הכפר האיטלקי בין הכרמים

by Amanda Weinberg, אמנדה ויינברג, יעל מועלם (Translator)

במשך דורות, משפחתה של בלה לוי ניהלה את חנות הספרים היחידה בכפר האיטלקי הקטן, מונטריני. בלה היהודיה גדלה בין החנות לבין הכרמים של משפחת גיונה, משפחתו הנוצרית של החבר הכי טוב שלה, ריקו. שני הילדים נולדו באותו יום למשפחות שגרו בשכנות, והיו בלתי נפרדים מאותו יום ואילך.

גם כשיאקופו, אביה האלמן של בלה עוזב את שכונת החקלאים ועובר לגור עם אשתו השנייה בגטו היהודי, בלה נשארת לצד ריקו. אבל כשהשניים מודיעים על רצונם להינשא – יאקופו מתנגד. החדשות המזעזעות מרחבי אירופה מגיעות אפילו עד מונטריני המבודד ופוערות סדק בין משפחת לוי למשפחת גיונה. יאקופו מבין שמשהו גדול ואפל מתרחש.

כשיתומים יהודים מגיעים אל הכפר, אנשי מונטריני ובלה בראשם, עומדים בפני החלטה בלתי אפשרית. החיילים הגרמנים מתקרבים. יהודי הכפר נסים על נפשם, אבל בלה לא מוכנה לעזוב. לא את הילדים, לא את אהוביה ולא את הכפר שלה. היא נשארת מאחור, להילחם.

הכפר האיטלקי בין הכרמים הוא ספר הביכורים של אמנדה ויינברג הבריטית. זהו סיפור בלתי נשכח על אומץ של אנשים רגילים בימים הבלתי רגילים והחשוכים ביותר של מלחמת העולם השנייה.

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

344 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

Reviews

[Carole A · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this in a day but only because l started it, didn’t like it particularly, and had another book waiting in the wings that l really wanted to get onto: if l start a book, l always try to finish it. I found it hard going though: slow, with main characters l really couldn’t warm to, and stilted, unlikely dialogue. There were some passages that were nicely written and gave me a bit of hope, but not enough to make me keep the three stars l first awarded. It certainly wasn’t “heartbreaking” as l just wasn’t invested in the characters. “Disappointed” is my overall conclusion, given some of the reviews l’d read (and which had led me to read it in the first place).

[Luciana · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!

This story does not read lightly. There are so many things at play...the relationship of 2 very close families regardless of religion, surviving in fascist Italy, living in a tight community, who to trust, how to survive, etc.

Two families give birth on the same day, 1 family is Jewish, the wife dies & the father raises his daughter the best way he can. The other family is Catholic, a son is born & the Catholic family is a second family to the daughter of the Jewish father. The Catholic family grows grapes & olives while the Jewish family owns a bookstore...they are great friends. But when war breaks out in this small village, life is difficult & choices have to be made.

The characters in the story were wonderfully developed. I loved how the author places many Italian words & phrases throughout the story & how this village comes to life as a real community hub during such a terrible time in history.

A great read!

[Nichole · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not an easy and light story. There is deep pain and divides among people who were like peas in a pod at one point. For some, doing the ‘right thing’ meant going along with things that were wrong to survive. What was fascinating was the story within the story about how the religious divide caused a rift between people who grew up as family by choice. There is ‘othering’ in that story that is done from within in order to maintain one’s culture, as well as the story of ‘othering’ that was perpetrated by the Fascist regime that villagers were supposed to adopt, when they had been a community. What to do? How to love, have a life and try for happiness in what has become the bleakest of situations to hit a once cohesive community?

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

A tribute to a small Italian town and community torn apart by WWII.

The title of the book is misleading - there is little reference to a bookstore and it’s not significant to the story.

There are odd, unnecessary references to an Etruscan spirit that randomly appears. It was an unnecessary add-on that did not enhance the story. I found the references to the ancient civilization interesting and would have enjoyed more historical context.

A lot of time is spent developing the father-daughter relationship but I never connected with them.

[Donna Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a bit of a disappointment for me. It was not about a bookshop, and it was not about saving children which only appear briefly 3/4 of the way through this rather boring book.

I wasn’t particularly enamored by the star-crossed seventeen-year-old lovers who were really just spoiled children. I struggled through a book that had interesting historical facts but did not measure up to the presentation. The periodic appearance of a phantom in a white robe did not help matters.

Oh well. Two stars for the story, rounded up to three for the history.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat interesting story set in Italy pre war
Small village where Italians and Jews live happily together until dictator Mussolini changes the laws to
Exclude and persecute Jews
A lot of Italian words not always translated and a lot
Of Jewish traditions not always explained
Really a love story between boy and girl of different religions

[Daphne Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the Acknowledgements:

"Most importantly, thank you to all those who have fought and continue to fight against the scourge of fascism both in Italy and the world at large."

[AF Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are stories that touch the heart from start to finish.
I can’t say this one grabbed me instantly, it didn’t. It took a chapter before I started understanding who was who.

The lifelong friendship between Antonio and Jacopo particularly appealing in its steadfast strength. I found Bella to be obnoxious, whiny and well, rude. She wanted what she wanted, when she wanted it. This tale may have based on her true story, I don’t know- but she is less a heroine for what she did than the contadino, Antonio who took every risk, loved deeply and without hesitation.

The Tanaquilla was an odd character that was in and out like a fly around a pie. So much was not explained- especially when it came to that personage.

World War II was horrible- the author did a great job of bringing the horrors to life.

The description on the cover or BookBub is really so much better than the book in reality. Sold me with the hype to buy it-but it is not a book I would recommend or give as a gift. I don’t think I would read anything else by this author unless they get a really good editor to take it to the heavens in excellence and helping take the disparate odd pieces and weave a truly cohesive story.

[Christine Sherwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice enough read, but I didn’t find it gripping like I have other similar storylines. I think the story could have been told in a much shorter book. Found the apparition bit a little too over the top….. overusing its appearance in the story, I found it a little irritating to be honest, how May times did I read about the aroma of sulphur…..eggs??? The first part of the book did drag a bit for me, seeming to not really be going anywhere, just didn’t grip me and wasn’t a great turn pager or one that I couldn’t put down. I wasn’t sad to get to the end as I was beginning to already think which book I’d next read from my list. But overall a pleasant enough read best part was probably the description of the area where story was based. The only relationship that I felt anything for was the two fathers who’d grown up together, their loyalties of a lifelong friendship, their different religions their loyalties.

[Sally-Jane Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really did not enjoy this book because it was so slow. It was described as a heartbreaking WWII tale based on true facts. Virtually 50% through and still not even the war has started. Sorry had enough and given up!

[Cidney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a bit of a strange book really, the title "the italian bookshop among the vines" barely appears in the book, and the young headstrong Bella, daughter of the said bookshop owner, comes across as rather a spoilt little girl wanting to get her own way, particularly in the area of marriage. She marries one young guy but dislikes him so why does she marry him in the first place? Her true love loves her but she throws hissy fits and doesn't. This girl really does come across as spoilt. Then the war starts and Mussolini the great dictator is after the jewish communities and the little village which is half catholic and half jewish and both get on, is now divided yet they still support each other and do support covering for their jewish friends. Tanaquilla this sort of ghostly spirit which appears occasionally to Bella is something I'm not at all sure about. Is she supposed to be the the spirit of her dead mother who died giving birth to her? And is history about to repeat itself? Bella is not above sleeping with either her husband or her lover and not even knowing who the father of her child is. Really, there should have been a much more likeable main character.

This is overly long and not very clear, with some tidying up it could have been brilliant, but before I was even a third of the way through I was thinking of giving it up but did carry on to the end, I think the lack of any affection for the main characters is my main let down. I only liked the vine grower Antonio, best friend of Jacopo the father of Bella, he seemed a very decent man and the speaker of wisdom throughout the whole book, it should've been renamed "the vine grower with a friend who owned a bookshop" as he was really the central character!

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Italian Bookshop Among the Vines is an emotional page-turner. I don't think I have read another World War II novel that brings the reader into the very depths of war on a very personal basis. The feelings, the fears, the losses, and the hopes are all brought to the forefront in this novel. In a small Italian town, we follow a Catholic family and a Jewish family, who live side by side, one family farmers of the land of vineyards, the other, owners of a bookshop. As the family grows, so does the frightful environment, as Italians and Germans begin authoritarian rule in Italy. The two families, and in particular, Bella and Rico, children from each family, must deal with their friendship and then with the fate of being a Jew - and the steps the Jews must take to lose their identity in order to be safe, and pretend to be Catholics, and how to save not only themselves, but a multitude of orphans in hiding.
The people do what they have to do in order to survive, and sometimes that means doing things they normally would not do. There is a background romance in the story, but it is overshadowed so much by all the horrors of living in war, or rather, trying to exist during war. This is not an easy story to read due to the graphic scenes depicted of suffering and death; yet there are also tremendously enchanting scenes of the countryside of Italy, the towns, the beaches, the flowers; even though there is war, there is beauty to be found. I really recommend this novel for one to understand the impact of war on civilians and perhaps gain an understanding of some of what the people of Ukraine must be going through in these current times.

[Jan Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a poignant and heartfelt story of two families, whose lives are intertwined before, during and after WWII. One is Jewish, the other Italian. Both belong to the country and village in which they were raised. Family, religion and politics are all prevalent themes, but love is never faltering. Father to daughter, father to son, peasants to each other. The setting is almost a fairy tale-but not quite. It certainly does not contain a fairy tale ending. Despite that, it is a very accurate portrayal of this village and how the residents have always supported each other despite outside influences. Pitigliano (Monterini) is a hilltop town in far western Tuscany. The beautiful golden yellow of the tufo rock and all the courseness make stunning backdrop, for the story. Pitigliano has been named the “Jerusalem of Italy” for centuries. Starting in the 1500’s, Jews who were exiled in other countries were encouraged to come there and settle into a new life. And they did until WWII. Even the beauty and seclusion of this lovely village, could not protect the residents from the horrors of this war.

[Ted Waterfall · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a boring story about the boring lives of two families. Angelo, a Catholic wine maker and Jacopo, A Jewish commoner living in Italy from the early 1920s through 1946. They are the best of friends. They also have children on the same day.Angelo has a son, Rico, and Jacopo has a daughter, Bella. As Mussolini gains power in Italy and begins passing and enforcing racial laws, a love that develops between Rico (Catholic) and Bella (Jewish) is forbidden. A prearranged marriage with a Jewish boy fails driving Bella into the arms of Rico and driving Angelo and Jacopo apart.

There is nothing about this book which is even vaguely interesting until about 70% of the was through when we discover that Rico has become involved with helping orphaned children escape to safety as a partisan bringing a pregnant Bella along with him.

There is actually some true potential in this story line but it never truly gets off the ground. The last few chapters are the best, but not good enough to rescue this lost opportunity.

[Karen Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprisingly interesting and compelling book.

World War II from an Italian perspective it’s not something I’m very aware of and although there was persecution in Italy, I was never aware of how it happened. This book was therefore not just interesting to read it was educational for someone like myself.

Bella was an endearing character, full of flaws, very self-centred but overarching endearing. Her relationship with Rico from day one was always gonna end up the way it did being an ultra mantic I’d hoped not gone through what they went through.

The spiritual element was believable and enjoyable to see the way other people interpret messengers of foreboding. Some people look for signs in feathers, birds, and many other ways, this was a truly interesting and thought provoking way of showing this type of warning.

A very good story a very good book one that I really enjoyed and would recommend.

[Marea · Rating 2 out of 5]

Now called The Tears of Monterini on some sites

For generations the Jewish and Catholic people had lived together in harmony, through love, tragedy, celebrations, friendship and more in this small Italian village of Monterini. If one needed help, it would be there no matter what…the question was would it still be there during a time of war when one specific religion was deemed by the leaders to be wrong. This story goes from 1921 to 1946 and covers 2 families each affected in different ways as time passes including forbidden love. Like in life, not all stories end the way you wish.

I had high hopes for this book with the history, the struggles, the romance, the tragedy and more. But sadly I couldn’t get into it like I thought I would. The title was a bit deceptive; you think there would be more in the book about it but there wasn’t at all.

[Frieda Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Italian Bookshop Among The Vines

I really wanted to give this book a full 5 Stars, but I just can't. For some reason, it was difficult for me to read! In fact, I began reading it several months ago but put it down within the first chapters. I love stories from the WWII era, & I believe this is the first one I've read that was set it Italy, so I had high hopes! I was beginning to wonder whether ANYONE was going to get a happy ending, & I'm not sure yet if anyone DID! I realize this is based on true stories, & true life doesn't always give us happy endings, but I wish Ms. Weinberg had made more use of her artistic license & made the book somewhat more positivity. As it stands, this book is pretty dark! I'm not one who demands easy reading, but this was just a bit too difficult for me to have truly enjoyed it.

[Samantha Sparks · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I found aspects of this story compelling and moving. There was empathy and strength as themes throughout. I found it hard to empathize at some points with the people portrayed, and I think part of that is generational and cultural differences. But the writing jumping back and forth and ghost omens was hard to follow not to mention the lack of translating German and Italian. I speak enough Spanish I was able to garner the gist of translations. But was thoroughly underwhelmed by the style of writing. I had high hopes for this book as it came highly recommended, but the story felt incomplete and choppy, which does fall in line with the probable source of the authors information. The lack of flow made it extremely hard to follow and understand the context of some events without a strong background in pre and during WW2 in Italy.

[Gophergirl58 · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, 2.5 stars. It was a hopeless story when it began, and it ended that way for me. I couldn’t get past the touching on superstitions, ghosts, occult? I don’t think it was the latter, but apparitions I don’t want to read about; yet I wanted to see where the story went. I wasn’t a fan of this book, and the ruination of two families. I’m neither Jewish nor Catholic, so I don’t know if the apparition that Jacobo and Bella 2 saw was true to either religion, but it just didn’t suit me at all. Now to read something I like.

[Lia Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Sad and Sweet

So many stories exist to mark the endless acts of heroism and heartache lived out in the shadows of WWII. This one is uniquely set in a smaller village in the mountains of Italy. A haven of goodwill and interdependence between the residents of Jewish and Italians. For generations they grew up together and worked together. I was drawn into this situation and felt joy and it’s the kindness and solidarity they showed towards each other. At the same time my heart weeps at the hardship and sorrows the faced.

[Judi Zimmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a beautifully written book, the love and deep friendship of these families made for a sweet story. I thought parts were a bit rushed and choppy. I enjoyed the love story that evolved between Rico and Bella, yet simultaneously, I found the story of their forbidden love challenging. I thought the ending was beautiful, with the closure of several points.
Truthfully, 3 stars is a little low, but 4 would be a little high. If I could give a rating that included half stars I would go 3.5 as the story is so sweet.

[Lisa Tringali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I had a hard time putting it down. It is centered around 2 families from different walks of life - one Catholic one Jewish - in a small town in Italy. It followed the years before WWII - showing the development of the fascist movement in Italy and the takeover of the Germans. The two main characters were lifelong friends from different religions who fell in love as they matured trying to find a way to be together in a society where it was forbidden. It was this author’s first blood and I will be watching for a second one to come from her.

[Lisa Masiello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of village life in rural Tuscany around WW2. The subject matter was really interesting, I knew there was a large Jewish community in Italy but the book gave a real insight into their daily lives and traditions. The author vividly described their suffering at the hands of the Nazis and fascists, it really drove home how appallingly cruel humans are to each other. My only gripe was that the dialogue was a little dramatic and erred more towards romantic fiction but on the whole, a satisfying, moving and engaging read.

[Larmie Fahrendorff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Triumph through heartbreak

An excellent story! I experienced many different emotions while reading this novel; I guess that's a sign of a well written story. The work of a new author ( at least to me ), therefore it took awhile to familiarize myself with the writer's style. There was a lot of sorrow, of heartbreak in this story, but there was also triumph. And for the unfortunate souls whose lives were caught up in war, that, unfortunately was their reality. I would definitely recommend this book to WWII aficionados.

[Kathy J Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

bittersweet

I have enjoyed reading the fictional stories of the souls who endured WWII in Italy. Those stories based in true events reveal perspectives I had never considered as an American born in the mid 1950s. We were taught about the world wars, the hatred for Jews, the horrors of interment. This author revealed to me the suffering of those left to survive and hide in plain sight, hoping to go unnoticed and therefore “unharmed” by the enemy. Those who, in spite of their own loss, sought to help hose less fortunate. A well written story.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella and Rico are born hours apart in adjacent houses. They grow up together yet the love they have for each other is forbidden as Bella’s family is Jewish and Rico’s is Catholic. Bella’s father sees Mussolini as a threat as the rumblings of WWII get closer. Orphaned Jewish children arrive one day seeking refuge and Rico seeks out Bella's help. But with all Jews at risk, what is the cost?
When Goodreads made the suggestion, I thought this sounded reeeally good. I enjoyed it but not as much as I thought. Perhaps some of that is that by owning a copy, when library books distracted me, I set this one aside. When I got back to this, I didn't want to start over but had to backtrack a bit to try to pick up the trail again. Most of the WWII that I've read has been more Hitler than Mussolini. I'm not sure I know that German soldiers were "resident" in Italian villages. This was interesting from the history perspective but not something I'd pick up to read again.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't usually write an opinion but with this book I am because I was very disappointed. The picture on the cover and the title of the book are very misleading. Even the description was misleading. It was very difficult to get through. I never would have started reading this book if the true description was told. Not much about a bookstore, which was my main draw. Too many Italian sentences and words not explained. I did not like the "ghost" part either. I am not into that and what was the point of it anyway?

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I struggled at the beginning of this book, but returned to it a few weeks later, and I’m so glad I did. It is an excellent book. Most of the WW2 books I’ve read in the last few years might include some minor characters’ deaths, but I feel this is much more realistic, a whole village decimated, except for the brave few who persevere to pay honor to the brave ones who were lost.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking story

The story is so sad. Knowing that it was inspired by true events only makes it that much harder to bear. I found it difficult to like Jacopo. It felt like his inability to deal with his own grief set into motion all of the things that transpired in the lives of his family members as well as Angelo’s family members. Bella and Rico’s lives were forever changed by Jacopo’s decisions and I just couldn’t get past that.

[Cindy and Tim Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suffering during WW II.

I just read that this was the author's first book. That makes the storyline and attention to detail even that more amazing.
At times, this story was very difficult to read. The character development was so vivid. The author softened difficult scenes by focusing on the flowers and trees. The quality of the rock, the monastery, even the scents of the surrounding areas, brought this story to life.