspired by actual people and events which took place in Le Marche region of northeastern Italy. This novel opens new doors as neither the area nor its history will be well known, if at all, to most readers. Second, the story takes place in the fall and early winter of 1943, a period in which even readers with prior knowledge of the Italian campaign will not likely be familiar with what was happening in a rural, non strategic area of Italy.
To put this in actual historical context, the Allies liberated Sicily in the middle to late summer of that year, Mussolini surrendered and the Allies landed on the mainland in the south in early September. The Germans were firmly in control of Italy, supporters of Mussolini were still active under the delusion that the outcome was not inevitable, and Italian resistance partisans were becoming more active at trying to thwart both the Germans and Mussolini’s blackshirts.
The main storyline is about the collection and safeguarding of items of cultural heritage: such as paintings, sculptures, religious objects and original music scores. both to keep them safe from the ravages of war and from acquisition by the Nazis.
Pasquale Rotondi, an actual historic figure, was the superintendent of the Ducal Palace (art museum) in Urbino. He worked tirelessly from 1940 through 1945 to move and store art within his governmental jurisdiction.
In this novel, Rotondi has hired fictional character Elena Marchetti, a local girl, to serve as curator of the collection being amassed at La Rocca, a fortress located in Sassocorvaro, a village outside of Urbino. Both the Ducal Palace and La Rocca were massive stone structures constructed during the Renaissance which could have withstood attack.
Elena is clearly a young woman far ahead of her time culturally and socially. She pulled me into the story from the start. As the daughter of farmers, it is through her that we are introduced to rural Italy. Work was extremely hard, education limited, and life beyond the confines of the farm consisted of commerce and church services. There was controversy among the locals over whether saving art should be a priority in the midst of just trying to survive. There is no simple answer to that question, except in hindsight it was the right thing to have done.
Ms. Bristow has drawn very realistic characters into a highly relatable story, full of drama, subterfuge, tragedy and heartbreak, all of which made me think well beyond the page.
This is not the only Italian story focused on saving art during the war, but it was certainly new to me and spurred me to read more about Rotondi. I commend the author for being inspired to use his efforts to anchor her novel and strongly recommend the book. I hope she continues to share her passion for Italy and this period in future writings.
Thank you to the author, the publisher Navy Street Press and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an ARC.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review! This is a must read if you love historical fiction (specifically WWII era) and you appreciate just how important art is to human beings & cultures.

What was really incredible about Saving Madonna by Kate Bristow is that she's telling a story that is not often discussed in history classes, about efforts made to save artwork in Italy from Nazis. Through the characters, you definitely understand why they know that there are causes worth risking your life for and maybe one of those causes might just be preserving your cultural history. Art is such an incredible expression of humanity and as such, it has immense value to people. It's so fascinating to think what steps or risks people might have to take to keep that piece of humanity safe. Saving Madonna does well dealing with these questions.

I loved the characters in this story, their love and passion and bravery makes this a such a riveting read! It was a very emotional book for me and that's all the more the case because of how deeply I connected to these characters.

I couldn't put it down! It's well-paced and well-written. You can definitely read it in one evening and you probably will because of how immediately you'll be hooked!

[Kat Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dance with Art and War

In the shadow of the devastating storms of World War II, Kate Bristow’s “Saving Madonna” shines a piercing light on the indomitable spirit of a community bent on preserving the soul of their nation, encapsulated in treasured artworks. Readers follow the young and determined Elena, based on a true historic figure, who, with her community, engages in a dangerous dance of resistance to shield Italy’s precious art from the invading Nazis. Bristow deftly tackles the complex question: is art worth dying for? Elena's journey, intertwined with the raw, captivating, and tragic romance between her and Luca, offers a narrative echoing with the drumbeats of war yet softened by tender, human moments.

Each page is a harmonious blend of the horrors of war and the silent, steadfast beauty of art and familial bonds. The depiction of Italian farm culture, marked by the aromatic and hearty meals of ‘Nonna’s and Mama’s, serves as a sanctuary of normalcy amidst chaos. As Bristow unveils a suspense-filled expedition to ferret countless artifacts to safety, the reader is confronted with a narrative that’s as devastating as it is beautiful, etching the unyielding power of love, art, and humanity into every line. This novel is not just a narrative of survival but a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the profound ties that bind us to the Italian cultural heritage and identity.

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*The Coffee Pot Book Club – Editorial Book Review*

“Pasquale stood up and took a deep breath as if fortifying himself. Elena waited, sensing that something momentous had happened.

“I was at the palace in Carpegna early this morning and the Germans arrived,” Pasquale said. He paused. “They were conducting a search of the premises and found some of our crates.”

Elena Marchetti’s education has opened doors for her to aspire to more than just being a farmer’s wife, like her mother. Working with Pasquale Rotondi, the Superintendent of Arts, felt like a dream come true.

However, these were perilous times, and no artwork, document or relic was secure. To ensure that her country's heritage never falls into Nazi hands, Elena risked everything.

Together with the Vatican's aid, they formulated a strategy to transfer the paintings from their concealed locations to a relatively safer place in Rome. But this mission is fraught with danger. If they were discovered, it would have long-lasting consequences not only for Italy but for all involved.

The clock is ticking against them. Moving the paintings right away is crucial; otherwise, it may very well be too late...

Saving Madonna by Kate Bristow is one of those books that captivates its readers from the very first sentence and then sweeps them away on a journey of historical discovery. Bristow has crafted a riveting and page-turning story, with a sympathetic appreciation of the era and an empathic understanding of the human condition. Amidst its pages, we come across individuals who exhibit bravery in the face of fear and others whose fascist principles have eroded their capacity for empathy. Bristow's book is a page-turner that is so brilliantly tantalizing that it compels the reader to finish it in one sitting. The emotional toll of reading this book can be exhausting, so I recommend keeping a box of tissues nearby due to the boundless brutality of the Nazis on the local population.

The oppressive darkness of living under the German occupational yolk and the threat that comes from within from the fascist militiamen who were still faithful to Mussolini really set the tone for this novel. This is a dangerous time, and even those who live in the country are in just as much danger as those who are living in the cities. Yet, even in the darkest of times, there are still moments of light – an 80th birthday party, the delight in new love. There is also a strong sense of patriotism in this novel. There are young men like Lorenzo and Alessandro who have put down their farm tools and have joined the partisans in the hope to harass, torment and spread fear in the German ranks, and then there are men like Pasquale Rotondi who considers it his absolute duty to hide Italy's valuable artwork and other precious artefacts from the Nazi treasure hunters. But it is Elena and Luca's story that is the most compelling.

Elena works for Pasquale Rotondi and is as passionate as her boss when it comes to hiding the nation's heritage from the Nazis. Although she is not as brave as her brother and his partisan friends, she believes that hiding the paintings and moving them to a safe location is as equally important as disrupting the invaders day-to-day lives. Elena is a character that is an unlikely heroine, and indeed she does not set out to be. She is a woman who is deeply passionate about her work and is willing to risk her life if necessary. I thought Elena’s portrayal was sublime and she certainly drove the narrative of this story forward. Elena was a character that I admired and enjoyed reading about.

Luca works on his father’s farm and, unlike his brother, tries to stay out of trouble as much as he can. As he is of age there is the risk that he could be taken by Mussolini’s fascist militiamen and forced to fight with them, so he is quite a cautious character by nature. Luca was a character that I came to care about deeply and his story is desperately tragic – make sure you have the tissues ready. Through his characterisation, Bristow demonstrates how war can consume and change the lives of ordinary citizens sometimes for the better, more often for the worse.

Pasquale Rotondi is one of the historical characters in this novel Bristow draws upon, through the diary he kept during this time. I thought his character, although fictional to some extent in the telling, really gave this story authenticity.

There are several antagonists in this story. The most notable is the cold and calculating Major Heinrich. Major Heinrich is a character that I absolutely despised. He revels in the power he holds and he puts fear into the hearts of everyone who meets him – including his own men. He believes that fear is the best way to keep control, but what he does not realise is that his actions make the citizens even more determined to thwart him. I thought Major Heinrich's depiction was carefully drawn, he is not a caricature of an evil man, but he is one who enjoys killing and inflicting terror.

The book includes several distressing and harrowing scenes. The devastating consequences of these actions resonate throughout the novel, impacting many of the main characters. Although some parts of this book - such as the scenes involving execution and gang rape - can be difficult to read, I thought the author approached them with sensitivity and care.

The historical detailing in this novel is praiseworthy and is backed by confident research. Bristow's portrait of a nation under occupation is clear and precise. Additionally, she captured the seemingly unbreakable fortitude of its community which makes this book a compelling read. Bristow exhibits a compassionate comprehension of the human experience, depicting both the positive and negative aspects of human nature. Bristow's extensive research on this historical period is quite evident and it certainly shines through in the crystalline prose. There is no doubt that this era has been vividly brought back to life through Bristow's dazzling portrait and historical knowledge of Italy during World War II. Kudos, Ms Bristow. Kudos indeed.

I thought Saving Madonna by Kate Bristow was marvellous from beginning to end. It is a fabulous debut novel from a very talented author.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[Shilo Goodson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book for me is hard to rate because I both want to love and hate it at the same time. I feel like it starts out really slowly. The first half was a little too slow for my liking. Yet, I knew that it would eventually have to take off, and when it took off, the story really took off. There were points when I was really concerned for the characters. I was invested in the story, and I really wanted to know what was going to happen to them.

This is not a book that would be considered a cozy, happy read. There is a little bit of swearing. I'd say one swear word might come on average once every other chapter or every third chapter.

When it comes to sexual content, there were two or three scenes between our two main characters that went a bit farther than I am comfortable reading, but those were short, and readers can easily skip ahead. Toward the end of the book, there is also a character who is raped rather violently. The reader is not taken into the room where the rape is taking place, but you know what's happening. This might be too much for some readers to handle.

When it comes to violence, there are several scenes where characters are shot and killed. This is not described in graphic detail. When it comes to the level of violence, I would put this on the lower end for a World War II book. For me as a reader, the level of violence was not as disturbing as the fact that at times the shooting was abrupt, unexpected, and involved characters who I, as a reader, had bonded with. There are several deaths that readers may find hard to handle. They involve characters that we have come to know throughout the story.

One thing that I really liked about this book was that it tells a story that I was not familiar with. I've seen "Monuments Men," so I knew a bit about saving the artwork, but this is about regular citizens risking it all for the artwork. Plus, I've read a lot about the French Resistance, but I don't know a lot about how people in other countries opposed the Germans within their country.

At the end of the book, the author does talk a bit about her inspiration for the book. I would actually like more information about what was true and what was completely made up by the author. There were a few places where I wondered if the event really took place as part of this story or if the author decided to include it simply as a demonstration of what was happening within German-occupied areas during World War II.

I got a free ARC of this book, and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was overall quite happy having read Saving Madonna. It brings into view an aspect of World War II that probably many people don't think about, namely, saving the cultural heritage of a country during times of war. It is a good story and shows some of the harsh realities of war as inflicted on the people of Italy, as well as the attempts to preserve Italy's cultural heritage in arts, music, literature, etc. It is not always an easy read, and there are not always happy endings to families and relationships, but war provides no guarantees of happy endings, so this book provides a reality check on those aspects.
I would rate the story a 4.5 if that were a choice, but since it isn't, I would give it a 4. I did not care for the sexual encounter described early in the story, it could have been less descriptive or done in a closed-door manner ideally. I also did not care for how the very last chapter of the book jumps forward some forty-plus years, without really providing more of a story of what occurred in the intervening years regarding families, relationships, occupations, and the like.
When one considers what is taking place currently in countries involved in wars, this book shows the importance of preserving those things that make a nation what it is - it is not just the people, but what they carry with them through the ages, from generation to generation - the words, the history, the culture. This is a good book to read.

[Firetruckmama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.

I’m really conflicted about how to review/rate “Saving Madonna” by Kate Bristow. I really liked the summary - saving precious artwork during WWII. I’ve read a few books about the French curators transporting art so reading one about the Italians doing the same rather appealed to me. However, so much of the first part of this book is a love story that overshadowed the art transportation that at times I wondered “when is that going to happen?” The pacing of this book in the beginning was slow, but once the plan for the artwork to be moved takes place, the pace picks up. As another commentator mentioned, there’s a bit of violence (mostly off page). I understood the need for the violence (to bring characters together and to show the absolute horrors of the war) but at times it didn’t sit with me well. I did like the Author’s Note where the inspiration for the book was explained, but I do wish there had been more delving into what was true and fiction. I’m going to rate this book a solid 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 only because I wish there’d been less of a love story and more focus on the art preservation and planning to go with that.

[Connie Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts

Saving Madonna is written by Kate Bristow. This is a beautifully written story about how Italians tried to save their village and their art from the Nazis. I’ve read a lot of really good World War II books recently, but not one that showcases Italian citizens.

This is the story of Luca and Elena. Luca is a farmer that is trying to keep his families crops alive. Elena is an art curator. Elena wants to save treasured artwork from the hands of the Nazis. To do so there is a string of individuals that will need to be trusted and brave to move things around.

The book is well written. The characters are developed well. I loved that it focused on preserving artwork. The author did a great job in writing her scenes so that you feel like you’re there watching it unfold.


Thank you to the author, publisher and Goddess Fish Promotions for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Jane Verco · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written and thought-provoking book. I have long held a fascination and admiration for the lengths taken to preserve the wealth of art treasures from Nazi raids during WWII, but Kate Bristow’s “Saving Madonna” brings to the fore a more personal side than often is shown in both historical fiction and general history. The sacrifices made by so many, and the lengths people went to, for us to today have such a wealth of beauty and artifacts still in existence – we have to stop and think for a moment to try to digest just how much we take for granted today in museums and galleries throughout Europe.

While clearly well researched, “Saving Madonna” is also full of beautiful characters and a gripping storyline which will stay with you for a long time – I certainly couldn’t put the book down. I do hope Ms Bristow has more in store for us in future.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing this is based on a true story only makes this a more powerful and captivating story. Bristow transports you back in time to war torn Italy, but instead of being on the front lines, we get a different but still important tale - one of two very courageous people trying to preserve the cultural history of their country. Elena is an amazing, strong, smart, and determined FMC, and I loved her devotion to the arts, and while I can’t say I’d be willing to put my life on the line to protect precious art, I admire her for doing so. She almost steps off the page she feels so real, and the story woven with her at its center is absolutely captivating. Highly recommend for all historical fiction lovers!

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a WW2 book with a difference; it’s about Italy & her cultural heritage. Is it important enough to die for? Based on a true story it tells the little known story of saving Art during the actual war from under the Nazi Germans’ noses! (The Monuments Men movie depicts the British & American roles in saving art after the war)
Warning- there’s sex, rape, violence & murder, but it’s part of the time & narrative.
The characters’ love, passion & bravery makes this an emotional & gripping read. Well written. Enjoy
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from BookSirens. I am writing a voluntary & honest review

[Madeline Elsinga]

DNF at 53 pages

As someone who loves historical fiction and art/art history, I was really looking forward to this book! Sadly the writing style just didn’t click for me. I was often very bored and didn’t find myself caring about the characters. The beginning of the novel is mostly just a romance, which is fine, but it’s not why I wanted to read this book and I didn’t find it compelling enough to continue (I really wanted to like it but it took too long to get to the saving art portions). Based on all the 4/5 star reviews it could just be a ‘me’ issue

[Angie Annetts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Lady's for Turning...
I normally swerve historical fiction as it can sometimes feel like a long, dreary day in a classroom.
I was therefore doing cartwheels of joy when discovering this amazing debut novel was spoon-feeding me manageable chunks of fascinating history, wrapped up in a succinctly written and well paced story that had me engrossed from the first page until the last. This thought-provoking novel will stay in my mind for a good while yet.
Readable. Accessible. Recommended.
And maybe there's hope for me after all...

[Estefy Debbane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading this story. Set in a location and paying tribute to characters we don’t hear much —about during a period of time we hear tons about— the novel gives you something new to discover in the times of WWII.

The story centers around a fictional character and her passion for art and the love she finds in her childhood friend. The book explores connections and relationships, the things that unite us and bond us together in times of hardship, loss and grief. What keeps us alive and moving forward?

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madonna — the artwork that Italy is so proud of
She works for a man who wants to hide/move all the artwork he has stored. And so the story begins . . . . she works with her family and her boyfriend. Can they move all this without the Germans stealing it?? This is a remarkable story - based on truth!! LOVED IT!!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Blair]

Full disclosure. I'm a friend and former colleague (Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore) of the author, and I do not think I can provide an unbiased review of Kate's book. Thanks for your understanding.

[Mrs P E Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant read

What an amazing awesome book l thoroughly recommend this to anyone and everyone you won’t be disappointed so glad I chose to read it

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving Madonna tells a story about a young woman, Elena who loves art. Her family wants and has always believed that Elena would work on their farm and then later marry a farmer of her own and become a farm wife like her mother but that has never been Elena’s dream.

Saving Madonna takes place during the war with Italy and Germany. Elena risked her life to save Italy’s artwork. Elena helps to move the art to a safe place. Moving the art is very dangerous for everyone involved and even Italy as well.

Their journey is a very dangerous one. But of course, it is war. Saving Madonna is one of those books that will stay with you long after you have read the last page.

Saving Madonna will draw you into its world from the moment you read that first page. It will keep you hanging on wanting to know more and more not able to turn the pages fast enough.

Saving Madonna is a sad and heart-wrenching story that will leave you in tears on more than one occasion so have the tissue standing by. Saving Madonna is also a heartwarming story about Elena and the man, Luca she falls in love with and marries. There are also some very horrific scenes that will break your heart.

I would recommend Saving Madonna to anyone who likes reading books based on real-life events! Grab a copy of Saving Madonna today!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I planned to get started on this new book but I read the whole thing in one sitting. I found it profoundly compelling, from the first page to the last. Although fiction, it's based on real events, real people, and is deeply researched. It's a remarkable debut novel.

Although there is an exciting plot of hiding works of art as well as partisans fighting against the Nazis and Blackshirts, there is a constant debate, is one's life worth sacrificing for the sake of art? There are many beautiful quotes answering this question throughout the book but this is my favorite: "Art is a universal language, a way of expressing our deepest thoughts and beliefs. Art connects us across geographies and demographics. It is a window to the past and a portal to the future. Above all, it gives us beauty in a world that can be very ugly."

Kate Bristow reminds us in the afterword that culture is still being systematically destroyed in places like Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. "The easiest way to erase a people and a sense of self is for the enemy to destroy what makes those people special." This book reminds us that we must be ever-vigilant to preserve our cultural heritage, the soul of who we are. I highly recommend this powerful book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC. All opinions & the review are my own.