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The Photograph
Italy, 1958: Rachael is a young widow with a small child. After a lifetime of running for survival, of not knowing who to trust and where to call home, she finds herself in a place of safety. On a sun-drenched Italian island for one carefree summer the troubles of her past fade away and she falls in love. But will Rachael’s new-found happiness bring her further heartache?
England, 2017: Sophie has a handsome husband, a gorgeous house in the English countryside and a successful career as an anthropologist. But the one thing she longs for is a baby of her own. As she struggles to conceive, cracks begin to appear in her marriage. So Sophie throws herself into her work and tries to seek comfort in childhood memories of her beloved grandmother Rachael.
One afternoon, Sophie finds a forgotten letter and an exquisite silk bracelet hidden in Rachael’s old writing desk. Intrigued, she begins to unravel the extraordinary story of her grandmother’s past - and a secret that has the power to change everything…
The Photograph is an utterly beautiful and compelling story of love, loss and a family secret spanning generations.
410 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2018
3366 people are currently reading
871 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Rix
10 books235 followersI started writing novels after a long career in broadcasting and journalism. My first novel - The Girl with Emerald Eyes (originally published as 'Secrets of the Tower' in March 2015), is set in two time zones - the modern day and 12th century. It explores the extraordinary woman who left the money to build the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
My second novel: Daughters of the Silk Road follows the journey of a family of merchant explorers who return to Venice from China with a Ming Vase. The book again straddles two time zones.
The Silk Weaver's Wife was published in 2017 and is set in the world of the Italian silk industry. The period story follows the journey of a young Veronese woman who is forced into an abusive marriage. The modern heroine uncovers her remarkable story.
My last two novels are set in 20th century. 'The Photograph' tells the story of Hungarian refugee Rachael who escapes to London from Budapest in 1956. Travelling to Sardinia with her archaeologist father, she meets the man who will change her life. Meanwhile in 2018, her anthropologist grand-daughter Sophie is struggling with infertility. As their two stories intertwine, Sophie uncovers her grandmother's secret.
My latest novel: 'The Secret Letter' is due out on 22nd July. It explores the lives of two young girls in the 2nd world war - Imogen separated from her parents as an evacuee, and Magda who is determined to fight the Nazi regime. Their lives are brought together by a young RAF pilot. The story is based in part on the extraordinary experiences of my father who escaped a German prisoner of war camp at the end of the war.
I live in Kent with my family, four cats and chickens.
My second novel: Daughters of the Silk Road follows the journey of a family of merchant explorers who return to Venice from China with a Ming Vase. The book again straddles two time zones.
The Silk Weaver's Wife was published in 2017 and is set in the world of the Italian silk industry. The period story follows the journey of a young Veronese woman who is forced into an abusive marriage. The modern heroine uncovers her remarkable story.
My last two novels are set in 20th century. 'The Photograph' tells the story of Hungarian refugee Rachael who escapes to London from Budapest in 1956. Travelling to Sardinia with her archaeologist father, she meets the man who will change her life. Meanwhile in 2018, her anthropologist grand-daughter Sophie is struggling with infertility. As their two stories intertwine, Sophie uncovers her grandmother's secret.
My latest novel: 'The Secret Letter' is due out on 22nd July. It explores the lives of two young girls in the 2nd world war - Imogen separated from her parents as an evacuee, and Magda who is determined to fight the Nazi regime. Their lives are brought together by a young RAF pilot. The story is based in part on the extraordinary experiences of my father who escaped a German prisoner of war camp at the end of the war.
I live in Kent with my family, four cats and chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 1, 2018
4 Compelling Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I am not always a huge fan when it comes to historical fiction, but I do love when it is blended with the contemporary... perhaps I am tricking my brain into thinking I am not reading historical fiction??? The irony of this is I usually find the historical part of these books so compelling and interesting, and then that begs the question why don’t I read more historical fiction? And the answer is I have no idea! This book was no exception I found Rachel’s story so riveting and I learned about a time and place I had no knowledge of before... that is part of the beauty of books exposure to things you would not otherwise be exposed to.... I have learned so much from being an avid reader and most of it by accident....
This is the story of two incredibly strong women... Sophie in 2017... and her grandmother Rachel in the 1950s.... I found both stories equally compelling and they both tugged at my heart strings... Sophie’s struggle and desire to have a baby, and having to deal with a less than supportive husband was very relatable to me.... Rachel’s needing to flee the only place she knew a place she loved was so heart wrenching... these two stories were woven together so seamlessly with a silk bracelet....
Just the perfect blend of the past and the present, with a fair dose of mystery that kept me turning the pages quickly..... this book Will appeal to so many... strongly encourage you to give this one a try whether you are a fan of historical fiction or not!
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this most interesting book ***
I am not always a huge fan when it comes to historical fiction, but I do love when it is blended with the contemporary... perhaps I am tricking my brain into thinking I am not reading historical fiction??? The irony of this is I usually find the historical part of these books so compelling and interesting, and then that begs the question why don’t I read more historical fiction? And the answer is I have no idea! This book was no exception I found Rachel’s story so riveting and I learned about a time and place I had no knowledge of before... that is part of the beauty of books exposure to things you would not otherwise be exposed to.... I have learned so much from being an avid reader and most of it by accident....
This is the story of two incredibly strong women... Sophie in 2017... and her grandmother Rachel in the 1950s.... I found both stories equally compelling and they both tugged at my heart strings... Sophie’s struggle and desire to have a baby, and having to deal with a less than supportive husband was very relatable to me.... Rachel’s needing to flee the only place she knew a place she loved was so heart wrenching... these two stories were woven together so seamlessly with a silk bracelet....
Just the perfect blend of the past and the present, with a fair dose of mystery that kept me turning the pages quickly..... this book Will appeal to so many... strongly encourage you to give this one a try whether you are a fan of historical fiction or not!
*** many thanks to Bookouture for my copy of this most interesting book ***
June 28, 2018
I loved this story that slips easily from Rachaels story to Sophies story in modern day. Racheal is Sophie's grandmother and she enjoys finding out more about her life after she escaped from Hungary in the 50's with her own father.
They spent a thrilling summer in Italy where you could feel the sights and smells and the wonderful cottage by the sea. Rachael's senses are totally caught up in the wonderful setting with the hint of romance with a delicious Italian.
I also enjoyed reading about Sophies story and her seemingly perfect life hiding some painful secrets.
I loved the way the two stories are connected and that each story makes us fall more in love witht he characters and the settings.
It was so beautifully written that I could have gone on reading forever. I really could imagine the Italian village.
They spent a thrilling summer in Italy where you could feel the sights and smells and the wonderful cottage by the sea. Rachael's senses are totally caught up in the wonderful setting with the hint of romance with a delicious Italian.
I also enjoyed reading about Sophies story and her seemingly perfect life hiding some painful secrets.
I loved the way the two stories are connected and that each story makes us fall more in love witht he characters and the settings.
It was so beautifully written that I could have gone on reading forever. I really could imagine the Italian village.
June 20, 2018
Usually I don't really like historical stories, but something in the blurb made me change my mind and read it. I am so happy that I did. It is simply gorgeous.
I love the way the past and the present are alternated and slowly you see the two parts come together and become one.
It's always nice to learn something from a book especially when it's woven into the story and you don't get the feeling you are back at school. I was so fascinated by the part about the silk that I looked it up.
This book is a mixing bowl of a whole range of emotions and the result is top-shelf.
Thank you, Debbie Rix, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com/
I love the way the past and the present are alternated and slowly you see the two parts come together and become one.
It's always nice to learn something from a book especially when it's woven into the story and you don't get the feeling you are back at school. I was so fascinated by the part about the silk that I looked it up.
This book is a mixing bowl of a whole range of emotions and the result is top-shelf.
Thank you, Debbie Rix, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com/
June 27, 2018
Rachael, had her share of sorrow. Sophie, Rachael’s grand-daughter, is having a hardship in her life. As Sophie, tries to find her ways she learns there were part of her grandmas life that she didn’t know.
Grabbed at my heartstrings when. Rix weaves the tale of Rachael with a pleasant to read melancholy tale. Bringing in Sophie, her granddaughter, to uncover the secrets that a single Photograph found in Rachael’s old desk holds.
Haven’t really been in a romance kinda mood but this story was just the right blend of romance and mystery that it was a page-turning delight.
Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and Rix for my advanced copy for an honest review.
Grabbed at my heartstrings when. Rix weaves the tale of Rachael with a pleasant to read melancholy tale. Bringing in Sophie, her granddaughter, to uncover the secrets that a single Photograph found in Rachael’s old desk holds.
Haven’t really been in a romance kinda mood but this story was just the right blend of romance and mystery that it was a page-turning delight.
Thanks to Bookouture, NetGalley and Rix for my advanced copy for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2018
My first book by author Debbie Rix, and it was an enjoyable read. I liked the story told in dual timeliness, in two different generations, Rachel in 1958 and Sophie in the present day. Both the grandmother and the granddaughter went through their own heartaches, and it was so easy to connect with them and immerse in their story.
One photograph takes the story to Italy where the secrets are revealed.
Overall, a little slower than what I am used to, but a fun read.
One photograph takes the story to Italy where the secrets are revealed.
Overall, a little slower than what I am used to, but a fun read.
June 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this lovely book, with Sophie and her grandmother Rachael as the central characters. The story is set during the present day for Sophie, and the late 1950's/early 1960's for Rachael, which made it very interesting to me.
Rachael has had a very tumultuous life, having to leave Hungary in a hurry with not much more than the clothes on her back. Luckily, both her and her father were able to leave unharmed and they settled in London.
Decades later, Sophie is trying to make her life as a young woman as fulfilling as possible but she has a major issue that she just can't seem to overcome, as hard as she tries.
How these two women are connected, through the decades, is the heart of this book, and it is beautiful. There is a lot of love on these pages: love of family, love of a partner, love of one's country. The whole book is enchanting, it really is.
I give this one a 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Rachael has had a very tumultuous life, having to leave Hungary in a hurry with not much more than the clothes on her back. Luckily, both her and her father were able to leave unharmed and they settled in London.
Decades later, Sophie is trying to make her life as a young woman as fulfilling as possible but she has a major issue that she just can't seem to overcome, as hard as she tries.
How these two women are connected, through the decades, is the heart of this book, and it is beautiful. There is a lot of love on these pages: love of family, love of a partner, love of one's country. The whole book is enchanting, it really is.
I give this one a 4.5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
June 18, 2018
Absolutely beautiful! This author is one of my favourites and she never fails to deliver! She writes about the past and different parts of the world with such authority and heart that I am blown away, transported and always learn something new. A stunning story that took me over. Heartwarming and hopeful. Absolutely beautifully written. This author is one of the best historical fiction writers writing now. And this book is her best - a masterpiece. Absolute perfection! Whatever you do, don't miss this one!
August 1, 2018
Rachael's story takes her from Communist Hungary in the 1950's, to a refugee camp in Austria, to London; on to New York and back to London, Rachael's story is beautifully told, atmospheric as well as with well defined characters. Alternately, we follow her granddaughter Sophie's story, as she navigates balance between work, starting a family, and marriage. Rachael faces many challenges in her lifetime, suffering losses, yet savoring life in its fullness. I was absorbed in both stories, and had a hard time leaving these characters once I finished the book.
June 30, 2018
I was delighted to see that with her new book The Photograph Debbie Rix has moved away from the stories she had set in much earlier centuries and moved forward to 1950's Italy. I have loved all her previous books but this one proved to be my most favourite of all. All the elements that I adored that were apparent in her earlier books are still here and the dual timeline aspect of the plot has still been retained and this makes for an excellent although at times heartbreaking read. The book opens with a quote from Franz Kafka which I think very much sets the overall tone and was the key message to this story. ' I belong to you, there is really no other way of expressing it, and that is not strong enough'.
Belonging, connecting, expressing and experiencing different forms of love are all strong themes in this book with forbidden love being the most evident. Debbie Rix has woven a wonderful story between the past and the present and this is historical fiction at its very best. The story was inspired by a reference the author came across during research of a material called sea silk. She delved even deeper and soon a story featuring the Jewish Queen Berenice and her lover Emperor Titus began to emerge. This led the author to develop the story which then went on to form the backdrop to feature Sophie in present day London and Rachael in the late 1950's in Budapest and later Italy.
Throughout the story historical fact is mixed with fiction and this makes for an engaging, intriguing read which will hold you in its grip until the very last sentence.
Each chapter alternates between Sophie and Rachael and the reader soon settles into a relaxing rhythm of moving between the past and present. Sophie lives in London and is married to Hamish, an anaesthetist in a hospital. Hamish seemed very standoffish and very non-committal, like he was never fully present in the moment as if something else was always on his mind. He works long hours and although the couple love each other, there are layers of unspoken resentments simmering away. Things left unsaid that need to be out in the open, most notable of all the deep longing Sophie has for a child. Things are just not working out on that front and as feelings and opinions slowly fester away, Sophie wonders will a baby make things better? Is a child worth fighting for? Will a new arrival fill in the ever widening cracks as she feels her marriage is not something to be abandoned?
Sophie works as an anthropologist and is studying for her PHD in Roman burials, this is the link to her own past and also it emerges that Sophie is the granddaughter of Rachael. I liked Sophie as a character, life wasn't easy for her. You could feel the desire she has for a child and her willingness to do anything that could make her dreams a reality but at the same time there was a sense of desperation pervading her storyline but also a feeling of inadequacy. I enjoyed how the story didn't solely focus on Sophie delving into the past, the connections emerged more or less towards the end. They naturally evolved with the photograph of the title being combined with a dream Sophie has being the key components to realigning/resolving the past with the present.
Ever so slightly edging it out for me was Rachael's story, I felt totally transported back in time and when we first meet her she is living in Budapest with her father George and husband Jozsef. Times are difficult in Hungary with people very nervous never knowing who was listening and watching their every move, never trusting what might be said to the authorities. The communist government is in full effect with food shortages and rations common place. But George and Jozsef stand up for what they believe in but this only leads to tragedy and soon Rachael and George find themselves fleeing the regime and are forced to live in a refugee camp in Austria. Debbie Rix wrote so vividly and passionately of the turbulent times experienced by Rachael and her father and it is sad in a way that situations like this still exist today. I did think their struggles would be the main element of the story but as they arrive in England the story took a whole new turn and as Rachael finds herself facing motherhood alone how can they carry on? I loved the scenes set in the boarding house run by Mrs. Roper, she became the mother figure that Rachael had lost and was just the person she needed at the time.
George continues his work lecturing in archaeology in London and as a brilliant chance appears, the family soon find themselves on a small island off the coast of Sardina where George can begin to excavate a newly discovered Roman burial site. I was glad the story moved away from England to a different foreign clime as I thought the scenes set in Hungary were brilliantly written but if the story had continued in England it would have become monotonous. Moving everything to Sardinia allowed the sense of mystery to develop even further and here is where the heartbreaking, romantic angle developed which was so beautifully written. It was a rural, peaceful island with an overhauling sense of calmness. Where one could throw caution to the wind and listen to what your heart was telling you. I could picture myself so clearly on the island with Rachael as she adapts to yet another move but I did admire her loyalty to her father. I could feel the heat as she wandered through the village buying her daily essentials. The house where they are staying with its secluded cove seemed other worldly and as her father works away uncovering the burial site and hopefully some secrets, Rachael too develops some secrets of her own.
Love begins to blossom but for various reasons it cannot come to fruition but the gutsy woman she was she did not let this stop her. An unbreakable bond is formed and the inclusion of the sea silk added even more depth and levels to the story. I had a feeling things would go one way but then fate had other plans in store for Rachael. I did want her to follow her heart but I suppose she had to do what was best for her family given another situation she found herself in. She was brave and held her love so close to her chest. I wanted her to fight that little bit more because the way everything was written it felt so real and genuine. But the author had plenty more testing times in store and I loved how many different angles kept emerging the further we got into the story.
Neither Sophie or Rachael had an easy time of things. Each suffer heartbreak and devastation in different ways but it is how they respond and cope with it that makes for a fascinating and intriguing read. I did feel for Sophie with what she discovers but both women proved to be resilient. I felt towards the end the book really did come full circle even if it was bittersweet. Some aspects found a resolution of sorts even if it mightn't have been what the reader would have wanted. Other strands to the story were left more open ended with the reader given the freedom to ponder their own ending or meaning. Both women go through transformations but in doing so the reader experiences a myriad of emotions. In a way I felt I was on a life journey with Sophie and Rachael which had many peaks and troughs some so exquisitely beautiful others just hard to read and witness but overall The Photograph was an excellent read which will captivate all who pick it up. It's honest, intense and emotional with such elegant writing that transports you back and forth in time. Debbie Rix has really stepped up a gear with this book and long may it continue.
Belonging, connecting, expressing and experiencing different forms of love are all strong themes in this book with forbidden love being the most evident. Debbie Rix has woven a wonderful story between the past and the present and this is historical fiction at its very best. The story was inspired by a reference the author came across during research of a material called sea silk. She delved even deeper and soon a story featuring the Jewish Queen Berenice and her lover Emperor Titus began to emerge. This led the author to develop the story which then went on to form the backdrop to feature Sophie in present day London and Rachael in the late 1950's in Budapest and later Italy.
Throughout the story historical fact is mixed with fiction and this makes for an engaging, intriguing read which will hold you in its grip until the very last sentence.
Each chapter alternates between Sophie and Rachael and the reader soon settles into a relaxing rhythm of moving between the past and present. Sophie lives in London and is married to Hamish, an anaesthetist in a hospital. Hamish seemed very standoffish and very non-committal, like he was never fully present in the moment as if something else was always on his mind. He works long hours and although the couple love each other, there are layers of unspoken resentments simmering away. Things left unsaid that need to be out in the open, most notable of all the deep longing Sophie has for a child. Things are just not working out on that front and as feelings and opinions slowly fester away, Sophie wonders will a baby make things better? Is a child worth fighting for? Will a new arrival fill in the ever widening cracks as she feels her marriage is not something to be abandoned?
Sophie works as an anthropologist and is studying for her PHD in Roman burials, this is the link to her own past and also it emerges that Sophie is the granddaughter of Rachael. I liked Sophie as a character, life wasn't easy for her. You could feel the desire she has for a child and her willingness to do anything that could make her dreams a reality but at the same time there was a sense of desperation pervading her storyline but also a feeling of inadequacy. I enjoyed how the story didn't solely focus on Sophie delving into the past, the connections emerged more or less towards the end. They naturally evolved with the photograph of the title being combined with a dream Sophie has being the key components to realigning/resolving the past with the present.
Ever so slightly edging it out for me was Rachael's story, I felt totally transported back in time and when we first meet her she is living in Budapest with her father George and husband Jozsef. Times are difficult in Hungary with people very nervous never knowing who was listening and watching their every move, never trusting what might be said to the authorities. The communist government is in full effect with food shortages and rations common place. But George and Jozsef stand up for what they believe in but this only leads to tragedy and soon Rachael and George find themselves fleeing the regime and are forced to live in a refugee camp in Austria. Debbie Rix wrote so vividly and passionately of the turbulent times experienced by Rachael and her father and it is sad in a way that situations like this still exist today. I did think their struggles would be the main element of the story but as they arrive in England the story took a whole new turn and as Rachael finds herself facing motherhood alone how can they carry on? I loved the scenes set in the boarding house run by Mrs. Roper, she became the mother figure that Rachael had lost and was just the person she needed at the time.
George continues his work lecturing in archaeology in London and as a brilliant chance appears, the family soon find themselves on a small island off the coast of Sardina where George can begin to excavate a newly discovered Roman burial site. I was glad the story moved away from England to a different foreign clime as I thought the scenes set in Hungary were brilliantly written but if the story had continued in England it would have become monotonous. Moving everything to Sardinia allowed the sense of mystery to develop even further and here is where the heartbreaking, romantic angle developed which was so beautifully written. It was a rural, peaceful island with an overhauling sense of calmness. Where one could throw caution to the wind and listen to what your heart was telling you. I could picture myself so clearly on the island with Rachael as she adapts to yet another move but I did admire her loyalty to her father. I could feel the heat as she wandered through the village buying her daily essentials. The house where they are staying with its secluded cove seemed other worldly and as her father works away uncovering the burial site and hopefully some secrets, Rachael too develops some secrets of her own.
Love begins to blossom but for various reasons it cannot come to fruition but the gutsy woman she was she did not let this stop her. An unbreakable bond is formed and the inclusion of the sea silk added even more depth and levels to the story. I had a feeling things would go one way but then fate had other plans in store for Rachael. I did want her to follow her heart but I suppose she had to do what was best for her family given another situation she found herself in. She was brave and held her love so close to her chest. I wanted her to fight that little bit more because the way everything was written it felt so real and genuine. But the author had plenty more testing times in store and I loved how many different angles kept emerging the further we got into the story.
Neither Sophie or Rachael had an easy time of things. Each suffer heartbreak and devastation in different ways but it is how they respond and cope with it that makes for a fascinating and intriguing read. I did feel for Sophie with what she discovers but both women proved to be resilient. I felt towards the end the book really did come full circle even if it was bittersweet. Some aspects found a resolution of sorts even if it mightn't have been what the reader would have wanted. Other strands to the story were left more open ended with the reader given the freedom to ponder their own ending or meaning. Both women go through transformations but in doing so the reader experiences a myriad of emotions. In a way I felt I was on a life journey with Sophie and Rachael which had many peaks and troughs some so exquisitely beautiful others just hard to read and witness but overall The Photograph was an excellent read which will captivate all who pick it up. It's honest, intense and emotional with such elegant writing that transports you back and forth in time. Debbie Rix has really stepped up a gear with this book and long may it continue.
July 27, 2018
Loved the characters and the scenery described in the story. A tragic love story at times with a remarkable ending!
August 5, 2018
The Photograph is the spell-binding journey of two women, generations apart, and their stories of love, loss and life. The story alternates between Sophie's life and experiences in the current day, and those of Rachael, almost 60 years ago.
Sophie is dealing with the struggle to conceive, yearning so much for a child that she does not pay much attention to how the people around her are dealing with things. She is a wonderful person at heart, but fails to see how her obsession affects her husband. At the brink of losing her marriage entirely, the husband and wife duo are confronted with a lot of decisions and forced to deal with their emotions. The best part of Sophie's story is her family, who is her support system, but who also act as voices of reason when required.
More than 60 years ago, Rachael, Sophie's grandmother loses her own mother, her husband and is forced to flee her home with her father so as not to get caught. In the midst of all this, she finds herself pregnant. As the father-daughter duo's journey continues west, they end up in England where her father takes up teaching anthropology at the university. Rachael fills her time and also builds bonds with the owner of the house they are staying at. As time passes, they move to Italy for almost a year so that her father can lead a dig and document the findings. What follows is a life of sun, some laughter and a passionate love that Rachael develops for a local of the island. However, the main part of her story comes from not being able to pursue this relationship and moving back home.
Rachael's life is filled with a lot of loss and tragedy, but through all this emerges a strong willed woman who raises two children by herself and lives to see her grandchildren grow up. A quiet but dependable presence in their lives, no-one knows that she harbors a strong secret about her life and her son's.
Sophie, in a bid to connect with her grandmother, while moving her writing desk from the attic to the living room, discovers a false back. This leads to the discovery of a photograph, the very photograph that the title refers to! What follows is a family holiday to Italy where Sophie sets out to discover the truth behind the photograph.
The story is gripping and will keep the reader hooked until the very end. There are so many emotions that are brought out in this book and the reader will experience them all along with the characters. The author brings out the repercussions of keeping secrets but at the same time she shows us the reasoning behind it and how it might have been necessary. Times change, the world changes and so does people's perception of things. A compelling story, The Photograph is a must read!
Sophie is dealing with the struggle to conceive, yearning so much for a child that she does not pay much attention to how the people around her are dealing with things. She is a wonderful person at heart, but fails to see how her obsession affects her husband. At the brink of losing her marriage entirely, the husband and wife duo are confronted with a lot of decisions and forced to deal with their emotions. The best part of Sophie's story is her family, who is her support system, but who also act as voices of reason when required.
More than 60 years ago, Rachael, Sophie's grandmother loses her own mother, her husband and is forced to flee her home with her father so as not to get caught. In the midst of all this, she finds herself pregnant. As the father-daughter duo's journey continues west, they end up in England where her father takes up teaching anthropology at the university. Rachael fills her time and also builds bonds with the owner of the house they are staying at. As time passes, they move to Italy for almost a year so that her father can lead a dig and document the findings. What follows is a life of sun, some laughter and a passionate love that Rachael develops for a local of the island. However, the main part of her story comes from not being able to pursue this relationship and moving back home.
Rachael's life is filled with a lot of loss and tragedy, but through all this emerges a strong willed woman who raises two children by herself and lives to see her grandchildren grow up. A quiet but dependable presence in their lives, no-one knows that she harbors a strong secret about her life and her son's.
Sophie, in a bid to connect with her grandmother, while moving her writing desk from the attic to the living room, discovers a false back. This leads to the discovery of a photograph, the very photograph that the title refers to! What follows is a family holiday to Italy where Sophie sets out to discover the truth behind the photograph.
The story is gripping and will keep the reader hooked until the very end. There are so many emotions that are brought out in this book and the reader will experience them all along with the characters. The author brings out the repercussions of keeping secrets but at the same time she shows us the reasoning behind it and how it might have been necessary. Times change, the world changes and so does people's perception of things. A compelling story, The Photograph is a must read!
June 26, 2018
Rix weaves an enchanting tale of the timelessness of love. The Photograph is a beautifully told story of the lives and loves of a grandmother (Rachel) and her granddaughter (Sophia) and all that happens in between! Expert character development and encompasses historical time periods with accuracy. ~ A Bibliophile ❤️📚
June 29, 2019
Wonderful story. I did like the characters in the book and found it easy to follow the different timelines. Well written and well researched and a good ending.
June 27, 2018
I read the synopsis for this book and it sounded just my kind of read and oh boy ‘The Photograph’ was certainly one hell of a read. I absolutely loved reading it but more about that in a bit.
I absolutely loved the main characters of Rachel and Sophie. Rachel had to flee her home country (Hungary) with her father, because their lives were in danger due to their support for the opposition. My heart ached for Rachel because she ends up having to leave her surroundings and everything she is familiar with, she can’t take many possessions and above all she has to leave her dead husband, who was the love of her life. I can’t even begin to try to comprehend the emotional trauma that Rachel goes through. She is certainly one tough cookie because she has had to be and she has her father to look after. It’s almost as if the roles have reversed and Rachel is now the parent and her father is now the child. Rachel ends up travelling from Hungary to Austria and then on to England, where she and her father put down roots. Rachel really is an inspiration to her subsequent descendants. It’s fair to say that Rachel’s life has been anything but boring. Rachel is much missed by her granddaughter Sophie, although Sophie doesn’t have that many memories of her grandmother. Sophie is also a strong woman. She is married to a man, who takes her for granted, he is selfish, ignorant and arrogant. Sophie is a PHD student and she absolutely loves the subject that she is studying. Sophie is also desperate to have a child but her husband doesn’t seem all that interested in having a child. There have been issues regarding having children but her husband doesn’t want to go down the route of IVF and at times he is reluctant to even discuss the matter. Her husband gets a promotion but it would mean that she will have to uproot herself from her surroundings and all that she is familiar with. Her husband assumes that Sophie will go with him even if that means she has to stop her PHD. He dangles the carrot of he will go for IVF if she goes with him, which of course she does. Rachel and Sophie are similar in one respect as both have had to leave their homes to travel to somewhere they know nothing about.
Oh my this is one seriously beautifully written and heart breaking tale. In fact I felt that emotional reading this book, that I had to have a box of tissues on standby just in case the tears started. The tears didn’t start but I felt myself welling up on more than one occasion. From the moment I picked the book up, I became captivated by the story. If I closed my eyes I could imagine that I had been transported back in time to the 1950s and travelling through Hungary and Austria with Rachel and her father. The book is written from two different points of view and two different timelines. One timeline deals with Sophie and we see what is happening in her life and the other timeline deals with Rachel and details everything that happens to her from the moment we first meet her. The author has clearly carried out a lot of historical research for her book. I am a history geek and I loved reading about what conditions were like in Hungary, the turmoil of that time and the ways in which the people fled for asylum in other countries. I was so ‘into’ the book that I became addicted to reading it. I just had to read on and on and on to see how things turned out for Rachel and Sophie ,what fate had in store for them and if they got the happy ever after that they both so deserved. Time just seemed to fly by and before I realised what was happening a couple of hours had passed and I had cleared about 40% of the book. I was so captivated by the story that I genuinely didn’t realise how quickly or how much I had read. I certainly felt as though I had been through the emotional wringer after I had finished reading. There were times where I felt very emotional, happy, sad, hopeful, disappointed and well you get the picture.
In conclusion I have to say that ‘The Photograph’ has to be one of my favourite books of the year so far. It is beautifully and sensitively written and a joy to read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this author to other readers. I can’t wait to read more from Debbie Rix and here’s hoping we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I absolutely loved the main characters of Rachel and Sophie. Rachel had to flee her home country (Hungary) with her father, because their lives were in danger due to their support for the opposition. My heart ached for Rachel because she ends up having to leave her surroundings and everything she is familiar with, she can’t take many possessions and above all she has to leave her dead husband, who was the love of her life. I can’t even begin to try to comprehend the emotional trauma that Rachel goes through. She is certainly one tough cookie because she has had to be and she has her father to look after. It’s almost as if the roles have reversed and Rachel is now the parent and her father is now the child. Rachel ends up travelling from Hungary to Austria and then on to England, where she and her father put down roots. Rachel really is an inspiration to her subsequent descendants. It’s fair to say that Rachel’s life has been anything but boring. Rachel is much missed by her granddaughter Sophie, although Sophie doesn’t have that many memories of her grandmother. Sophie is also a strong woman. She is married to a man, who takes her for granted, he is selfish, ignorant and arrogant. Sophie is a PHD student and she absolutely loves the subject that she is studying. Sophie is also desperate to have a child but her husband doesn’t seem all that interested in having a child. There have been issues regarding having children but her husband doesn’t want to go down the route of IVF and at times he is reluctant to even discuss the matter. Her husband gets a promotion but it would mean that she will have to uproot herself from her surroundings and all that she is familiar with. Her husband assumes that Sophie will go with him even if that means she has to stop her PHD. He dangles the carrot of he will go for IVF if she goes with him, which of course she does. Rachel and Sophie are similar in one respect as both have had to leave their homes to travel to somewhere they know nothing about.
Oh my this is one seriously beautifully written and heart breaking tale. In fact I felt that emotional reading this book, that I had to have a box of tissues on standby just in case the tears started. The tears didn’t start but I felt myself welling up on more than one occasion. From the moment I picked the book up, I became captivated by the story. If I closed my eyes I could imagine that I had been transported back in time to the 1950s and travelling through Hungary and Austria with Rachel and her father. The book is written from two different points of view and two different timelines. One timeline deals with Sophie and we see what is happening in her life and the other timeline deals with Rachel and details everything that happens to her from the moment we first meet her. The author has clearly carried out a lot of historical research for her book. I am a history geek and I loved reading about what conditions were like in Hungary, the turmoil of that time and the ways in which the people fled for asylum in other countries. I was so ‘into’ the book that I became addicted to reading it. I just had to read on and on and on to see how things turned out for Rachel and Sophie ,what fate had in store for them and if they got the happy ever after that they both so deserved. Time just seemed to fly by and before I realised what was happening a couple of hours had passed and I had cleared about 40% of the book. I was so captivated by the story that I genuinely didn’t realise how quickly or how much I had read. I certainly felt as though I had been through the emotional wringer after I had finished reading. There were times where I felt very emotional, happy, sad, hopeful, disappointed and well you get the picture.
In conclusion I have to say that ‘The Photograph’ has to be one of my favourite books of the year so far. It is beautifully and sensitively written and a joy to read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this author to other readers. I can’t wait to read more from Debbie Rix and here’s hoping we don’t have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.
June 22, 2018
The Photograph is a gentle story equally divided among Sophie and Rachael. In Italy, 1958, Rachael is a young widow with a small child. She's currently in a small village of Italy while accompanying her father while is runs an archaeological dig. Just widowed, Rachael has borne a young daughter. She fell in love that following summer for young Tommaso. This beautiful love only brought her heartache, however.
In England, 2017, Sophie is a successful anthropologist, with a loving husband and a beautiful home. She has it all, except for the one desire she has thus been unable to fulfill, that of having a child. This drive has begun to drive a wedge between Sophie and her husband Hamish. Sophie's desire to mother has become crucial to her happiness, even at the expense of her once happy marriage. Finding a picture of her grandmother Rachael as a young woman might just prove to be just the distraction that Sophie needs. Never would she have imagined that also throwing herself into her work might expose an amazing link to her grandmother.
Oh how my heart broke for Rachael, especially when her father told her, "Sometimes, Rachael, sometimes...love, is just not enough." Then later he tells her, "Love does not hurt forever. I know." Oh, poor Rachael. Oh I cried. I had just as many tears for Sophie, for her tries, for her losses and for her ultimate happiness.
I am drawn to titles from this publisher. I have been since joining NetGalley. I mention that here because, truthfully, without such, this magnificent title would have most definitely slipped through my fingers. I completely connected not only to Rachael and Sophie and to their tender stories, but also to the other characters, such as George, Tommaso, among others. So, I said magnificent. Why so? The telling of both stories was done quite excellently. Going from past to present to back again was always presented with such ease. I was truly enthralled with this captivating story.
Many thanks to Debby Rix, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Date of publication: June 27, 2018
In England, 2017, Sophie is a successful anthropologist, with a loving husband and a beautiful home. She has it all, except for the one desire she has thus been unable to fulfill, that of having a child. This drive has begun to drive a wedge between Sophie and her husband Hamish. Sophie's desire to mother has become crucial to her happiness, even at the expense of her once happy marriage. Finding a picture of her grandmother Rachael as a young woman might just prove to be just the distraction that Sophie needs. Never would she have imagined that also throwing herself into her work might expose an amazing link to her grandmother.
Oh how my heart broke for Rachael, especially when her father told her, "Sometimes, Rachael, sometimes...love, is just not enough." Then later he tells her, "Love does not hurt forever. I know." Oh, poor Rachael. Oh I cried. I had just as many tears for Sophie, for her tries, for her losses and for her ultimate happiness.
I am drawn to titles from this publisher. I have been since joining NetGalley. I mention that here because, truthfully, without such, this magnificent title would have most definitely slipped through my fingers. I completely connected not only to Rachael and Sophie and to their tender stories, but also to the other characters, such as George, Tommaso, among others. So, I said magnificent. Why so? The telling of both stories was done quite excellently. Going from past to present to back again was always presented with such ease. I was truly enthralled with this captivating story.
Many thanks to Debby Rix, Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Date of publication: June 27, 2018
August 19, 2018
This is a charming story told in two different timelines-the 1950s by Rachel (the grandmother) and 2017 by Sophie (the granddaughter). Both stories are compelling and sad and I’m not ashamed to admit caused me to shed a tear. It is an easy read of how our lives are interwoven, of sadness and loss. The most appealing part of the story for me was when Rachel accompanied her father, a professor of archaeology to the island of Sant’Antioco just off Sardinia for a year. Here she meets the love of her life Tomasso, but never fulfils her dream of being with him. Unbeknown to him, she has his child when she returns to England with her father.
In 2017, Rachael's granddaughter, Sophie, desperately attempts to fall pregnant but is unsuccessful despite several attempts at IVF. This takes its toll on her marriage. As an anthropologist following in her grandfather’s footsteps, she decides to conduct research for her PhD on Byssus, a cloth woven from the beards of clams. which takes her, and her family to the island of Sant’Antioco.
This will appeal to romantics at heart.
In 2017, Rachael's granddaughter, Sophie, desperately attempts to fall pregnant but is unsuccessful despite several attempts at IVF. This takes its toll on her marriage. As an anthropologist following in her grandfather’s footsteps, she decides to conduct research for her PhD on Byssus, a cloth woven from the beards of clams. which takes her, and her family to the island of Sant’Antioco.
This will appeal to romantics at heart.
June 25, 2018
This is a beautifully written story rich in details. I loved the characters and I enjoyed both Rachel and Sophie’s stories. I was fascinated with the byssus “sea-silk” process. “The Photograph” is not mentioned until almost halfway through the book. That was a little odd—I kept wondering when it would enter the story.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
Advanced reader copy courtesy of the publishers at NetGalley for review.
May 1, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which started out in Communist occupated Budapest, Hungary. Rachael lives with her parents there. Her Mother dies. The book follows Rachael's life from Hungary all the way to Sant'Antioco, Italy. I wanted to give this book 5 stars. I couldn't put it down at night. A few reasons I didn't give it 5 stars. I'll let the reader judge for themselves why. I do highly recommend this enjoyable book. It jumps back & forth in time from the past to 2017 and back. Easy to follow.
May 12, 2020
Beautifully crafted story of two woman in different times, set in Hungary, Austria, UK, USA and Italy.
The strands of their stories are held together by byssus - sea silk.
Both Rachael and Sophie are rounded and likeable characters with human flaws. Both endure trials and hardships, but remain plausible.
This is such a charming story with a wonderfully happy ending.
The strands of their stories are held together by byssus - sea silk.
Both Rachael and Sophie are rounded and likeable characters with human flaws. Both endure trials and hardships, but remain plausible.
This is such a charming story with a wonderfully happy ending.
July 27, 2018
The Photograph: A Gripping Love Story with a Heartbreaking Twist is by Debbie Rix. This is a very compelling book that deals with love and heartbreak. It also deals a little with archeology. It is set in England and Sardinia as well as New York City. It is the story of a family over generations. It is told through the eyes of Sophie in 2016 and her grandmother Rachael in the 1950’s.
Sophie was desperate to have a child with her husband Hamish. She was ready to do anything to have one; but he wasn’t that far yet; however, he loved Sophie so wanted her happy. Sophie was working on her PHD and needed to stay near London while Hamish wanted to move to further his career in medicine. They compromised and moved for his career but agreed to start IVF to have a baby. Would Sophie be happy taking forever to finish her PHD if the IVF didn’t work and she didn’t have a baby? Would Hamish be able to go through with having a baby when he wasn’t sure? Could their marriage last?
Rachael and her Father lived in Budapest with her husband; but after Jozsef’s death in a demonstration, they left their homeland forever and ended up in London where her Father worked as an archeologist. While in London, Rachael has her daughter, Angels. Her Father then given a chance to oversee a site in Sardinia. So Rachael, her daughter Angela, and her Father had gone to Sant’Antioco, an island off Sardinia to verse the sight. Here Rachael fell in love with Tomasso. However, he was engaged to be married and they refused to allow him to break his engagement. Rachael and her family returned to England. How was she to survive without Tomasso’s love? Was she to live without love for the rest of her life?
As Sophie wrestles with her life in 2016, Rachael’s life in 1950’s comes back to help Sophie find out what is really needed in her life.
This book is wonderful and really has the twists that are unexpected
Sophie was desperate to have a child with her husband Hamish. She was ready to do anything to have one; but he wasn’t that far yet; however, he loved Sophie so wanted her happy. Sophie was working on her PHD and needed to stay near London while Hamish wanted to move to further his career in medicine. They compromised and moved for his career but agreed to start IVF to have a baby. Would Sophie be happy taking forever to finish her PHD if the IVF didn’t work and she didn’t have a baby? Would Hamish be able to go through with having a baby when he wasn’t sure? Could their marriage last?
Rachael and her Father lived in Budapest with her husband; but after Jozsef’s death in a demonstration, they left their homeland forever and ended up in London where her Father worked as an archeologist. While in London, Rachael has her daughter, Angels. Her Father then given a chance to oversee a site in Sardinia. So Rachael, her daughter Angela, and her Father had gone to Sant’Antioco, an island off Sardinia to verse the sight. Here Rachael fell in love with Tomasso. However, he was engaged to be married and they refused to allow him to break his engagement. Rachael and her family returned to England. How was she to survive without Tomasso’s love? Was she to live without love for the rest of her life?
As Sophie wrestles with her life in 2016, Rachael’s life in 1950’s comes back to help Sophie find out what is really needed in her life.
This book is wonderful and really has the twists that are unexpected
February 7, 2019
I have very mixed feelings regarding this book. If I had to answer with a simple yes or no, I’d say, yes, I liked it. The story is enthralling it’s impossible not to be drawn into it from the very first chapter. The well balanced alternation between past and present makes the story very attractive to any reader, even those who wouldn’t normally read historical fiction.
The setting and the storyline reminded me of Judith Krantz’s best sellers, Princesse Daisy, Mistral’s Daughter, Scruples, even.
This said, troubles begin.
I appreciated the Sardinia scenes in the beginning, they reminded me of those black and white Italian films from the 50s, but reading on it's so full of clichés it becomes cheesy and borderline boring. It’s so predictable I could almost always tell what was going on in the following scene (on both time frames) and it’s way too melodramatic. The dialogues are shallow and exaggerated, the characters look as if they were straight from a (badly written) soap. I found many inaccuracies that would be noted not only by an Italian, but by anyone, I guess. For instance, ‘Naples’ is described in a way that it’s probably Positano (then why not having Positano, or Amalfi, mentioned? They’re known worldwide). Also known to everyone is the Rome does not have a port. Rome’s port is Civitavecchia.
The Italian speeches are all wrong. The Italian spelling needs checking, too. Many accents are missing and double consonants, too. Caffè is spelt in French (café) for instance. I found many grammar errors, too. I wouldn't normally mind (well, I would, but I'd ignore it), but someone is mentioned in the acknowledgements for having helped with the Italian, whereas my impression is an online (bad) translator has been used. There is a grammar mistake even in the author's note, I’m afraid. Italo Diana was a man, so it would be 'his' and not 'her' students.
It’s such a shame, as the story has so much potential.
2.5 stars
The setting and the storyline reminded me of Judith Krantz’s best sellers, Princesse Daisy, Mistral’s Daughter, Scruples, even.
This said, troubles begin.
I appreciated the Sardinia scenes in the beginning, they reminded me of those black and white Italian films from the 50s, but reading on it's so full of clichés it becomes cheesy and borderline boring. It’s so predictable I could almost always tell what was going on in the following scene (on both time frames) and it’s way too melodramatic. The dialogues are shallow and exaggerated, the characters look as if they were straight from a (badly written) soap. I found many inaccuracies that would be noted not only by an Italian, but by anyone, I guess. For instance, ‘Naples’ is described in a way that it’s probably Positano (then why not having Positano, or Amalfi, mentioned? They’re known worldwide). Also known to everyone is the Rome does not have a port. Rome’s port is Civitavecchia.
The Italian speeches are all wrong. The Italian spelling needs checking, too. Many accents are missing and double consonants, too. Caffè is spelt in French (café) for instance. I found many grammar errors, too. I wouldn't normally mind (well, I would, but I'd ignore it), but someone is mentioned in the acknowledgements for having helped with the Italian, whereas my impression is an online (bad) translator has been used. There is a grammar mistake even in the author's note, I’m afraid. Italo Diana was a man, so it would be 'his' and not 'her' students.
It’s such a shame, as the story has so much potential.
2.5 stars
June 28, 2018
The Photograph has two things that I love in a book. The first is a dual timeline story and the other is an Italian setting. So I was sold, as they say.
In the 1950s Rachael flees her home in Hungary with her father. They end up in a camp in Austria before moving to London where her father takes an archaeology post. His work then takes them to Sardinia, a beautiful Italian island, where Rachael falls in love with a local man.
Then in 2017, Rachael's granddaughter, Sophie, has all that she could wish for except for one thing: a child. As is often the case, her intense desire for a baby causes fissures to appear in other aspects of her life. But she's an anthropologist and she starts to take comfort in looking into her great-grandfather's work.
I found Rachael's story much stronger than Sophie's. I often tend to prefer the more current story in books such as this as I like the way that secrets of the past can be uncovered, but Sophie's story, for me, didn't get going until quite a long way into the book when she starts to find out more about her great-grandfather's work and discovers the photograph in the title. Rachael's story, however, was quite tragic, really moving and she really went through the mill. I liked her character a lot, as well as her father, George. If I'm honest, I would have liked the two strands to be more closely woven together, but I still enjoyed reading both women's stories and found their experiences interesting.
I loved the author's descriptions of Sardinia. I want to go there now! It really captured my imagination and sounded idyllic. The time that Rachael and George spent there was probably my favourite part of the book.
Towards the end I was really moved by a couple of events and a tear came to my eye. The Photograph is a bittersweet story of love and loss which will most definitely appeal to the romantics amongst us.
In the 1950s Rachael flees her home in Hungary with her father. They end up in a camp in Austria before moving to London where her father takes an archaeology post. His work then takes them to Sardinia, a beautiful Italian island, where Rachael falls in love with a local man.
Then in 2017, Rachael's granddaughter, Sophie, has all that she could wish for except for one thing: a child. As is often the case, her intense desire for a baby causes fissures to appear in other aspects of her life. But she's an anthropologist and she starts to take comfort in looking into her great-grandfather's work.
I found Rachael's story much stronger than Sophie's. I often tend to prefer the more current story in books such as this as I like the way that secrets of the past can be uncovered, but Sophie's story, for me, didn't get going until quite a long way into the book when she starts to find out more about her great-grandfather's work and discovers the photograph in the title. Rachael's story, however, was quite tragic, really moving and she really went through the mill. I liked her character a lot, as well as her father, George. If I'm honest, I would have liked the two strands to be more closely woven together, but I still enjoyed reading both women's stories and found their experiences interesting.
I loved the author's descriptions of Sardinia. I want to go there now! It really captured my imagination and sounded idyllic. The time that Rachael and George spent there was probably my favourite part of the book.
Towards the end I was really moved by a couple of events and a tear came to my eye. The Photograph is a bittersweet story of love and loss which will most definitely appeal to the romantics amongst us.
May 21, 2019
Great book, a real treat and break from when you need a break from a thriller. I only have one problem with this book: the description of the book isn’t accurate. At all! The about description makes it sound like Sophie finds an old photograph in her grandmothers desk and goes on a mystery spree to find out who it was and her grandmothers whole story. That doesn’t happen until the last hour (i listened to this on Audible) of the story and is a very small part of the book! Her whole story is barely tied to her grandmother and although i really enjoyed Rachel’s backstory i could’ve done without Sophie’s and her complaining about not being able to conceive for half the book...literally. I wish i could give it 3.5 stars but have to go with a 3 because of Sophie and her unrelated whining.
July 9, 2018
This is a heartwarming compelling story of two women. The author traverses seamlessly between 1950's Italy and present day for each women's story. I loved the story of a women connecting through the decades.
The Photograph is a beautifully told story of Sophie and Rachael.
In Italy, 1958, Rachael is a young widow with a small child. She's currently in a small village of Italy while accompanying her father on a archaeological dig. Just widowed She is distraught and out of sync with her work and her life.
In England, 2017, Sophie is a successful anthropologist, with a husband. She has it all, except she longs for the normality of having a child. This issue is causing contention in her marriage. Finding a picture of her grandmother Rachael as a young woman might just prove to be what Sophie needs. As she begins to fully immerse herself into her work instead of focusing on her personal problems she finds that she has an amazing link to her grandmother.
I loved this story and never wanted it to end. its well written, equally exciting and heartfelt. The two stories of the Granddaughter and her Grandmother are told with a connection that brings their stories to the forefront of their lives. I loved it. I look, forward to further work by this author. I highly recommend this book for all that enjoy women's historical fiction and a well told story.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my personal review.
The Photograph is a beautifully told story of Sophie and Rachael.
In Italy, 1958, Rachael is a young widow with a small child. She's currently in a small village of Italy while accompanying her father on a archaeological dig. Just widowed She is distraught and out of sync with her work and her life.
In England, 2017, Sophie is a successful anthropologist, with a husband. She has it all, except she longs for the normality of having a child. This issue is causing contention in her marriage. Finding a picture of her grandmother Rachael as a young woman might just prove to be what Sophie needs. As she begins to fully immerse herself into her work instead of focusing on her personal problems she finds that she has an amazing link to her grandmother.
I loved this story and never wanted it to end. its well written, equally exciting and heartfelt. The two stories of the Granddaughter and her Grandmother are told with a connection that brings their stories to the forefront of their lives. I loved it. I look, forward to further work by this author. I highly recommend this book for all that enjoy women's historical fiction and a well told story.
Thank you for the ARC which does not influence my personal review.
June 26, 2018
The Photograph is a dual timeline narrative, set partially in 1950s and also in modern day.
Rachel's timeline focuses on her escape from Hungary, with her father, in the mid-1950s. She accompanies her father to an archeological dig in Sardinia, where she learns about the local "sea silk" makers. Her timeline included stops in NYC in the early 60s back to London.
Sophie, who we later discover is Rachel's granddaughter, has the modern timeline. She's struggling to have a child as well as finishing her doctorate in archeology, like her famous great-grandfather. Her storyline includes IVF, miscarriage, and infidelity.
I really enjoyed Rachel's storyline as well as the archeological threads. I would have liked to read more about the tomb in Sardinia as there were mysteries about it that were not fully addressed. I was not as crazy about Sophie as a character or as interested in her story. I found myself impatient to read Rachel's tale again.
The infertility storyline was well-researched and presented but could be triggering for some. Rachel also visits a back-alley abortionist (though she ultimately doesn't go through with it). Trigger warnings for abortion, miscarriage, IVF, and infertility.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
Rachel's timeline focuses on her escape from Hungary, with her father, in the mid-1950s. She accompanies her father to an archeological dig in Sardinia, where she learns about the local "sea silk" makers. Her timeline included stops in NYC in the early 60s back to London.
Sophie, who we later discover is Rachel's granddaughter, has the modern timeline. She's struggling to have a child as well as finishing her doctorate in archeology, like her famous great-grandfather. Her storyline includes IVF, miscarriage, and infidelity.
I really enjoyed Rachel's storyline as well as the archeological threads. I would have liked to read more about the tomb in Sardinia as there were mysteries about it that were not fully addressed. I was not as crazy about Sophie as a character or as interested in her story. I found myself impatient to read Rachel's tale again.
The infertility storyline was well-researched and presented but could be triggering for some. Rachel also visits a back-alley abortionist (though she ultimately doesn't go through with it). Trigger warnings for abortion, miscarriage, IVF, and infertility.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest review
June 22, 2018
Lovely thoughtful dual time line novel telling the story of a woman and her grandmother. It's not quite historical fiction (1950 isn't that long ago!) but it does show the differences between then and now. Sophie finds a letter and a bracelet that set her off to understand the story of her grandmother, Rachel, who, as a widow, moved to a small island in Italy. There's sadness in Sophie's life (as there was in Rachel's) but the two have more in common than Sophie could have imagined. While it's somewhat predictable, that doesn't make this any less entertaining. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is nicely written and a relaxing read where you will feel and root for both women.
June 18, 2018
Enjoyed this one for the most part. like these dual perspective historicals. This one was nicely evocative of the times and places it canvassed. I liked the two heroines. They were not perfect, but their actions were justified by the plot. I would have wished for a little more focus on Queen Berenice and the sea silk, which were both fascinating and were mostly dropped in favor of romance and angst. But still a good read For the most part.
Thanks to Netgallley for sending me an ARC ebook in exchange for a review.
Thanks to Netgallley for sending me an ARC ebook in exchange for a review.
August 20, 2018
Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in return for my honest opinion.
This was a wonderful book. I was completely entranced with the story of Sophie and of her grandmother, Rachael. What a great tale, it transported me across the oceans with them. I liked all of the characters and although I guessed what was happening a few times, I didn’t care, I loved reading it. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
This was a wonderful book. I was completely entranced with the story of Sophie and of her grandmother, Rachael. What a great tale, it transported me across the oceans with them. I liked all of the characters and although I guessed what was happening a few times, I didn’t care, I loved reading it. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
November 22, 2018
Wonderful heartfelt story
I picked this book due to the title and first line. I love love stories and no love story is complete without some heartbreak and this story packs a wallup. From the past to the present the love of a woman and her story is the basis of this book. My heart went out to lives of a family in love trying to conquer life and love. This book is great but grab the tissues!
I picked this book due to the title and first line. I love love stories and no love story is complete without some heartbreak and this story packs a wallup. From the past to the present the love of a woman and her story is the basis of this book. My heart went out to lives of a family in love trying to conquer life and love. This book is great but grab the tissues!
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