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To Find a Mountain
Benedetta Carlesimo is no stranger to hardship. Ever since her mother died, the sixteen-year-old Italian girl has cared for her rambunctious younger siblings without complaint. Then World War II arrives on her doorstep, leaving her face-to-face with the most terrible evil she has ever witnessed.
With the Germans and Americans fighting furiously to control a strategic swath of Italy, Nazi forces seize Benedetta's village, turning her home into a command center--and forcing her beloved father to choose between fleeing or fighting on the front lines.
In the midst of great deprivation, Benedetta struggles to feed both her family and the Nazis, all the while keeping her father's whereabouts secret. Yet her blossoming love for a handsome young Italian man hiding in the mountains brings a sliver of joy to her life. But with the Americans advancing and the Germans growing increasingly desperate and cruel, Benedetta knows that one misstep could bring horrible repercussions...and only an extraordinary act of courage can save her family.
Revised edition: This edition of To Find a Mountain includes editorial revisions.
With the Germans and Americans fighting furiously to control a strategic swath of Italy, Nazi forces seize Benedetta's village, turning her home into a command center--and forcing her beloved father to choose between fleeing or fighting on the front lines.
In the midst of great deprivation, Benedetta struggles to feed both her family and the Nazis, all the while keeping her father's whereabouts secret. Yet her blossoming love for a handsome young Italian man hiding in the mountains brings a sliver of joy to her life. But with the Americans advancing and the Germans growing increasingly desperate and cruel, Benedetta knows that one misstep could bring horrible repercussions...and only an extraordinary act of courage can save her family.
Revised edition: This edition of To Find a Mountain includes editorial revisions.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
March 5, 2017
Incredible story.
This is very personal story of author's Italian grandparents. Year 1944, teenage girl named Benedetta living under German occupied little town called Casalvieri. Her home occupied by the German soldiers, she is cooking and cleaning and taking care of her younger brother and sister. Conditions she is leaving, makes you understand little about the life during the war. Touching but also heart warming story. Thank you Dan Ames, sharing this personal story with your readers.
This is very personal story of author's Italian grandparents. Year 1944, teenage girl named Benedetta living under German occupied little town called Casalvieri. Her home occupied by the German soldiers, she is cooking and cleaning and taking care of her younger brother and sister. Conditions she is leaving, makes you understand little about the life during the war. Touching but also heart warming story. Thank you Dan Ames, sharing this personal story with your readers.
July 30, 2015
This is a splendidly written historical novel, written in form of a first person memoir from the point of view of a teenage girl. The setting is Italy in 1944-45, when Germany occupied Italy and the Americans came to throw them out. The action is set near Mont Cassino. The story never drags and kept my attention throughout, after which I re-read the prologue, which I found very moving.
An observation ... all references are to Germans, not Nazis. I am coming more to that view in writing my own novel on the period in Germany and Poland during the late 1920s and early 1930s. It is too easy, I think, for Germans to pass off the blame on a subgroup called Nazis when all Germans share that responsibility, except for the very few who actually tried to resist.
An observation ... all references are to Germans, not Nazis. I am coming more to that view in writing my own novel on the period in Germany and Poland during the late 1920s and early 1930s. It is too easy, I think, for Germans to pass off the blame on a subgroup called Nazis when all Germans share that responsibility, except for the very few who actually tried to resist.
December 7, 2011
A good book for me is one that keeps my interest and compels me to continue turning the page when I should be out mowing the lawn. A great book, however, surpasses that to the point where I'm sneaking a chapter or two while trying to look busy at work. But, there is one more tier of books that does all of this, yet still raises the bar even further. These books are the ones that actually affect you. Stay with you long after you've put them up on the shelf alongside countless books you know you've read but can't even remember the plot. Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra...Dark Places by Gillian Flynn...Night by Elie Wiesel. One more book I will be adding to that exclusive list is To Find A Mountain by Dani Amore.
Basically, at the threat of sounding cliche, TFAM has heart. A whole lot of it. And it sucked me in and made reading this book personal. I didn't just like Benedetta, with her charm, strength and spirit. I cared about her. Wanted to protect her. The German soldiers didn't just irritate or annoy me. I hated them. I wanted to kick their asses. The father, with his reserved strength and integrity, is someone I felt a kinship with as a father myself, understanding why he made certain decisions. Everyone in this book causes you to feel something, on some level.
The only bad thing about all this, is that being sucked in so personally to a story like this, it's bound to leave one with unanswered questions and a strong desire to know more. But, that's what makes books like this one so good. They affect you. You remember them. And that gives them life. They will live in your memory forever.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Basically, at the threat of sounding cliche, TFAM has heart. A whole lot of it. And it sucked me in and made reading this book personal. I didn't just like Benedetta, with her charm, strength and spirit. I cared about her. Wanted to protect her. The German soldiers didn't just irritate or annoy me. I hated them. I wanted to kick their asses. The father, with his reserved strength and integrity, is someone I felt a kinship with as a father myself, understanding why he made certain decisions. Everyone in this book causes you to feel something, on some level.
The only bad thing about all this, is that being sucked in so personally to a story like this, it's bound to leave one with unanswered questions and a strong desire to know more. But, that's what makes books like this one so good. They affect you. You remember them. And that gives them life. They will live in your memory forever.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
May 8, 2015
I cannot understand why this book gets so many 5-star reviews. It was so cliched and trite, it could have been an animated Disney movie about an Italian heroine during WWII. All it was missing was the musical numbers. The romance between the two main characters was poorly developed and difficult to believe, as was the other romance thrown in at the end of the novel. It was a short book, thankfully, and I listened to the whole boring narration, counting down to the end of this predictable story. It's not a good sign when I find myself hoping the main characters hurry up and die so I can move on to a better book. I finished it in its entirety so that I could write my not-so-glowing review, in contrast to the ones that convinced me to start this snore fest.
November 5, 2014
As I sit down and type this review, I struggle to find something to say, to make this a real review. I just want to scream, "I loved this book!" from the top of...well, a mountain--a mountain that I can reach the top of without using one of those horrid sky boxes and that has a real bathroom.
I loved it. I am so glad I finally picked up a "five-star" read. The writing is solid. The setting is realistic, the characters real and likable, as well as relatable. The romance is fast, but considering the situation, it felt perfect too. But this is not a romance book. It's the story of occupied Italy during the war and unlike most WWII occupied-type tales, it's not about rebels or anything like that. It's about plain ole' life. About a girl becoming a woman while her home is under German rule, about seeing the evils of war and becoming stronger for it.
While the Italian men run off to hide in the mountains, the women stay behind and face the Germans down. They cook for them, withstand abuse, possibly rape. They dream. They hide pigs. They keep their husbands' and fathers' whereabouts a secret, take care of their children and siblings, make sure the Germans' presence doesn't harm their children's health.
I loved this heroine. She's not OTT brave, but speaks her mind when it's necessary, stands up for those she loves, cares for others, and yet at the same time, learns to accept help. She finds love in the middle of madness, putting her "beau" in his place too. And the ending...OMG, the ending. LOVED it. That's all I'm going to say about that.
She faces so much, so very much--from the death of a friend to the possible loss of her father to feeding and hiding the pig. And everything that happens shows us a brave side of her, a strong side.
I think I forgot the 411. Benedetta is a motherless Italian girl living with her father when the Italians arrive during WWII, wanting the occupy the area for its height. From the mountains, the Germans can see all coming and going. Eventually, it's just Benedetta, her two siblings, and a helping woman taking care of the Germans staying (not by invitation) under her roof. There's fear, discomfort, secrets, and loss.
Full review and favorite quote: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
I loved it. I am so glad I finally picked up a "five-star" read. The writing is solid. The setting is realistic, the characters real and likable, as well as relatable. The romance is fast, but considering the situation, it felt perfect too. But this is not a romance book. It's the story of occupied Italy during the war and unlike most WWII occupied-type tales, it's not about rebels or anything like that. It's about plain ole' life. About a girl becoming a woman while her home is under German rule, about seeing the evils of war and becoming stronger for it.
While the Italian men run off to hide in the mountains, the women stay behind and face the Germans down. They cook for them, withstand abuse, possibly rape. They dream. They hide pigs. They keep their husbands' and fathers' whereabouts a secret, take care of their children and siblings, make sure the Germans' presence doesn't harm their children's health.
I loved this heroine. She's not OTT brave, but speaks her mind when it's necessary, stands up for those she loves, cares for others, and yet at the same time, learns to accept help. She finds love in the middle of madness, putting her "beau" in his place too. And the ending...OMG, the ending. LOVED it. That's all I'm going to say about that.
She faces so much, so very much--from the death of a friend to the possible loss of her father to feeding and hiding the pig. And everything that happens shows us a brave side of her, a strong side.
I think I forgot the 411. Benedetta is a motherless Italian girl living with her father when the Italians arrive during WWII, wanting the occupy the area for its height. From the mountains, the Germans can see all coming and going. Eventually, it's just Benedetta, her two siblings, and a helping woman taking care of the Germans staying (not by invitation) under her roof. There's fear, discomfort, secrets, and loss.
Full review and favorite quote: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2014/...
June 12, 2014
The story is set in WWII Italy during the WWII in a small town on the slopes of Monte Casino. A young girl named Benedtta lives with her father and youngrr brother and sister. The Germans march into town, her father is sent to help at the front and Benedetta is forced to accept German officers into the home and cook and clean for them.
It's a story of endurance in the face of atrocities and I found it very interesting. However, it was written very simply, as if for children but I think it was intended for an adult audience. Wish someone could clarify.
It's a story of endurance in the face of atrocities and I found it very interesting. However, it was written very simply, as if for children but I think it was intended for an adult audience. Wish someone could clarify.
June 10, 2015
Although for the most part, I enjoyed this novel, it fell a little short for me and lacked true emotion. Having read and enjoyed many novels surrounding this time period in history, I must admit that the depth of this narrative is sparse (especially having recently read Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, which was exceptional). However, I did appreciate the Italian POV regarding the German occupation. Sadly, I didn't connect with any of the characters, and had a hard time with the romance in this novel as it formed too quickly, and was, therefore, not very believable.
Personally, I felt that the story would have been more well-rounded had the author delved into Benedetta's adulthood after the war, since she begins the story as an older lady. The end of the novel felt a bit abrupt.
Also, there have been some readers that have touted this as a decent read for Junior High, and I respectfully disagree. The level of violence and instance of rape make it much more appropriate for older highschool level and beyond, in my humble opinion.
Personally, I felt that the story would have been more well-rounded had the author delved into Benedetta's adulthood after the war, since she begins the story as an older lady. The end of the novel felt a bit abrupt.
Also, there have been some readers that have touted this as a decent read for Junior High, and I respectfully disagree. The level of violence and instance of rape make it much more appropriate for older highschool level and beyond, in my humble opinion.
February 4, 2012
Wow, what a story and its based on true events! It had me in tears a couple of times. Dani does a wonderful job of pulling you in to the story and you don't want to put the book down once you get there. Its based on an old lady's story about WWII when the German's invaded her town in Italy when she was a teen growing up. Dani makes you feel the horror, terror, anger and yes even love when the German's move in and take over. This story will stay in your thoughts for a long time afterwards.
April 24, 2014
This is the story of a teenaged girl who must be both mother and father to her 2 younger siblings when her mother dies and her father disappears during WWII. It is set in a small mountain village in central Italy. Her family home has also been chosen by the Germans to serve as their headquarters in the town so she must cook and serve as their hostess. She is faced with decisions that even adults would have trouble making but she shows a wisdom beyond her years.
May 17, 2015
Great Drama
Story of love and perseverance. Loved how a lot of the story takes place around the Italian kitchen. Sad and at times violent but in the end love survives.
Story of love and perseverance. Loved how a lot of the story takes place around the Italian kitchen. Sad and at times violent but in the end love survives.
July 30, 2024
This was fine I guess, but it lacked depth and we never got to sit with the characters; it was just on to the next chapter and event. The story was interesting, but predictable. It would have been a lot better if it was longer so the characters and story could have been fleshed out more.
Read
April 18, 2017There needs to be a series; a continuation.
May 27, 2015
A beautifully written story about war torn Italy in 1943. Nazi's have arrived in Benedetta's village and her home. She is a young but very mature 16 year old girl who takes care of her younger brother and sister since her mother's death. Since the arrival of the Nazi's she is not sure if her father is dead or hiding in the mountains from them. She meets and begins corresponding with a young man who is hiding in the mountains and they begin to have feelings for one another. This is a look into a desperate and very hard time for many in Europe who had to deal with Nazi's and their evil. But this is also a look into a young girls life and how she struggles not to give up and to try to make the best of each situation for herself and for her family. My only complaint is that the ending felt rushed. I wish it were a longer story! A great read!!!
May 20, 2016
I hesitate to describe a book that features the atrocities of war as "gentle", but despite some of the subject matter that was my overall impression of To Find a Mountain. Set in a small Italian village under German occupation in the Second World War, the story revolves around a young woman whose life is deeply affected on several different levels by this intrusion. Everything is handled skilfully and delicately by Amore, and the reader is left with a very readable and enjoyable, if gentle, tale.
June 26, 2017
A poorly executed version of "The Nightingale", which I would rather have read a second time than read this once. The story felt rushed and the characters poorly developed, and the book never concluded the "reflect back" chapter that started it. Don't waste your time.
November 25, 2019
I love this book! Historical fiction mixed with romance and adventure. There isn't anything better. Amore really captures the times of WW2 in this book along with the tragic love story of a young couple. The ending will have you in tears. Must read!
April 25, 2012
Wonderful quick read about a young Italian woman trying to survive the perils of war as her home is taken over by German soldiers.
December 19, 2015
Enjoyable reading.
This novel gave me a better understanding of how war impacted these small villages. Exciting reading. I couldn't put it down
This novel gave me a better understanding of how war impacted these small villages. Exciting reading. I couldn't put it down
December 16, 2021
A DIFFERENT LOOK FROM DAN AMES
If you’re like me, you know Dan Ames writings about flawed action heroes like Jack Reacher, John Rock, Wayne Carver, et. al.
“To Find A Mountain” is definitely out of Mr. Ames’ style, but he manages to pull it off admirably.
The story is about an Italian Family in Italy after Italy surrendered to the allies and the German Army became the Occupiers Of Italy.
The story centers around Fourteen-year-old Bernedetta - Benny to her family & friends - who is responsible for her two younger siblings after their father has been sent to help the Nazis defeat the Allies.
Told through Benny’s eyes, it’s a fast-paced story about the horrors of war on a conquered country that had been allies of Germany before Mussolini was overthrown and surrender to the Allies. The fighting around Monte Casino and the attempt to drive drive the Nazis out of Italy was, at best, costly in terms of lives lost and wounded in action G.I.s.
An amazing read chronicaling an amazing young woman . I highly recommend this book.
If you’re like me, you know Dan Ames writings about flawed action heroes like Jack Reacher, John Rock, Wayne Carver, et. al.
“To Find A Mountain” is definitely out of Mr. Ames’ style, but he manages to pull it off admirably.
The story is about an Italian Family in Italy after Italy surrendered to the allies and the German Army became the Occupiers Of Italy.
The story centers around Fourteen-year-old Bernedetta - Benny to her family & friends - who is responsible for her two younger siblings after their father has been sent to help the Nazis defeat the Allies.
Told through Benny’s eyes, it’s a fast-paced story about the horrors of war on a conquered country that had been allies of Germany before Mussolini was overthrown and surrender to the Allies. The fighting around Monte Casino and the attempt to drive drive the Nazis out of Italy was, at best, costly in terms of lives lost and wounded in action G.I.s.
An amazing read chronicaling an amazing young woman . I highly recommend this book.
January 28, 2019
This is a good book of an Italian village in the time of war (WW11). It has all the components of a war story, love, loss, tragedy, starvation, but its location is on top of a mountain in Italy, giving it a strategic advantage. Benedetta is the heroine of this story. An Italian beauty whose house has been claimed by the Germans. Beauty is not a good thing in wartime.
The book tells of the struggles Benedetta faces, along with a younger brother and sister. Her father gets conscripted into the German Army, then is able to flee to the mountains with other men of other villages. Not every Italian is enamored with Hitler, as Mussolini is!
The ending is typical but I expected there to be more. Maybe a sequel is in order?
The book tells of the struggles Benedetta faces, along with a younger brother and sister. Her father gets conscripted into the German Army, then is able to flee to the mountains with other men of other villages. Not every Italian is enamored with Hitler, as Mussolini is!
The ending is typical but I expected there to be more. Maybe a sequel is in order?
January 25, 2023
First Audiobook!
More stars if this was a genera I enjoyed. I have had this book on my kindle for years, and I believe I chose it (either first reads or prime reading) based solely on the title. I figured since it came with the audio it was a easy way to start my audiobook journey this year.
I enjoyed that it was an Italian perspective of WWII, and one from a female. The main character had a strong sense of self and family, and that allowed her to make smart decisions even in tricky situations. There was always hope that this wouldn't last forever and that was pressed upon her younger siblings and also herself through falling in love.
More stars if this was a genera I enjoyed. I have had this book on my kindle for years, and I believe I chose it (either first reads or prime reading) based solely on the title. I figured since it came with the audio it was a easy way to start my audiobook journey this year.
I enjoyed that it was an Italian perspective of WWII, and one from a female. The main character had a strong sense of self and family, and that allowed her to make smart decisions even in tricky situations. There was always hope that this wouldn't last forever and that was pressed upon her younger siblings and also herself through falling in love.
December 14, 2017
Easy read (in terms of clarity and level of writing), but difficult in terms of the emotions that it often evokes. Raw. Nice use of imagery. At times quite intense, and I often found myself at the edge of my seat as I grew curious on how the story would progress. I felt a connection to the protagonist, and to those that she cares deeply about. Dani Amore did a good balancing the scope of the story between an individual's life/experiences and the historical context in which she must navigate and survive.
January 16, 2018
Skillful development of a young female character by an author primarily noted for creating tough, hard-nosed men. Terrific characterization and story telling through a female perspective
What a delight to read one of Dan's books that focuses on a character quite different than his others. He authentically captures the culture of a small Italian town, the kind I have visited several times. Bernadette reliably presents a young girl's life experiences that rapidly propel her into womanhood under extraordinary difficult life experiences.
What a delight to read one of Dan's books that focuses on a character quite different than his others. He authentically captures the culture of a small Italian town, the kind I have visited several times. Bernadette reliably presents a young girl's life experiences that rapidly propel her into womanhood under extraordinary difficult life experiences.
July 14, 2018
This is a story of an Italian family and a small town in 1943. The Germans have occupied Italy, the Americans and British have landed at Anzio and have progressed to Mt. Cassino just south of our protagonist's home in Casalvieri. A group of Germans have moved into our family's home and the story begins there. This is a novel based on true stories. I found it informative and entertaining. If
this genre appeals to you I heartily recommend this one. I decided to read this one because of the great review offered by my Goodreads friend, Lewis. Good call, Lewis.
this genre appeals to you I heartily recommend this one. I decided to read this one because of the great review offered by my Goodreads friend, Lewis. Good call, Lewis.
January 8, 2020
A tale of one family's trials during German occupation of France during WWII. When German soldiers move into a family's home, life becomes difficult for a young girl, her father and two siblings. While this was not a 5 star read, I've read worse. It is a bit of a struggle to form any attachment to any of the characters, particularly the lead, Benedetta. At no point did you feel any real heartfelt compassion for her or her family. Some repetitious writing, characters seem stilted. Nonetheless, I did finish this in a few days. Much better books out there about WWII.
February 1, 2018
This was a book about family, and what it means to sacrifice for them. It is a book about love and how, if it is strong enough you will fight for it. It made me catch my breath a few times in fear that someone was going to get caught in their actions and everything would be blown. Truly a great book - fast read and takes you back to a time where things were a bit different. Makes you fear going back to them again.
October 17, 2020
A story of survival in a small Italian village under the heel of the Nazi regime during World War II. Not many stories about the Nazi allies in this Fascist dictatorship under Mussolini. Most Italian villages would be forced to send their men to the front lines. Men who did not want to fight for the German army and Would instead head into the mountains to escape. This is the story of a family left behind.
November 12, 2016
Good read
I liked that this book was not sold about romance but also had a real plot that was very interesting to read. I personally have a very difficult time finding books I like and this one I loved. I finished it in three days, witch is very fast for me. I would defiantly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.
I liked that this book was not sold about romance but also had a real plot that was very interesting to read. I personally have a very difficult time finding books I like and this one I loved. I finished it in three days, witch is very fast for me. I would defiantly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.
May 30, 2017
What a story!!! Well told...I can imagine that this really happenedust such things actually happened. Well worth the read for history as well as for
I thoroughly enjoyed this read...it kept me up at night, but it kept moving and taught me history I did not know before this...with compassion and truth. Hope many others enjoy it too.
I thoroughly enjoyed this read...it kept me up at night, but it kept moving and taught me history I did not know before this...with compassion and truth. Hope many others enjoy it too.
June 8, 2017
I loved every single moment.
I greatly enjoy stories based on World War 2 because throughout all the pain and suffering, people still found reasons to live and love. This book was amazing because it was set in Italy, and I neglect the fact that other countries were tremendously affected. I really connected with the main character Benedetta.
I greatly enjoy stories based on World War 2 because throughout all the pain and suffering, people still found reasons to live and love. This book was amazing because it was set in Italy, and I neglect the fact that other countries were tremendously affected. I really connected with the main character Benedetta.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews