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An Italian Affair
Love. War. Family. Betrayal.Italy, 1937. Alessandra Durante is grieving the loss of her husband when she discovers she has inherited her ancestral family seat, Villa Durante, deep in the Tuscan Hills. Longing for a new start, she moves from her home in London to Italy with her daughter Diana and sets about rebuilding her life. Under the threat of war, Alessandra's house becomes first a home and then a shelter to all those who need it. Then Davide, a young man who is hiding the truth about who he is, arrives, and Diana starts to find her heart going where her head knows it must not.Back home in Britain as war breaks out, Alessandra's son Robert, signs up to be a pilot, determined to play his part in freeing Italy from the grip of Fascism. His bravery marks him out as an asset to the Allies, and soon he is being sent deep undercover and further into danger than ever before.As war rages, the Durante family will love and lose, but will they survive the war...?'Thoroughly engrossing' - Julian Fellowes, creator of Downton Abbey'Enthralling...An Italian Affair snares us in an ever-tightening circle of love and despair, secrets and forgiveness' - Joanna Lumley
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2018
181 people are currently reading
648 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Montague
5 books105 followersFrom early childhood a poem, executed by my own hand was a compulsory requirement for my father’s birthday. To the reluctant five year old this was considered a trial, but by the age of seven writing poetry had become my passion. At ten I won my first national poetry competition and from that moment I dreamt of being a writer.
This particular dream took rather longer than I had hoped because reading law, marriage at nineteen, children, a career as an interior designer – something always got in the way. When I moved with my second husband, three children and four step children to Burnt Norton twenty years ago, and I happened upon the empty pools made famous by TS Eliot in the first of his Four Quartets, I knew that one day the dream would become a reality.
In 2018 after first writing a historical novel set at Burnt Norton I changed agents to William Morris Endeavour and it was here that I felt truly at home. Within a fairly short time, Matilda Forbes Watson had procured a two book deal with Orion for ‘An Italian Affair’ and ‘A Paris Secret’. She recently procured a further two book deal for a novel set in Spain during the Spanish Civil War and a novel set in Greece.
Caroline Montague lives with her husband at Burnt Norton House in the Cotswolds made famous by TS Eliot in the first of his four quartets. She is also a designer and mother to seven children and step-children. She divides her time between England and Italy.
This particular dream took rather longer than I had hoped because reading law, marriage at nineteen, children, a career as an interior designer – something always got in the way. When I moved with my second husband, three children and four step children to Burnt Norton twenty years ago, and I happened upon the empty pools made famous by TS Eliot in the first of his Four Quartets, I knew that one day the dream would become a reality.
In 2018 after first writing a historical novel set at Burnt Norton I changed agents to William Morris Endeavour and it was here that I felt truly at home. Within a fairly short time, Matilda Forbes Watson had procured a two book deal with Orion for ‘An Italian Affair’ and ‘A Paris Secret’. She recently procured a further two book deal for a novel set in Spain during the Spanish Civil War and a novel set in Greece.
Caroline Montague lives with her husband at Burnt Norton House in the Cotswolds made famous by TS Eliot in the first of his four quartets. She is also a designer and mother to seven children and step-children. She divides her time between England and Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 25, 2019
5 Words: War, family, secrets, danger, love.
Gosh, this book. I hesitate to say it was lovely, because honestly the story isn't, but it was lovely to read. It was a wonderful experience, and I found myself carried along and caught up with the story. It was easy to invest my time and feelings in the characters and even as I turned the last page all I wanted to do was read on.
I loved the exploration of family, and familial loyalty and pain and hurt. I really felt for the characters, I found I could connect with them so much, and when certain things happen, it got me right in the feels. As in, put the book down and step away for a while and remember to breathe.
Alessandra was absolutely my favourite character. Her growth was incredible, especially as her character was pushed almost to her limits.
It's a gorgeous book, perfect for reading in the garden with a glass of wine. I will absolutely keep an eye out for this author's future books.
Gosh, this book. I hesitate to say it was lovely, because honestly the story isn't, but it was lovely to read. It was a wonderful experience, and I found myself carried along and caught up with the story. It was easy to invest my time and feelings in the characters and even as I turned the last page all I wanted to do was read on.
I loved the exploration of family, and familial loyalty and pain and hurt. I really felt for the characters, I found I could connect with them so much, and when certain things happen, it got me right in the feels. As in, put the book down and step away for a while and remember to breathe.
Alessandra was absolutely my favourite character. Her growth was incredible, especially as her character was pushed almost to her limits.
It's a gorgeous book, perfect for reading in the garden with a glass of wine. I will absolutely keep an eye out for this author's future books.
March 19, 2019
An Italian Affair is such a beautiful novel that I struggled to part with it.
Alessandra is grieving the loss of her husband when she discovers that she has inherited her ancestral family home in Italy. Her own Mother had been shunned from the family for marrying an Englishman, and Alessandra has never seen the country that her Mother grew up in.
But she has dreamed about it for a long time.
When the news comes of the inheritance Alessandra is in a dark place, and realises that this may be something to help put her life back together. But she must take only her daughter, Diana whilst her son, Robert completes his prestigious education.
Alessandra and Diana take to Italy almost immediately, and work hard to fit in with the local community and end to ensure that they live up to the Durante name. Eventually Diana must start at the local school, where she first meets Davide a young man set to capture her heart.
Meanwhile back in Britain, Robert has finished his education and signed up the Royal Air Force, determined to do his bit as the threat of war draws ever nearer. In his letters to his sister, he begs her not to tell Alessandra. But how could Diana keep such a secret.
Yet as World War Two breaks out, it becomes clear his is not the only secret, and the Durante family must do everything that they can to help those that they love, and themselves to survive the War
Alessandra is grieving the loss of her husband when she discovers that she has inherited her ancestral family home in Italy. Her own Mother had been shunned from the family for marrying an Englishman, and Alessandra has never seen the country that her Mother grew up in.
But she has dreamed about it for a long time.
When the news comes of the inheritance Alessandra is in a dark place, and realises that this may be something to help put her life back together. But she must take only her daughter, Diana whilst her son, Robert completes his prestigious education.
Alessandra and Diana take to Italy almost immediately, and work hard to fit in with the local community and end to ensure that they live up to the Durante name. Eventually Diana must start at the local school, where she first meets Davide a young man set to capture her heart.
Meanwhile back in Britain, Robert has finished his education and signed up the Royal Air Force, determined to do his bit as the threat of war draws ever nearer. In his letters to his sister, he begs her not to tell Alessandra. But how could Diana keep such a secret.
Yet as World War Two breaks out, it becomes clear his is not the only secret, and the Durante family must do everything that they can to help those that they love, and themselves to survive the War
September 9, 2019
3.5 - Voto
.
Emanuela - per RFS
.
Il romanzo è ambientato tra l’Inghilterra e l’Italia, nel periodo compreso tra l’avvento del fascismo e la fine della guerra mondiale.
La protagonista è Alessandra, italo-britannica sposata con un benestante medico londinese e con due figli Robert e Diana.
La tragica morte del marito la costringe a lasciare la Gran Bretagna e tornare in Toscana nella proprietà avita, posta in mezzo alla campagna coltivata a viti e ulivi.
Qui la donna deve reinventarsi come proprietaria terriera e con molti sacrifici impara a lavorare con i contadini per risollevare le sorti produttive dell’azienda.
Solo Diana, la figlia minore la seguirà crescendo tra le dolci colline della campagna Toscana e sviluppando un carattere forte e indipendente.
Il figlio rimarrà in Inghilterra, prima come RAF (Royal Air Force) e successivamente come addestratore della resistenza, ruolo che lo condurrà proprio in Italia.
Il colpo di scena verrà inflitto dal Deus ex Machina della vicenda, colui che per tanti anni è stato accanto alla famiglia.
Il romanzo è molto ben scritto ma la quantità dei temi trattati (spionaggio, amore, guerra e persecuzione razziale) lo rendono spesso macchinoso. Alcuni passaggi risultano un pò forzati, come se fossero stati inseriti a caso.
La lunghezza del racconto e i temi trattati (non nuovi al genere storico) possono determinare un calo di attenzione proprio perché non costituiscono una novità.
Personalmente avrei preferito meno idee ma più concise…insomma, che la storia fosse meno tirata per le lunghe. Onestamente non mi ha particolarmente convinto.
.
Emanuela - per RFS
.
Il romanzo è ambientato tra l’Inghilterra e l’Italia, nel periodo compreso tra l’avvento del fascismo e la fine della guerra mondiale.
La protagonista è Alessandra, italo-britannica sposata con un benestante medico londinese e con due figli Robert e Diana.
La tragica morte del marito la costringe a lasciare la Gran Bretagna e tornare in Toscana nella proprietà avita, posta in mezzo alla campagna coltivata a viti e ulivi.
Qui la donna deve reinventarsi come proprietaria terriera e con molti sacrifici impara a lavorare con i contadini per risollevare le sorti produttive dell’azienda.
Solo Diana, la figlia minore la seguirà crescendo tra le dolci colline della campagna Toscana e sviluppando un carattere forte e indipendente.
Il figlio rimarrà in Inghilterra, prima come RAF (Royal Air Force) e successivamente come addestratore della resistenza, ruolo che lo condurrà proprio in Italia.
Il colpo di scena verrà inflitto dal Deus ex Machina della vicenda, colui che per tanti anni è stato accanto alla famiglia.
Il romanzo è molto ben scritto ma la quantità dei temi trattati (spionaggio, amore, guerra e persecuzione razziale) lo rendono spesso macchinoso. Alcuni passaggi risultano un pò forzati, come se fossero stati inseriti a caso.
La lunghezza del racconto e i temi trattati (non nuovi al genere storico) possono determinare un calo di attenzione proprio perché non costituiscono una novità.
Personalmente avrei preferito meno idee ma più concise…insomma, che la storia fosse meno tirata per le lunghe. Onestamente non mi ha particolarmente convinto.
April 23, 2019
'A sweeping story of love, betrayal and war….'
An Italian Affair is a novel by Caroline Montague and has just been released with Orion Books. It is a sweeping family saga recounting the story of the Marston/Durante family during the Second World War. With references to actual events, including the Battle of Britain and the shocking massacre that took place in Civitella, a small village in the mountains of Tuscany, Caroline Montague has written a book that will transport you back to those distressing years of a wartime Europe.
Alessandra had everything she could have wished for, a wonderful husband and two beautiful children, but this was all about to change. One early morning, Alessandra’s world is ripped apart when her husband is involved in a tragic and fatal accident outside their London home. Struggling to grasp the enormity of her loss, and unable to cope with the grief, Alessandra is suddenly faced with a very unexpected new challenge. Her grandmother has passed away and has willed her the ancestral home in the Tuscan hills, but with conditions. With Europe on the cusp of war, Alessandra is all too aware of the risks she might be facing if she returns to Italy, but the alternative is too lonely a prospect. So leaving her son Robert in boarding school, she packs up their London home and takes her daughter Diana with her on this unknown yet exciting adventure. Alessandra had never visited her grandmother in Italy so her expectations are based on an old picture but when she arrives she is blown away by the sheer beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
‘Below her, fields, meadows and forests were laid out in a rich tapestry of colour and shapes, and in the distance, a village clung to the hillside with a church at its centre. A lump formed in her throat. This was more than just a landscape, much more; not only was it achingly beautiful, it was also her future and her mother’s past – a past she had left behind.’
As the war machine rages forth, Alessandra brings the Villa Durante back to it’s former glory with the help of the local villagers, who are only too happy to see life return to the villa. As Mussolini’s army continues it’s campaign, in league with the Nazi regime, the hills of Tuscany soon become a hotbed for the resistance and a hiding place for the Jewish community to escape the atrocities facing them.
Alessandra’s son, Robert, remains in London and joins up with the RAF, fighting his own battle. But as time passes, Robert’s life becomes a nightmare, as his friends are victims of the fight and he witnesses the realities of death in all it’s ghoulish glory. Robert is very anti the Fascist regime that is building in strength in Italy and he becomes determined to do his bit to prevent the spread of this insidious governing of his ancestral home.
An Italian Affair takes the reader on a journey of passion and fear, a journey of love and bravery, as ordinary people stand up and do extraordinary things. The amount of research into this period by Caroline Montague is very evident, as the full scale of the horrors and devastation of that time are so richly portrayed. At times I did find the dialogue a little too formal but this was a minor quibble and it certainly did not impact my overall reading experience.
There is a very canny twist in this tale, a rather unexpected edge, which adds a very exciting plot swerve to the overall story. I became very engrossed in Robert’s story, with the portrayal of the war very vivid and quite emotive. Alessandra and her daughter Diana, were fascinating characters to read about. They arrive in Tuscany, unsure of what lies ahead, yet over the years they both grow and develop into two strong, brave and very formidable women.
An Italian Affair is a sumptuous tale combining fact with fiction. It is a wonderful debut from Caroline Montague and one I was only too happy to escape into for a few hours. Bursting with imagery of the glorious Tuscan hills and the frightening ravages of war, An Italian Affair is a very engaging tale, perfect for all with a passion for Italy and love of historical fiction.
An Italian Affair is a novel by Caroline Montague and has just been released with Orion Books. It is a sweeping family saga recounting the story of the Marston/Durante family during the Second World War. With references to actual events, including the Battle of Britain and the shocking massacre that took place in Civitella, a small village in the mountains of Tuscany, Caroline Montague has written a book that will transport you back to those distressing years of a wartime Europe.
Alessandra had everything she could have wished for, a wonderful husband and two beautiful children, but this was all about to change. One early morning, Alessandra’s world is ripped apart when her husband is involved in a tragic and fatal accident outside their London home. Struggling to grasp the enormity of her loss, and unable to cope with the grief, Alessandra is suddenly faced with a very unexpected new challenge. Her grandmother has passed away and has willed her the ancestral home in the Tuscan hills, but with conditions. With Europe on the cusp of war, Alessandra is all too aware of the risks she might be facing if she returns to Italy, but the alternative is too lonely a prospect. So leaving her son Robert in boarding school, she packs up their London home and takes her daughter Diana with her on this unknown yet exciting adventure. Alessandra had never visited her grandmother in Italy so her expectations are based on an old picture but when she arrives she is blown away by the sheer beauty of the Tuscan landscape.
‘Below her, fields, meadows and forests were laid out in a rich tapestry of colour and shapes, and in the distance, a village clung to the hillside with a church at its centre. A lump formed in her throat. This was more than just a landscape, much more; not only was it achingly beautiful, it was also her future and her mother’s past – a past she had left behind.’
As the war machine rages forth, Alessandra brings the Villa Durante back to it’s former glory with the help of the local villagers, who are only too happy to see life return to the villa. As Mussolini’s army continues it’s campaign, in league with the Nazi regime, the hills of Tuscany soon become a hotbed for the resistance and a hiding place for the Jewish community to escape the atrocities facing them.
Alessandra’s son, Robert, remains in London and joins up with the RAF, fighting his own battle. But as time passes, Robert’s life becomes a nightmare, as his friends are victims of the fight and he witnesses the realities of death in all it’s ghoulish glory. Robert is very anti the Fascist regime that is building in strength in Italy and he becomes determined to do his bit to prevent the spread of this insidious governing of his ancestral home.
An Italian Affair takes the reader on a journey of passion and fear, a journey of love and bravery, as ordinary people stand up and do extraordinary things. The amount of research into this period by Caroline Montague is very evident, as the full scale of the horrors and devastation of that time are so richly portrayed. At times I did find the dialogue a little too formal but this was a minor quibble and it certainly did not impact my overall reading experience.
There is a very canny twist in this tale, a rather unexpected edge, which adds a very exciting plot swerve to the overall story. I became very engrossed in Robert’s story, with the portrayal of the war very vivid and quite emotive. Alessandra and her daughter Diana, were fascinating characters to read about. They arrive in Tuscany, unsure of what lies ahead, yet over the years they both grow and develop into two strong, brave and very formidable women.
An Italian Affair is a sumptuous tale combining fact with fiction. It is a wonderful debut from Caroline Montague and one I was only too happy to escape into for a few hours. Bursting with imagery of the glorious Tuscan hills and the frightening ravages of war, An Italian Affair is a very engaging tale, perfect for all with a passion for Italy and love of historical fiction.
March 23, 2022
A beautiful book thoroughly enjoyed this 💕
March 26, 2019
5 * Novel set in WW2 TUSCANY
It is 1939 and Alessandra Marston is trying to come to terms with the death of her beloved English husband, Anthony, when she learns that she has inherited the ancestral family home, Villa Durante, set in the Tuscan hills. London, on the brink of war, seems to hold little promise for Alessandra and her two children, sixteen-year-old Robert and fourteen-year-old Diana, particularly since Anthony’s untimely death has left the family impoverished, so Alessandra decides to move to Italy and begin rebuilding her life.
Robert, however, is settled and happy at his English school and, through the generosity of Douglas Gordon, Anthony’s best friend and Robert’s godfather, is able to stay there and continue his education, so Alessandra and Diana set out alone. They find a villa in need of loving attention and an estate much in need of improvement, but also a loyal and trustworthy estate manager in Signora Carducci who is to prove to be a wonderful housekeeper and friend. Life at the Villa Durante turns out to be hard work but exactly what Alessandra has needed to help her get over her loss. But this is Italy with Mussolini in charge and even in the idyllic Tuscan countryside the growing Fascist movement is evident and Alessandra’s house soon becomes refuge for those fleeing from persecution. To complicate matters further, Diana has fallen in love with Davide, a young Jewish boy, who has a secret he is desperate to keep from discovery.
Back in England, war breaks out and Robert enlists to train as a pilot, determined to defend his country. His bravery is soon evident and he is selected to train as a Special Operation Executive, is sent to Italy to help those fighting the Fascists and soon finds himself in even greater danger.
This is a fairly weighty book, and I often think that a book of 500 odd pages could benefit from a judicious pruning but this is not the case with An Italian Affair.This is a rattling good tale that moves at some lick from start to finish, packed with action and fascinating detail. I particularly enjoyed the account of Robert’s experience as a Spitfire pilot and his subsequent undercover work. Caroline Montague has clearly engaged in a lot of meticulous research into The Battle of Britain and the work of Special Operations in the Second World War.
The setting, too, is wonderfully created – not just the bucolic beauty of the Tuscan countryside in the 1940s but also the sinister atmosphere of the all-pervasive threat of fascism. The writer manages to convey, as Alessandra herself explains, the sense of “a dichotomy, that extraordinary beauty and staggering cruelty could coexist in one place.”
All in all, An Italian Affair is that rare thing – a great read that has something for everyone, whether your preference is for romance, war, adventure or espionage.
It is 1939 and Alessandra Marston is trying to come to terms with the death of her beloved English husband, Anthony, when she learns that she has inherited the ancestral family home, Villa Durante, set in the Tuscan hills. London, on the brink of war, seems to hold little promise for Alessandra and her two children, sixteen-year-old Robert and fourteen-year-old Diana, particularly since Anthony’s untimely death has left the family impoverished, so Alessandra decides to move to Italy and begin rebuilding her life.
Robert, however, is settled and happy at his English school and, through the generosity of Douglas Gordon, Anthony’s best friend and Robert’s godfather, is able to stay there and continue his education, so Alessandra and Diana set out alone. They find a villa in need of loving attention and an estate much in need of improvement, but also a loyal and trustworthy estate manager in Signora Carducci who is to prove to be a wonderful housekeeper and friend. Life at the Villa Durante turns out to be hard work but exactly what Alessandra has needed to help her get over her loss. But this is Italy with Mussolini in charge and even in the idyllic Tuscan countryside the growing Fascist movement is evident and Alessandra’s house soon becomes refuge for those fleeing from persecution. To complicate matters further, Diana has fallen in love with Davide, a young Jewish boy, who has a secret he is desperate to keep from discovery.
Back in England, war breaks out and Robert enlists to train as a pilot, determined to defend his country. His bravery is soon evident and he is selected to train as a Special Operation Executive, is sent to Italy to help those fighting the Fascists and soon finds himself in even greater danger.
This is a fairly weighty book, and I often think that a book of 500 odd pages could benefit from a judicious pruning but this is not the case with An Italian Affair.This is a rattling good tale that moves at some lick from start to finish, packed with action and fascinating detail. I particularly enjoyed the account of Robert’s experience as a Spitfire pilot and his subsequent undercover work. Caroline Montague has clearly engaged in a lot of meticulous research into The Battle of Britain and the work of Special Operations in the Second World War.
The setting, too, is wonderfully created – not just the bucolic beauty of the Tuscan countryside in the 1940s but also the sinister atmosphere of the all-pervasive threat of fascism. The writer manages to convey, as Alessandra herself explains, the sense of “a dichotomy, that extraordinary beauty and staggering cruelty could coexist in one place.”
All in all, An Italian Affair is that rare thing – a great read that has something for everyone, whether your preference is for romance, war, adventure or espionage.
November 25, 2019
An Italian Affair is a wonderful, absorbing historical saga that just draws the reader into the story.
The characters are all very well developed, realistic and I felt I went on a real journey with them through the ages. I didn’t know much about Italian history between the wars so I thought it was fascinating to read about the rise of Mussolini and his fascist party. The historical detail for this time was brilliant and I felt that I could picture all the action, and the wonderful Italian countryside, vividly as if I was witnessing it all first hand.
There was a lot of action in this book which made the book hugely enjoyable and helped ensure the reader was thoroughly gripped, especially in the war years . Even though I knew how some of the things would play out from reading other books based in the second world war, I still found myself caught up in the action and holding my breath as things unfolded. Some of the events are truly heartbreaking especially as by the time it happened I had grown very fond of the characters involved. I actually had to stop reading the book for a little bit as the story had affected me so much.
The ending and the twist was truly shocking and took me completely by surprise which I always enjoy. I found myself flicking back through the pages to see if I should have guessed earlier.
This unbelievably is the author’s debut novel and I’m so excited to read more from this talented author, especially if she creates more stunning historical sagas like this one.
Huge thanks to Alainna from Orion for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Orion for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
The characters are all very well developed, realistic and I felt I went on a real journey with them through the ages. I didn’t know much about Italian history between the wars so I thought it was fascinating to read about the rise of Mussolini and his fascist party. The historical detail for this time was brilliant and I felt that I could picture all the action, and the wonderful Italian countryside, vividly as if I was witnessing it all first hand.
There was a lot of action in this book which made the book hugely enjoyable and helped ensure the reader was thoroughly gripped, especially in the war years . Even though I knew how some of the things would play out from reading other books based in the second world war, I still found myself caught up in the action and holding my breath as things unfolded. Some of the events are truly heartbreaking especially as by the time it happened I had grown very fond of the characters involved. I actually had to stop reading the book for a little bit as the story had affected me so much.
The ending and the twist was truly shocking and took me completely by surprise which I always enjoy. I found myself flicking back through the pages to see if I should have guessed earlier.
This unbelievably is the author’s debut novel and I’m so excited to read more from this talented author, especially if she creates more stunning historical sagas like this one.
Huge thanks to Alainna from Orion for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Orion for my copy of this book via Netgalley.
March 22, 2019
An Italian Affair is the début novel from Caroline Montague and for a first book it is certainly a very impressive read. I hate using the term sweeping historical fiction but that is what this book is. It's an epic story that has you swept up in the lives of the central characters as you journey with them through times of change and turbulence as they live through an era when the world is altered forever. I loved that this story had a clear beginning, middle and end with certain stages scattered throughout which allowed us to gain a sense of the inner working of the family unit we follow and how they came to be the people they were. Sometimes stories go off on tangents and lose their way but this wasn't the case here. I thought the story went from strength to strength and carried on to a deeply satisfying conclusion with a twist I didn't see coming. Although there was a niggle in the back of my mind that something wasn't right with regard to a certain set up but I never could quite put my finger on it. The author almost lulls you into a false sense of security and then boom she hits you with a curve-ball that has you screaming with the injustice of it all and hoping that a comeuppance will be served.
But before we reach that point there is plenty that comes before it and Caroline set everything up so well. The prologue, slightly longer than prologues I have read before, was tense and imparted a lot of necessary information. It assuredly set the tone and feeling for the entire novel as a life amending event befell the Marston family as the patriarch meets with an accident but it is the tension built up within a few paragraphs that shows that the author is a real talent. I felt the families pain, loss and devastation that their rock has gone. That the man they loved so much and looked to for guidance and leadership is no more.
Alessandra, his wife, has to step up and to be honest I thought she was going to be one of those weak women I've often read about in other books who can't function at all once their husband has gone. That the children no matter their age have to take over. Instead over the course of the story she blossomed and grew in strength and tenacity. This was never over played though, in the fact that all of a sudden she could do and did remarkable things that she would never have dreamed possible before. Instead as we progress through the life events that befall the family she grew over time and it all felt natural and realistic. She harboured a deep love for her husband that wasn't forgotten or didn't diminish in an instant. She had to come to terms with and forge an acceptance that he was gone but he would live on forever in their hearts and that every action and thing she did for her family and the children Robert and Diana too, would make him proud. For events were sent to test them and their friends and neighbours to the max.
Moving the plot away from London to the rolling Italian countryside was an inspired choice for a different setting as it allowed the characters to move out of their comfort zone. An inheritance leads to a change of fortunes for the Marston family and soon Alessandra and Diana finding themselves living and working on an Italian farm. The descriptions of the farm, surrounding countryside and villages were so vivid and well thought out. I could imagine everything so clearly in my head and could visualise Alessandra stepping outside her door and what a stunning view would be before her eyes. As the descriptions of the setting were brilliant I think this helped in later chapters when war broke out and there was lots of passages describing partisan activity in the countryside I could also clearly visualise this too. Robert chose to remain in London to continue his studies and this decision plays a vital role in the man he grows up to be. It was brilliant the way things were set up and we learned the workings of the families life in Italy for several years before the outbreak of war for it allowed us to see what changes came about. How new links and a new life were established in Italy before the actions of a mad man altered everything.
Diana arrived in Italy a scared, young teenager lacking confidence and still very much in the grieving process but as the years pass she changes into an inspiring young woman who is willing to embrace and accept love no matter the consequences. Her devotion, bravery and strength towards the one she loved demonstrated what a remarkable woman she grew in to. I admired how she stood by her mother and kept things going during times of trauma, unrest and danger. They both made so many sacrifices and along with close neighbours and the unit they had built with workers on the farm they placed themselves in danger time and time again as the war encroached ever further towards their home.
The middle section of the book as set during the war years was fascinating and it showed a clear division between life pre war and during the years of upheaval. I thought it was excellent that we moved back and forth between Italy but we also gained a deeper insight into Robert as a young man as he battles with his own conscience and battles in the war with what is right and wrong. I think I would have become tired of reading scenes set in Italy all the time although when everything reverts back to Italian soil and the undercover work of the partisans these scenes were expertly researched. All the hidden networks that existed at the time and the work they carried out were invaluable and I think it was excellent to have them included in this story as it opened up another strand to the war that we may not think about or have much knowledge on.
Robert was the character who I felt really transformed over the course of the story. He was an intelligent man and this was noted and used to great affect during the war years. Although life wasn't plain sailing for him as he battled with what he was tasked to do. I thought it was very realistic that he got close to people with whom he was working especially when flying bomber aircraft only for these relationships to be snatched away. That is what happened during that time and it showed the futility of war and how life can be gone in an instant. Robert became immersed in duty and loyalty to his country. He becomes resilient and hardened at least on the outside but on the inside I think he was facing and dealing with a maelstrom of mentions that threatened to overspill and when revenge comes calling this is certainly what happened. Robert was a character who was reconstructed from an innocent young school boy to a man filled with grit and determination but one wondered what would the fallout of the war be for all the characters you have come to be deeply invested in since you read that intense prologue?
An Italian Affair was a gripping read that provides the reader with a solid storyline packed full of depth and emotion. It is a very promising début novel from Caroline Montague that gave me the twist I was craving when I least expected it. I sense there are even greater things to come from her in the future and I for one am excited to see what era in time she will take us to next.
But before we reach that point there is plenty that comes before it and Caroline set everything up so well. The prologue, slightly longer than prologues I have read before, was tense and imparted a lot of necessary information. It assuredly set the tone and feeling for the entire novel as a life amending event befell the Marston family as the patriarch meets with an accident but it is the tension built up within a few paragraphs that shows that the author is a real talent. I felt the families pain, loss and devastation that their rock has gone. That the man they loved so much and looked to for guidance and leadership is no more.
Alessandra, his wife, has to step up and to be honest I thought she was going to be one of those weak women I've often read about in other books who can't function at all once their husband has gone. That the children no matter their age have to take over. Instead over the course of the story she blossomed and grew in strength and tenacity. This was never over played though, in the fact that all of a sudden she could do and did remarkable things that she would never have dreamed possible before. Instead as we progress through the life events that befall the family she grew over time and it all felt natural and realistic. She harboured a deep love for her husband that wasn't forgotten or didn't diminish in an instant. She had to come to terms with and forge an acceptance that he was gone but he would live on forever in their hearts and that every action and thing she did for her family and the children Robert and Diana too, would make him proud. For events were sent to test them and their friends and neighbours to the max.
Moving the plot away from London to the rolling Italian countryside was an inspired choice for a different setting as it allowed the characters to move out of their comfort zone. An inheritance leads to a change of fortunes for the Marston family and soon Alessandra and Diana finding themselves living and working on an Italian farm. The descriptions of the farm, surrounding countryside and villages were so vivid and well thought out. I could imagine everything so clearly in my head and could visualise Alessandra stepping outside her door and what a stunning view would be before her eyes. As the descriptions of the setting were brilliant I think this helped in later chapters when war broke out and there was lots of passages describing partisan activity in the countryside I could also clearly visualise this too. Robert chose to remain in London to continue his studies and this decision plays a vital role in the man he grows up to be. It was brilliant the way things were set up and we learned the workings of the families life in Italy for several years before the outbreak of war for it allowed us to see what changes came about. How new links and a new life were established in Italy before the actions of a mad man altered everything.
Diana arrived in Italy a scared, young teenager lacking confidence and still very much in the grieving process but as the years pass she changes into an inspiring young woman who is willing to embrace and accept love no matter the consequences. Her devotion, bravery and strength towards the one she loved demonstrated what a remarkable woman she grew in to. I admired how she stood by her mother and kept things going during times of trauma, unrest and danger. They both made so many sacrifices and along with close neighbours and the unit they had built with workers on the farm they placed themselves in danger time and time again as the war encroached ever further towards their home.
The middle section of the book as set during the war years was fascinating and it showed a clear division between life pre war and during the years of upheaval. I thought it was excellent that we moved back and forth between Italy but we also gained a deeper insight into Robert as a young man as he battles with his own conscience and battles in the war with what is right and wrong. I think I would have become tired of reading scenes set in Italy all the time although when everything reverts back to Italian soil and the undercover work of the partisans these scenes were expertly researched. All the hidden networks that existed at the time and the work they carried out were invaluable and I think it was excellent to have them included in this story as it opened up another strand to the war that we may not think about or have much knowledge on.
Robert was the character who I felt really transformed over the course of the story. He was an intelligent man and this was noted and used to great affect during the war years. Although life wasn't plain sailing for him as he battled with what he was tasked to do. I thought it was very realistic that he got close to people with whom he was working especially when flying bomber aircraft only for these relationships to be snatched away. That is what happened during that time and it showed the futility of war and how life can be gone in an instant. Robert became immersed in duty and loyalty to his country. He becomes resilient and hardened at least on the outside but on the inside I think he was facing and dealing with a maelstrom of mentions that threatened to overspill and when revenge comes calling this is certainly what happened. Robert was a character who was reconstructed from an innocent young school boy to a man filled with grit and determination but one wondered what would the fallout of the war be for all the characters you have come to be deeply invested in since you read that intense prologue?
An Italian Affair was a gripping read that provides the reader with a solid storyline packed full of depth and emotion. It is a very promising début novel from Caroline Montague that gave me the twist I was craving when I least expected it. I sense there are even greater things to come from her in the future and I for one am excited to see what era in time she will take us to next.
May 27, 2019
Historical drama set in WWII Italy and England
This is a beautifully written novel about a family whose London life in 1934 is changed for ever by one dramatic moment. This results in Alessandra and her daughter moving from London to Tuscany, whilst her son stays behind studying in England.
The story follows Alessandra as she learns the way of Tuscan farming, and settles into her new, very different, life. Her daughter finds love, but discovers the law will not allow her to marry her chosen one. Then war approaches and with it the worries of how two British women in Italy will cope.
Meanwhile Alessandra’s son is discovering his own way in life, which will soon involve him in the thick of the war.
This is compelling historical fiction, that follows Alessandra’s family through the ups and downs of their lives, where many things are not as they outwardly appear. Caroline Montague’s writing makes the reader feel fully involved as if they are really there. As the war develops so we are drawn into the lives of fighter pilots as well as the resistance fighters. Amongst all this there is time for love and sadness, bravery and treachery.
This is quite a long book and just perfect for a holiday read. There are wonderful moments, shocking moments and at the end I was racing to find out what would happen. The places visited have been well researched, as has the detail about the lives Alessandra’s family find themselves thrust into. The author’s Twitter page, @CMontagueAuthor , has some wonderful photos from her research travels.
4 out of 5 stars for me. I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to know more about the reality of life at this time in a fictional context. I found some parts touching, other parts sent me to the internet for more information, and the whole a beautiful and involving read. A book to treat yourself to, and then settle back to escape into. Definitely a must read for anyone thinking of visiting Tuscany, or interested in the reality of WWII on ordinary lives.
This is a beautifully written novel about a family whose London life in 1934 is changed for ever by one dramatic moment. This results in Alessandra and her daughter moving from London to Tuscany, whilst her son stays behind studying in England.
The story follows Alessandra as she learns the way of Tuscan farming, and settles into her new, very different, life. Her daughter finds love, but discovers the law will not allow her to marry her chosen one. Then war approaches and with it the worries of how two British women in Italy will cope.
Meanwhile Alessandra’s son is discovering his own way in life, which will soon involve him in the thick of the war.
This is compelling historical fiction, that follows Alessandra’s family through the ups and downs of their lives, where many things are not as they outwardly appear. Caroline Montague’s writing makes the reader feel fully involved as if they are really there. As the war develops so we are drawn into the lives of fighter pilots as well as the resistance fighters. Amongst all this there is time for love and sadness, bravery and treachery.
This is quite a long book and just perfect for a holiday read. There are wonderful moments, shocking moments and at the end I was racing to find out what would happen. The places visited have been well researched, as has the detail about the lives Alessandra’s family find themselves thrust into. The author’s Twitter page, @CMontagueAuthor , has some wonderful photos from her research travels.
4 out of 5 stars for me. I would recommend this to anyone who wishes to know more about the reality of life at this time in a fictional context. I found some parts touching, other parts sent me to the internet for more information, and the whole a beautiful and involving read. A book to treat yourself to, and then settle back to escape into. Definitely a must read for anyone thinking of visiting Tuscany, or interested in the reality of WWII on ordinary lives.
July 3, 2019
Full review on Blog 18th July!
April 27, 2020
I’m really conflicted about this book. There were so many characters and so many different perspectives and I only really cared about Alessandra, Diana, and Davide. I really hated all the Robert chapters. The book was very slow paced until about half way through and I also feel like none of the characters were really properly developed because the point of view kept bouncing around.
March 17, 2023
I enjoyed this book and it's location. I also thought it was an interesting take on the spy world during WW2. I did feel like a lot happened in the last chapter that moved very quickly and ended abruptly.
April 22, 2022
Beautifully written
I had a hard time putting this book down. It made you feel like you were there. It was both exciting and sad.
I had a hard time putting this book down. It made you feel like you were there. It was both exciting and sad.
June 7, 2020
Recensione di Barbara:
La vita di Alessandra Durante cambia radicalmente alla morte del suo amatissimo marito; sempre tutelata e protetta, si ritrova a dover affrontare la dura realtà economica che le era stata nascosta e a dover lavorare per sopravvivere.
Inaspettatamente riceve in eredità dalla nonna materna, con la quale non aveva mai avuto nessun tipo di rapporto, la villa di famiglia nel suo paese di origine in Toscana. Decide così di trasferirsi e porta con sè la figlia di 14 anni Diana, mentre Robert sedicenne rimane in Inghilterra in una scuola privata sotto la tutela del padrino Douglas che si accolla l'onere della sua istruzione.
Passano così gli anni e Alessandra si ingegna in ogni modo per farsi accettare dalla gente del luogo e per riportare agli antichi splendori la villa e far tornare a prosperare la tenuta. I ragazzi diventano grandi e alle preoccupazioni legate al carattere irruente di Diana e alla distanza da Robert, trattenuto sempre più spesso da Douglas, si sovrappone lo spettro della guerra.
Robert si arruola così nella RAF pieno di fervore patriottico ma si scontra con l'orrore della morte dei compagni e l'ineluttabilità del fato. Diana, diventata una giovane donna bella e forte, si innamora di Davide un giovane artista ebreo che ha dovuto rinunciare a tutti i suoi sogni a causa della persecuzione da parte dei nazisti, con cui intraprende una relazione segreta a discapito di ogni logica e ragionevolezza.
Tutti e tre, personaggi forti e nello stesso tempo estremamente vulnerabili, affrontano le atrocità della guerra, ognuno a suo modo e ognuno cercando di dare il proprio contributo e di cambiare le sorti delle persone che amano in una sorta di battaglia apparentemente senza fine contro la malvagità della guerra. Storie d'amore, di speranza, di coraggio e tradimento che si intrecciano con una svolta finale inaspettata che rimette in discussione tutto il vissuto della famiglia.
Scritto in maniera ineccepibile e con accuratezza storica scorre in maniera fluida ed accattivante accompagnandoti nella vita di tutti i protagonisti, su uno spitfire con Robert, tra i partigiani, nella ricca campagna toscana, accanto ad ogni personaggio che in un modo o nell'altro entra a far parte della loro vita, in un miscuglio di profonda bellezza e straordinaria crudeltà. Ho trattenuto il fiato per tutta la lettura per riprendere a respirare solo alla fine completamente sconvolta dagli eventi e dall'intensità delle emozioni che mi ha suscitato.
La vita di Alessandra Durante cambia radicalmente alla morte del suo amatissimo marito; sempre tutelata e protetta, si ritrova a dover affrontare la dura realtà economica che le era stata nascosta e a dover lavorare per sopravvivere.
Inaspettatamente riceve in eredità dalla nonna materna, con la quale non aveva mai avuto nessun tipo di rapporto, la villa di famiglia nel suo paese di origine in Toscana. Decide così di trasferirsi e porta con sè la figlia di 14 anni Diana, mentre Robert sedicenne rimane in Inghilterra in una scuola privata sotto la tutela del padrino Douglas che si accolla l'onere della sua istruzione.
Passano così gli anni e Alessandra si ingegna in ogni modo per farsi accettare dalla gente del luogo e per riportare agli antichi splendori la villa e far tornare a prosperare la tenuta. I ragazzi diventano grandi e alle preoccupazioni legate al carattere irruente di Diana e alla distanza da Robert, trattenuto sempre più spesso da Douglas, si sovrappone lo spettro della guerra.
Robert si arruola così nella RAF pieno di fervore patriottico ma si scontra con l'orrore della morte dei compagni e l'ineluttabilità del fato. Diana, diventata una giovane donna bella e forte, si innamora di Davide un giovane artista ebreo che ha dovuto rinunciare a tutti i suoi sogni a causa della persecuzione da parte dei nazisti, con cui intraprende una relazione segreta a discapito di ogni logica e ragionevolezza.
Tutti e tre, personaggi forti e nello stesso tempo estremamente vulnerabili, affrontano le atrocità della guerra, ognuno a suo modo e ognuno cercando di dare il proprio contributo e di cambiare le sorti delle persone che amano in una sorta di battaglia apparentemente senza fine contro la malvagità della guerra. Storie d'amore, di speranza, di coraggio e tradimento che si intrecciano con una svolta finale inaspettata che rimette in discussione tutto il vissuto della famiglia.
Scritto in maniera ineccepibile e con accuratezza storica scorre in maniera fluida ed accattivante accompagnandoti nella vita di tutti i protagonisti, su uno spitfire con Robert, tra i partigiani, nella ricca campagna toscana, accanto ad ogni personaggio che in un modo o nell'altro entra a far parte della loro vita, in un miscuglio di profonda bellezza e straordinaria crudeltà. Ho trattenuto il fiato per tutta la lettura per riprendere a respirare solo alla fine completamente sconvolta dagli eventi e dall'intensità delle emozioni che mi ha suscitato.
January 3, 2024
A pensione is a small hotel or boarding house in Italy.A villa is a type of house that was originally an ancient Roman upper class country house.After the fall of the Roman Republic, villas became small farming compounds, which were increasingly fortified in Late Antiquity, sometimes transferred to the Church for reuse as a monastery. Then, they gradually re-evolved through the Middle Ages into elegant upper-class country homes.General underground Italian opposition to the Fascist Italian government existed prior to WWII, but open and armed resistance began following the German invasion of Italy on 8 September 1943: in Nazi-occupied Italy, the Italian Resistance fighters, known as the partigiani (partisans), fought a guerra di liberazione nazionale ('national liberation war') against the invading German forces; in this context, the anti-fascist partigiani of the Italian Resistance also simultaneously participated in the Italian Civil War, fighting against the Italian Fascists of the collaborationist Italian Social Republic.The Resistance was a diverse coalition of various Italian political parties, independent resistance fighters and soldiers, and partisan brigades and militias. Partisan unit sizes varied, depending on logistics (such as the ability to arm, clothe, and feed members) and the amount of local support. Not all resistance members were Italians; many foreigners had escaped POW camps or joined guerrilla bands as so-called "military missions". German defectors and deserters disillusioned with Nazism and Britons and Americans deployed by the SAS, SOE and OSS,such as Bill Tilman, Peter Tompkins,Count Manfred Beckett Czernin,Oliver Churchill and George Dunning etc.Another task carried out by the resistance was assisting escaping POWs to reach Allied lines or Switzerland on paths previously used by smugglers.A score-settling campaign ensued against pro-German collaborators, many of whom were rounded up by the vengeful partisans.Controversially, many of those detainees were speedily court martialed, condemned and shot, or killed without trial.Italian Jews were aided by DELASEM, a network extending throughout occupied Italy.
February 27, 2020
Described as a sweeping story of love, betrayal and war this novel is one that will have you reading through the night. After her husband, surgeon Anthony Marston is killed in a freak accident, Alessandro and children Diana and Robert are left in straightened circumstances. A surprise inheritance from the Italian grandmother she never met sends Alessandro and Diana off to the Tuscan Hills and Villa Durante. Robert stays on at his English school under the guardianship of Anthony's friend Douglas Gordon. it is 1937 and the Fascists have control of Italy, England is on the brink of war with Germany when the two women arrive at their new home. As they settle into the community and endear themselves to the locals life is about to change; Diana will fall in love with a man whom politics deem unsuitable, Robert will take up his passion for flying and as war encroaches each find strength and courage to fight for the survival of their countries under the untenable events unfolding. But among their tight knit circle is a traitor...
Caroline Montague crafts a well researched story into the over 400 pages never allowing her reader to become distracted. This was a time when children grew up very quickly and life was not taken for granted. Montague has created lightness and dark within the pages as she recreates the young fighter pilots going out on missions and the horrors of war. Where friendships were precious but were so often ripped apart by tragic events; where undercover meant death if you put a step wrong; where the bravery of resistance fighters in Italy saw ordinary men and women did extraordinary things as they struggled to free their country. But the light moments are very real; as in all circumstances love happens in unexpected places as does separation. Emotional at times this story takes us back to a time of madness and cruelty, and the vagaries of humans as they power and revenge. Montague knows how to draw you in and immerse you in a time gone by.
Caroline Montague crafts a well researched story into the over 400 pages never allowing her reader to become distracted. This was a time when children grew up very quickly and life was not taken for granted. Montague has created lightness and dark within the pages as she recreates the young fighter pilots going out on missions and the horrors of war. Where friendships were precious but were so often ripped apart by tragic events; where undercover meant death if you put a step wrong; where the bravery of resistance fighters in Italy saw ordinary men and women did extraordinary things as they struggled to free their country. But the light moments are very real; as in all circumstances love happens in unexpected places as does separation. Emotional at times this story takes us back to a time of madness and cruelty, and the vagaries of humans as they power and revenge. Montague knows how to draw you in and immerse you in a time gone by.
July 23, 2019
I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting. I'll skip desribing the storyline as some of the 4 & 5* reviewers have done that very well. Caroline Montague has picked up an oft over-treated theme and given a painful past a fresh contemporary perspective. This is ideal for a younger, post-war audience keen to feel the realities of prewar and the years of action. The epoch has been portrayed with sensitivity, personal closeness and direct links to the rawness. In an interesting handling of Caroline Montague's "The Italian Affair", half of the book focuses on technical information: flying, wartime operations, fighting and lending a bird's eye view as a backdrop to the main half of the book about the relationships between the characters. An historical novel without being old.
The whole work could easily be transposed to a contemporary war thanks to its meticulously researched detailing and evocativity. Yet, the author, thanks to her sensitivity and feel for that part of Italy, highlights the importance of a link to the past, not that long ago and provides comfort in a more familiar past that a brighter future lies ahead.
It is a very visual work - I can easily imagine it in film version, with palpable tension, danger, sweat and tears and langorous scenes of beauty of faces and piazzas and stunning scenery. You would no doubt easily pick out the characters were you to encounter them on your journey through the area and era.
A moving, warm, loving and uplifting book. Highly recommended. An inspirational author to follow. www.carolinemontague.co.uk
The whole work could easily be transposed to a contemporary war thanks to its meticulously researched detailing and evocativity. Yet, the author, thanks to her sensitivity and feel for that part of Italy, highlights the importance of a link to the past, not that long ago and provides comfort in a more familiar past that a brighter future lies ahead.
It is a very visual work - I can easily imagine it in film version, with palpable tension, danger, sweat and tears and langorous scenes of beauty of faces and piazzas and stunning scenery. You would no doubt easily pick out the characters were you to encounter them on your journey through the area and era.
A moving, warm, loving and uplifting book. Highly recommended. An inspirational author to follow. www.carolinemontague.co.uk
October 13, 2020
Un romanzo che definirei “veloce”: le battute, le scene, tutto si succede con una rapidità folgorante, che non lascia spazio a un’introspezione psicologica penetrante, che ti entra dentro. Alessandra lascia l’Inghilterra insieme alla figlia Diana dopo la morte del marito e si reca in Italia, dove sua nonna le ha lasciato in eredità una villa. Ma il titolo è fuorviante: non c’è nessun segreto in Villa Durante. Si parla solo di loro che cercano di adeguarsi all’Italia e ai suoi abitanti in un periodo storico complesso; Diana si innamora di un ebreo (ovviamente non poteva mancare la solita analisi del genocidio ebraico durante la seconda guerra mondiale), mentre suo fratello Robert entra a far parte della RAF e poi dei partigiani. Tutti aspetti della guerra che vengono affrontati con leggera superficialità e semplicità da manuale di storia, soprattutto quando si riassumono rapidamente gli eventi tra un capitolo e l’altro. Un romanzo non pretenzioso, semplice, scorrevole, che ti lascia addosso un senso di leggerezza nonostante i temi importanti e dolorosi che affronta, ma non è capace di coinvolgere davvero il lettore. Manca qualcosa, ha voluto raccontare troppe cose importanti e non è riuscita a farlo con la sensibilità e l’accuratezza necessari.
October 1, 2022
The Italian Affair is by Caroline Montague. This World War II novel takes place in Italy in vineyard country. Alessandre Durantes received a letter in 1937 advising her of her grandmother’s death and her inheritance of a home and property in Italy. Due to her husband’s untimely death, she found herself and her daughter and son without a home or income. Luckily, due to her husband’s insistence on his friend as godfather, her son’s godfather continued to pay his expenses at his boarding school. Thus, Alessandre and her daughter, Diana, set off for a new adventure in Italy even though the world seemed to be on the edge of war.
Alessandre and Diana found the estate needed quite a bit of work; but that it was lovely and housed a number of people who turned into great helpmates and instructors. While Alessandre learned how to run the estate, Diana attended a nearby day school. Here, she met Davide, a Jew who lived in their village. He soon came to work for them and he and Diana grew inseparable.
Would they be able to survive a war and keep their land? Would they all survive the horrific war?
Alessandre and Diana found the estate needed quite a bit of work; but that it was lovely and housed a number of people who turned into great helpmates and instructors. While Alessandre learned how to run the estate, Diana attended a nearby day school. Here, she met Davide, a Jew who lived in their village. He soon came to work for them and he and Diana grew inseparable.
Would they be able to survive a war and keep their land? Would they all survive the horrific war?
September 21, 2020
Satisfying, epic, easy read.
I didn't know anything about this story when i borrowed it, i have Italian ancestry and feeling frustrated with covid travel restrictions, grabbed it for a bit of foreign escapeism...which it supplied...the historical immersion was unexpected.
My family are from near Bolzano, which is one of the settings, and my Nonna lived through this experience. It was something she spoke about very rarely, and i honestly had no idea, especially of the length of time of the German occupation, and the intensity of the partisan resistance... Even the parts set in London, i had not really ever visualised what happened in a direct way. The characters and story invite you into this world and experience, and left me with a strong sense of the courage and resilience demanded of people who lived through this era.
The characters and the dynamic of the family were really lovely, and i think this, combined with the Italian landscape and culture, is what gave the book a feeling of lightness and relateabilty, despite its dark and at time horrific content.
I didn't know anything about this story when i borrowed it, i have Italian ancestry and feeling frustrated with covid travel restrictions, grabbed it for a bit of foreign escapeism...which it supplied...the historical immersion was unexpected.
My family are from near Bolzano, which is one of the settings, and my Nonna lived through this experience. It was something she spoke about very rarely, and i honestly had no idea, especially of the length of time of the German occupation, and the intensity of the partisan resistance... Even the parts set in London, i had not really ever visualised what happened in a direct way. The characters and story invite you into this world and experience, and left me with a strong sense of the courage and resilience demanded of people who lived through this era.
The characters and the dynamic of the family were really lovely, and i think this, combined with the Italian landscape and culture, is what gave the book a feeling of lightness and relateabilty, despite its dark and at time horrific content.
July 5, 2025
Carino. Racconta la storia di Alessandra e sua figlia Diana che dopo la morte di Anthony (padre e marito) vanno in Italia dove c'era una proprietà (villa Durante) che hanno ereditato dalla nonna. Nel frattempo scoppia la seconda guerra mondiale e vengono raccontate varie vicende, tra cui l'innamoramento di Diana per Davide, che è un ragazzo ebreo e poi diventa partigiano, e le avventure del fratello Robert, che era rimasto in Inghilterra ma poi si ritrova proprio in Italia a combattere. Verso la fine si scopre anche di un traditore, che era proprio il padrino di Robert. Anche Alessandra si innamora di un medico italiano e c'è il lieto fine alla fine della guerra.
La storia è abbastanza scorrevole, ma non cattura così tanto e quindi ci ho messo parecchio a finirlo. I dialoghi sono un po' finti, non ci sono grandi colpi di scena o cose entusiasmanti e inoltre l'ambientazione è sempre quella della guerra e un po' stufa in effetti... COmunque non brutto, do 4 stelle, anche se forse avrei potuto darne 3.
La storia è abbastanza scorrevole, ma non cattura così tanto e quindi ci ho messo parecchio a finirlo. I dialoghi sono un po' finti, non ci sono grandi colpi di scena o cose entusiasmanti e inoltre l'ambientazione è sempre quella della guerra e un po' stufa in effetti... COmunque non brutto, do 4 stelle, anche se forse avrei potuto darne 3.
March 23, 2019
This stunning debut opens with a tragic death which leads to momentous decisions, life changing acts and the unveiling of secrets.
I was completely engrossed in this part of the world and part of history about which I know very little-the between war period in Italy when Mussolini and his Fascist Revolutionary Party came to power.
It was an absolute pleasure to engage myself with the lives of Alessandra, Diana and Robert, I could not begin to imagine the decisions that Alessandra had to make, by taking one child to her inherited Villa, whilst leaving her other one behind.
‘An Italian Affair’ is best enjoyed with an sparkling Italian wine, and as such, devoured wholeheartedly. An affair in more ways than one, it is a sweeping family saga,historical fictions and emotional rollercoaster which was just a joy to read.
I was completely engrossed in this part of the world and part of history about which I know very little-the between war period in Italy when Mussolini and his Fascist Revolutionary Party came to power.
It was an absolute pleasure to engage myself with the lives of Alessandra, Diana and Robert, I could not begin to imagine the decisions that Alessandra had to make, by taking one child to her inherited Villa, whilst leaving her other one behind.
‘An Italian Affair’ is best enjoyed with an sparkling Italian wine, and as such, devoured wholeheartedly. An affair in more ways than one, it is a sweeping family saga,historical fictions and emotional rollercoaster which was just a joy to read.
April 13, 2019
Alessandra Durante is grieving the loss of her husband in rather tragic circumstances when she learns that she has inherited her ancestral home in the Tuscan Hills. She decides to move there with her daughter, Diana leaving her son Robert under the care of his godfather and at boarding school.
Then war breaks out and the book divides into focusing on the various characters and what they are up to.
These include Robert as he becomes a man and makes a decision to join the war effort even though he knows his mother will not approve of him enlisting. Also Alessandra as she takes care of those around her, having relied on her husband when he was still alive in England. Plus Diana as she becomes a woman. And Davide, who learns things about his background that he struggles to deal with.
With a plot twist that was rather unexpected, I would highly recommend this book.
Then war breaks out and the book divides into focusing on the various characters and what they are up to.
These include Robert as he becomes a man and makes a decision to join the war effort even though he knows his mother will not approve of him enlisting. Also Alessandra as she takes care of those around her, having relied on her husband when he was still alive in England. Plus Diana as she becomes a woman. And Davide, who learns things about his background that he struggles to deal with.
With a plot twist that was rather unexpected, I would highly recommend this book.
May 7, 2019
Italy, 1937. Alessandra Durante is grieving the loss of her husband when she discovers she has inherited her ancestral home, Villa Durante, deep in the Tuscan Hills. Longing for a new start, she moves her in London to Italy with her daughter Diana and sets about rebuilding her life.
Under the threat of war, Alessandra's house becomes a shelter to all those who need it. Then a young man hiding the truth about who he is arrives, and Diana finds her heart going where her head knows it must not.
Back home in Britain, as war breaks out Alessandra's son, Robert, signs up to be a pilot, determined to play his part in freeing Italy from the grip of Fascism. His bravery marks him out as a asset to the Allies, and soon he is being sent deep undercover and further into danger than ever before.
As war rages, the Durante family will love and lose, but will they survive the war.......
Under the threat of war, Alessandra's house becomes a shelter to all those who need it. Then a young man hiding the truth about who he is arrives, and Diana finds her heart going where her head knows it must not.
Back home in Britain, as war breaks out Alessandra's son, Robert, signs up to be a pilot, determined to play his part in freeing Italy from the grip of Fascism. His bravery marks him out as a asset to the Allies, and soon he is being sent deep undercover and further into danger than ever before.
As war rages, the Durante family will love and lose, but will they survive the war.......
dnf
December 19, 2025DNF a pagina 192 perché c'è stato un errore di stampa e mancano le pagine da 193 a 240.
probabilmente se le prime 192 pagine mi fossero piaciute avrei provato ad andare comunque avanti, cercando di capire con l'avanzare della lettura cosa fosse successo nelle 50 pagine mancanti, ma purtroppo...
di base i libri ambientati durante le guerre mondiali non fanno proprio per me (questo mi è stato regalato) e non ho trovato interessante nessun personaggio, in particolare Robert (due capitoli dal suo pov sono stati più che abbastanza).
da queste prime pagine ho avuto anche l'impressione che l'autrice volesse creare dei personaggi originali ma è finita solo per copiare ogni altro personaggio presente in libri ambientati in questo periodo.
non posso dare però un giudizio "ufficiale" in quanto appunto non sono arrivata neanche a metà libro.
probabilmente se le prime 192 pagine mi fossero piaciute avrei provato ad andare comunque avanti, cercando di capire con l'avanzare della lettura cosa fosse successo nelle 50 pagine mancanti, ma purtroppo...
di base i libri ambientati durante le guerre mondiali non fanno proprio per me (questo mi è stato regalato) e non ho trovato interessante nessun personaggio, in particolare Robert (due capitoli dal suo pov sono stati più che abbastanza).
da queste prime pagine ho avuto anche l'impressione che l'autrice volesse creare dei personaggi originali ma è finita solo per copiare ogni altro personaggio presente in libri ambientati in questo periodo.
non posso dare però un giudizio "ufficiale" in quanto appunto non sono arrivata neanche a metà libro.
May 28, 2019
Many parts of this novel were good and some parts even well written. But unfortunately it was overlong as a whole with a generic and stereotyped section of WWII ace pilot derring-do which could have come straight from a movie. It really needed a thorough edit to focus on the more original parts of the story and to effect a more engaging tale. However, the Italian sections telling the story of Alessandra and her settling in to the Tuscan life was fascinating, as was the narrative on Davide, his family's troubles, and his relationship with Diana. So, mixed reactions, but worth a read.
September 25, 2023
The first pages of this book are an acknowledgement to the people with whom the author met, interviewed, and who gave the book its authenticity. This gives a slight spoiler, so I would recommend reading it after you have read the story.
The story itself is fascinating and touching. The detail is an exemplary account of what some servicemen, partisans, and ordinary folk endured during the war years.
I have not read work by this author before, but I'm sure I will be doing so in the future. 'A Paris Secret' is now on my TBR List
'An Italian Affair' was an excellent read.
The story itself is fascinating and touching. The detail is an exemplary account of what some servicemen, partisans, and ordinary folk endured during the war years.
I have not read work by this author before, but I'm sure I will be doing so in the future. 'A Paris Secret' is now on my TBR List
'An Italian Affair' was an excellent read.
August 19, 2021
Having been given Paris secret as part of Appleton readers group and despite it not being my genre having enjoyed it (and passed it on to my wife who also did) I was given this (by my wife who clearly wanted to read it for herself!) and as expected it is a great holiday read a historical, family, adventure romance set this time in the Italy I was pining to get to while stuck in lockdown. A simple good read
October 16, 2021
A beautiful fairytale of idyllic countryside Italy and the ravages of war. The loss and heartache of war. The love for family and what you would do for them. A lovely story, at sometimes painful, and through the middle a little slow burning at times, but captivating nonetheless. The gracious and vast pictures Caroline paints of the Italian countryside, courtyards and the different cities that hold this story together are amazing
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2021
Kniha, která někoho nadchne a někoho nudí. Já se bohužel nechytla. Zpočátku se mi jevila tak trochu jako dívka č. 37... inu, italský klimat, Florencie, ale pak to dostalo spíše britský nádech. Takhle, napád rozhodně originální. Kniha rozhodně není špatná a je jiná od těch knih, co o druhé světové vyšly. Je zde zajímavý pohled. Nicméně já osobně se prostě nechytla, což mě celkem mrzí. Zkuste vy, třeba vás pro změnu nadchne.
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