The Italian Girls

by Debbie Rix

The sun hung low in the sky, casting pink light all over the city. A faint breeze blew over the rooftops, as flocks of starlings swirled above her, swooping and diving in unison. It seemed unimaginable that, even now, German soldiers were marching along the streets below. It was time, she decided, for direct action. It was time to fight back.

Each morning Livia Moretti makes her way from an apartment overlooking Florence’s famous Duomo to a nearby café, where she drinks espresso and reads the newspaper. To the crowds of tourists who pass by, snapping selfies, nothing about Livia will be memorable. She is simply an old lady. They walk on without knowing the part she played in ensuring the future of this beautiful city. And to Livia now, those dark days feel very far away too.

But today, when she opens the paper, she sees a name she has not heard for a long time. A name that will bring memories flooding back of Nazi troops marching through the city and the dangers she faced as a young woman, carrying out secret missions for the resistance.

Isabella Bellucci.

A siren of the silver screen, Isabella cultivated all the right connections to ensure her rise to stardom. But when Rome falls to the Nazis, Isabella is suddenly faced with the choice between protecting herself, and all she has worked for, or sacrificing everything to save the man she loves.

As the war rages across Europe, a terrible misunderstanding causes the fates of Isabella and Livia to become forever intertwined. And each woman must decide what they’re willing to risk, to protect the ones they hold dear from a brutal enemy.

Inspired by the incredible true stories of two women in wartime Italy, this is a heart-wrenching and unforgettable tale of love, resistance, betrayal and hope. Fans of Kate Furnivall, Fiona Valpy and My Name is Eva will be absolutely gripped by this sweeping Second World War novel.

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

442 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 25, 2020

About the author

I 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.

Reviews

[Rain · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting story, I have never read about WWII from the standpoint of Italy. However, I feel like the two storylines were unnecessary and made the story drag. It was very slow to start and the overall pacing was off the entire story. The last 3/4 of the book are really good, but those last chapters didn’t save the cumbersome beginning.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livia Moretti, has just started studying English Literature and History of art at an Italian university and she’s excited to make a new friend in Elena Lombardi a fellow student. Livia’s father Giacomo has a legal practice in Florence, they have an apartment in the city and Livia moves in with him and when she begins her studies. Her mother Luisa spends a lot of time at the family villa in Tuscan countryside, the family is very lucky having two homes and more food than other Italian's. Life in Italy during WWII was really hard; Mussolini supported the Germans and he believed together they would defeat the allies. He also decided to send thousands of Italian soldiers to fight in Russia it was a total disaster, they lacked basic supplies and Livia’s boyfriend Cosimo was one of them.

Isabella Bellucci, is a famous Italian movie star, she’s beautiful, a bit of a diva and she has to be seen at all the right places. She’s tried everything to get the attention of film director Vicenzo Lucchese, he’s not interested in her romantically, this infuriates her and she’s extremely jealous. Isabella makes a big mistake; she now needs to protect herself and what will be the repercussions for what she’s done?

The Italian people not only lost their beloved sons in Russia, they had to put up with terrible food shortages and having no wood to heat their fires. Many became very disillusioned with Mussolini and they joined the resistance. Livia becomes involved she listens to radio London broad casts; she passes on vital information to the Partisans and is now wanted by the Germans. Life in Italy becomes worse, the allies are constantly bombing the cities, the German’s are looking for anyone who’s Jewish, hiding them or involved with the resistance, everyone is paranoid about being reported to the authorities and it’s very intense.

The Italian Girls is inspired by a true story about two very brave women and how both were linked together by the Second World War. It was easy for me to become totally immersed in the book, I wanted to find out what happened to Livia and Isabella, to learn more about the terrible war in Italy, it was a real page turner and five stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

INTERESTING PREMISE AND STORY BUT IT DIDN'T SWEEP ME AWAY

There were several things that I liked when reading this story and overall it was a good read that kept my attention. But the things is... I didn't love it. There was just a disconnect for me. But I do believe that others might enjoy it more than I did.

👍 What I Liked 👍

Different experiences: The two main characters, Isabella and Livia, come from very different backgrounds and live very different lives. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition of their lives, how different their experiences were. Isabella is an actress who moves in very important (fascist and nazi) society. Livia is a college student who joins the rebellion to work against the fascists. Learning of their lives side by side, and even seeing how they also became entwined for a while, was interesting.

Livia: There is no doubt in my mind that Livia was by far my favourite character. I loved how she acted on her own, how in control she was of her life and her destiny but I especially liked how she always tried to help and care for others. She was truly a strong, capable girl!

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Pace: The pace of this book was all off for me. Especially the beginning was really slow and it took awhile for the story to really get going. In my opinion, the 'fault' lay in the dual storylines. Rix took too long building the universe and the backgrounds of these two women before she finally got to the actual story. It hurt the overall story in my opinion.

Isabella: While I loved Livia, Isabella was her exact opposite and it made me dislike her more and more as the story went on. Where Livia was independent, Isabella was incredibly dependent. She has an almost childlike dependency as well as a singleminded focus all throughout the book. She pretty much became a walking, talking repetition of herself. I don't believe she ever really made a single decision for herself. Of course I understand that this served to further the gap between Livia and Isabella, but I just didn't like her at all...

Ending: While the beginning was too slow and took too long to get going, the ending was annoyingly rushed and anti-climactic.

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Follow me for more book loving content!
Blog ✨ Facebook ✨ Instagram ✨ Twitter
Blog Post: 10 Tips to Help You Wrestle that Pesky TBR Pile

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Italy in WWII. 1941: Livua Miretti is a college student who comes involved with the Resistance. Isabella Belluci is a beautiful and famous film star. Tge two women never meet but they share a connection through. Vincenzo and they are both in constant danger from the Germans. The German army has settled in Florence and threatens the lives of the people living there.

Olivia is a brave character who endures torture hoping one day Italy will be free. Isabella rubs long with the Nazi elite try and save Vicenzo's life. A story of sacrifice and bravery. The era has been well researched. The characters are believable and well rounded. I felt sorry for Isabella who was naive and easily influenced. The story is quite a slow burner but it was definitely worth sticking with.

I would like to thank #NetGalley #Bookouture and I will #DebbieRix for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️

I was swept away by this beautifully written, richly evocative story that traces the journey of two young Italian women where a despicable betrayal is inspired by jealously and love.

The location is Italy 1941 during World World II where both young women find themselves doing their part to stand up against fascist domination with their bravery and selflessness.

Livia and Isabella are from such different backgrounds and how their paths connect through a mutual friend is the central theme to this tale.

Livia is a young university student, the daughter of a lawyer who was fiercely anti-Fascist. Livia is eager to join the resistance.

Isabella Bellucci is a famous film star known as Italy’s little sweetheart, she finds herself dangerously caught between the Fascist authorities which ran the film industry in Rome and her devotion to film director Vicenzo Lucchese.

The Italian Girls by Debbie Rix is an exceptional read for lovers of historical fiction, you won’t be disappointed. The story was inspired by true events and the lives of real women.

I wish to thank NetGalley & Bookouture for providing an advanced copy to read in return for an honest review.

[Yvonne G · Rating 4 out of 5]

"She kept their secrets. But someone was about to betray her"

I have read so many World War II books recently, each managing to keep me engaged and intrigued to varying degrees, with some imaginative and emotional storylines and excellent characterisations. The Italian Girls lifted just about every element of its storytelling up a notch to that next level, with the additional connection that the events were genuine and the characters were based on real people.

Author Debbie Rix, had obviously undertaken some meticulous research before putting pen to paper, where she then set about the process of fictionalising this important episode of world and social history, in such a sympathetic and empathetic way, that I became completely immersed and engaged, as if I had been transported back in time and had established a personal and tangible connection with the terrible unfolding events and the reluctant cast of heroes.

There was a real sense of theatre as Debbie set the backdrop and timeline for the story, with her characters bringing the scenes and action to life. Invaded, war torn Italy was described vividly and in great detail, whilst still offering that human connection around the physical and emotional needs of the people to maintain some continuity in everyday life, which made for a page turning story. The sense of a people pushed to desperation, a horrifying yet richly crafted atmosphere of fear, tension and impending doom. Keeping true to the facts, there was a gripping depth and range to the visually descriptive narrative and dialogue, as a beleaguered population chose their sides; fascist or communist, partisan or collaborator, hunter or hunted! Friends, neighbours, colleagues and family divided in the direction their aspirations for a better future for their country should take them. The aura of mistrust hanging heavy in the air, the unseen enemy of everyone. Desperately tragic, yet intensely compelling scenes of brutality, not only from the invading forces, but also between rival partisan factions, which evoked scenes of raw passion and pitted  countrymen against one another, were masterfully written with total authority, confidence and emotional perception, which rather than stall the story as they might so easily have done, kept the pace and fluidity of events at just the right level, effortlessly moving the action along towards its profoundly touching and heady climax.

Debbie had obviously studied her characters well and had a clear development plan for them, before committing their complex personalities and behaviours to paper, casting them into the storyline, then allowing them the freedom of narrative and dialogue to morph and transform to full maturity at their own pace, as the unfolding and ever evolving events and relationships dictated. This developed into a tangible division in this diverse character cast. There were those from the Moretti family and their 'grounded' community of friends and associates, whose genuine depth of feelings, deep seated and unshakeable beliefs, and profound integrity, made them so easy to invest in. The Bellucci family and their extended cast of film and media colleagues, liked to believe that the world thought they were doing the right thing, however so much of their rhetoric and so many of their actions, were openly superficial and false, that I found myself disconnected from them for most of the time.

There was a great supporting cast of characters, who were well portrayed and defined, arguably the most important of whom was Livia Moretti's father, Giacomo, a lawyer and steadfast, stalwart supporter of the Resistance. However, the primary focus of the story, were for me personally, the two female protagonists Livia and Isabella. One survived the war and occupation by using her wits, guile and intelligence, the other by means of her beauty, naivety and acting skills. One of them I could connect with, the other barely registered on my scale of importance, only as a nuisance. I guess that their different merits and traits countered one another to some degree, although they were destined to only meet once, and then not under very auspicious circumstances.

Livia is her father's daughter through and through. She is confident in her abilities and self-sufficiency; tenacious when she has a role or task to fulfil; loyal to her friends, family and everyone she is asked to help; honest to the cause of the Resistance, no matter the pain and suffering she is forced to endure at the hands of the enemy; and deeply devoted to the man she loves. Isabella could not be any more different in her approach to surviving the war. She has an occupation she selfishly doesn't want to give up because of the benefits it offers, even if that means sucking up to her Fascist backers; she is clearly very insecure and searching for a sense of belonging, which makes many of her actions appear superficial and half-hearted; she has an unhealthy obsession for her director, Vicenzo Lucchese, even when he has made it perfectly clear to her that his interests lie elsewhere; she is so very driven by her emotions and the need for revenge, that she puts many people in danger with her thoughtless words and actions.

However, not all the enemy are bad and not all friends are good and true, as the girls find out for themselves. To reveal the very satisfying end to this story, would be to give too much away. Let's just say that Debbie Rix has treated this with the same unhurried honesty and compassion she had shown throughout.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’ve rediscovered my love of historical fiction – and as stories go, I think you’ll struggle to find anything much better than this one. War-torn Italy, the Fascist-owned Italian film industry, the struggle of the partisans, the constant threat of the Nazi presence, the bravery of some of the individuals involved – with two wonderfully drawn characters I took to my heart, there wasn’t much chance I wasn’t going to love this one really, was there?

Of the two, Isabella’s perhaps the more difficult to like – living in her “world of make-believe” she’s extraordinarily naive about the realities of war, pursuing her complete infatuation with film director (and partisan) Vicenzo, endangering others as she continues to move in the highest Nazi and fascist circles. I love a book that has you breaking off to explore Google – but I’d already learned a lot from the book about the pre-war Italian film history, the origins of Cinecitta (Mussolini – who knew?) and the telefoni bianchi. The wartime Rome backdrop is quite wonderfully drawn – you can both see it and feel it, and the way the author uses her research to bring it all to life is extraordinary. And although Isabella’s unsympathetic at the start, my feelings certainly turned full circle as her story unfolded.

Livia is considerably more sympathetic from outset – moving to Florence to begin her studies, living with her liberal lawyer father and protective mother (both also excellent characters), slowly becoming more involved in the work of the resistance through Partito d’Azione, showing the most exceptional bravery inspired by her strong sense of right and wrong and her love for her country. But she’s also never less than real – she has her doubts and worries, she feels fear, she sometimes acts impetuously, and I really couldn’t help loving everything about her.

I really, really liked the way the story was constructed. It begins with Livia as an old woman with failing sight visiting her favourite cafe, as she does every day – and the book is rounded off in the same way, with one of those perfect uplifting endings. But in between, we follow both women’s stories – they don’t meet, but their lives do intersect a little. That dual thread is maintained quite perfectly throughout, no discomfort at all with the transitions, both stories equally compelling and emotionally engaging.

There’s a real feeling of historical authenticity through it all – real-life figures combined with the author’s creations based on real people – and I enjoyed every moment. You’re left in no doubt about the acts of cruelty, the constant threat and danger – but the author never uses cardboard villains, every key player is fully rounded and given depth and character. The sense of place and living through a chapter of history is wonderful – both Rome and Florence before and during the Nazi occupation. There’s a nice touch of romance too – for Livia real and believable, while Isabella’s is perhaps just a little more one-sided. The themes are strong too – loyalty, betrayal, friendship, the bonds of family and so much more.

This isn’t a book you simply read, it’s a book you really feel – and I thought it was quite wonderful. I can’t believe it took me so long to try Debbie Rix’s writing once more: I’d recommend this book really highly.

[Tahira Tahsin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction is my second favourite genre. I love to read about the world war , the sufferings and struggles kinda make me realise how terrible times people of that particular generation have seen. The Italian Girls by Debbie Rix was indeed a pleasant read.

I loved reading about the Italian environment, Florence and its Duomo tales are so fascinating.
When Germans step in Italy we see the dark memories of the previous century. Livia Moretti and Isabella Bellucci reminded me of Sophie Lefevre from The Girl You Left Behind.
Isabella’s sacrifices everything for saving the love of her life was heart wrenching.
I wanted to see some more pages, the end of the novel seemed a bit rushed up. Otherwise Issa thumbs up 👍

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author and everything she writes. And this book- wow!
This is everything I look for in historical fiction - well researched, stunningly written and beautifully realised. I was transported. I lived and breathed this book - I could think of nothing else. This author has the ability to make the reader empathise with the characters, forget their surroundings and immerse them in her story to the exclusion of everything else. Very few authors can do that but this author does it effortlessly and with panache. An outstanding masterpiece of a book. Please read it.

[Nabiha Tahsin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enlightening, gripping story of two Itlaian women of opposing personalities in midst of World War II.

One of the leading ladies was Livia Moretti, a history and arts major at University of Florence, a bright, young, fierce woman.Being brought up in a restricted environment by her strict and orthodox mother follwed by years of boarding schools under the nose of yet another strict Governess had turned Livia quite a Rebellious spirit. I was smitten with her independent choices, conscience, intelligence and integrity. She turned up to be my favourite character of the book. Livia also shares a strong bond with her father,a lawyer, who encourages her each efforts. Following her father's footsteps, Livia develops a strong dislike for the Fascists. Seemingly her new college boyfriend Cosimo shares the same interest.

Isabella Bellucci, on the other hand, is a famous celebrity. Being a rising movie star, she runs in *elite* (fascists and Nazis) crowds. Yet so, she had zero interests in politics.Unlike Livia, she's far too dependent on others. Initially, I despised her but gradually warmed up to her near the very end.

While Livia engages herself in resistance and fights for the true and just cause by rebelling against the Nazis, Isabella becomes smittened by a certain director Vicenzo Lucchese, who happens to be a family friend of the Morettis.At some point Isabella acknowledges that her life was always under the influence of the fascists. Suddenly she realises the light and starts rethinking every decisions she have made so far.A series of misunderstandings leads her to make a difficult choice which costs her a lot. However, She decides to risk her everything and use her privileges right for the man she loves.
This book is the story of Livia and Isabella find their worlds interwined amidst a war. The choices they make during the war would shape and change their lives drastically in the future.

Another great point of the book was how much effort the Writer took to mention the horrible consequences of a War torn country. As II Duce sends maximum under resourced Italian Troops to fight in Russia. It's only a matter of time when , ordinary men are called up to fight in the war. One of such example is Cosimo, Livia's boyfriend.
It shows Italian people's worries about losing their loved ones at war and subsequently suffering the painful death of their loved ones. Italian People not only endured the pain of losing their loved ones but also had to face a terrible famine and poverty. This book talks about the horrible consequences of war- the poverty, famine, loss of dear ones, sacrifices and other terrible miseries.
The realism the Author pointed is highly appreciated
I really loved her writing. I just didn't want this to end. I haven't felt like this after reading a book for a long time. I love this one so much. Truly deserves the 5 stars.

*Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange of a honest review*

[♥Milica♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Italian Girls is a very gripping story about two women who never actually meet but become connected through an unfortunate misunderstanding and a huge lie.

The story is told through both of their POVs, alternating with each chapter. The transition between the ending of one chapter and the beginning of the next wasn't very smooth and I often found myself going back to re-read it and remember that no, Isabella/Livia's story did not continue onto the following page and it was the other girl's turn.

They each did their part in the war, Livia being the more "hands on" one, fully joining the resistance. Isabella's efforts were mostly centered around helping the one man she was desperately in love with but who could not love her back. That's not to say she didn't give her all, she did, but I still didn't like her very much.

My favourite thing about this book is Livia's father. He's incredibly supportive of everything she does and it made me cry like a baby. Their relationship is the best.

I also love Cosimo, he's brilliant - compared to Vicenzo who's...annoying. You'd think he'd become kinder or at least more aware after all he goes through during the war but no, he just gets worse.

I like the way some of the historical figures were portrayed and the notes at the end will certainly help me get better acquainted with the ones I haven't heard of.

The book is long but hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, even though the ending was a tad bit disappointing.

*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*

[Danielle Seals · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of The Italian Girls from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The story begins slow, a bit too slow for my liking. It was difficult to feel any connection with the characters and I felt that Livia and Isabella were both childish and immature. Things picked up towards the end of Part 2 and especially into Part 3 where the Resistance movement was being illustrated. World War II historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine and it was refreshing for a story not set in Germany but rather from the perspective of Italians and how the country was torn at this time. I didn’t feel that Cosismo could be trusted, despite him not being a traitor, I didn’t find that the author wrote him in a trusting way. I always questioned his motives and dialogue. The author succeeded in showing Livia’s desire for truth and justice when she wrote fairly on Isabella’s court case and furthermore, by confronting The Count about his failure to truly prove Isabella’s innocence. Here, the author did a superb job of showing the coward of a man he was. The closing scene was touching between Isabella’s grandson and Livia. Despite the struggle to get into the book right away, I’m glad I held on as it was an enjoyable read.
3.5/5

[Angela Petch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good war story. I felt I was in Italy and that is praise for someone who lives here for half the year. The history has been well researched. The Italian Campaign is complex, the conflict in Italy more like a civil war, but Debbie Rix was spot on with the background details.
I loved the contrast between the two young girls, the main protagonists of the story. One, level headed and "seria", as Italians say. The other, frivolous and vacuous. She has to go through a painful coming-of-age - very cleverly done. And it was a great way of leading the reader into the two very different worlds of fascism and resistance. There were horrific massacres during this period and the author didn't spare us these. Rightly so.
The beginning and ending neatly tied up through one of the characters, now in old age. The opening is charming, with the image of an old lady sitting in a cafe in Florence. Only the other day I took a sneaky photo of such an old lady and wondered about her story.
Thank you to the author for transporting me back in time to war-torn Italy.

[Booklover BEV · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book had me gripped into the story from the start.
I found i just could not put it down.
the year is 1941 and Isabella Bellucci actress and a rising star.
we follow her remarkable journey through the war, that is startling reading.
I really enjoyed this book
and will recommend to all.
thank you to Net galley and publishers for the copy.
well deserved the stars fantastic.

[Courtney Halverson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
In Florence during World War II, young Livia Moretti secretly works for the resistance while Nazi soldiers occupy the city. Decades later, she lives a quiet life, her heroic past unknown to those around her. One morning, Livia reads a familiar name in the newspaper—Isabella Bellucci, a glamorous actress whose fate became entwined with Livia's during the war. Faced with difficult choices between love, survival, and sacrifice, both women risk everything to protect those they love, forever binding their lives together.
As a big historical fiction fan, this one just didn't sweep me away in the way I had hoped. What I liked was the setting; I don't think I have read about the Italians during WWII and I really enjoyed learning more about that experience. Livia was my favorite character and how strong she was and willing to help others. What I didn't like was the pace of the book, it felt too slow in some parts and too rushed in others. Also I did not care for Isabella and how naive she was to everything going around her. Overall, just an average read for me.

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella and Livia’s lives are inextricably linked.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Italian Girls because it is a sweeping, historical tale with credible, vibrant characters written by Debbie Rix with panache and authenticity.

I confess that I’m rather more hazy about Italy’s role in WW2 than I should be and what I so enjoyed about The Italian Girls was the level of historical detail and accuracy that truly brought the narrative to life. Here is a story that gives the reader a real insight into the lives of ordinary people like Livia and her family as well as the more glamorous aspects pertaining to Isabella, as Debbie Rix skilfully illustrates how everyone was affected by events and had a role to play. I found Isabella more difficult to empathise with and yet it was she who had my greatest sympathy in the closing pages of the novel. I found myself so drawn in to her story that my views and feelings were altered by my reading.

I think what is so powerful about The Italian Girls is that whilst there are Counts and officers, lawyers and doctors, housewives and students, each character, no matter how fleeting or important, feels like someone who could have existed. Several times I found myself wondering how I might have behaved had I found myself in their circumstances. This extra layer of interest was fascinating. I love a book that makes me question my own values and potential in the way The Italian Girls does.

I thoroughly appreciated the quality of the writing too. Whilst I’m not usually a fan of dual narratives, I thought the balance between Livia and Isabella, Florence and Rome was extremely well achieved so that the book flowed perfectly. The poetic nature of some of the descriptions and Debbie Rix’s ability to suggest some of the more cruel elements rather than giving all the gory details thoroughly appealed to my reader taste and I found the plot both captivating and exciting. There’s an intriguing sense of menace as well as hope as both Livia and Isabella strive to come to terms with the changes in their lives that I found captivating.

I found the themes really engaging. Obviously war is at the forefront, driving the narrative, but its the exploration of loyalty and betrayal, trust and fear, love and passion, friends and family that makes The Italian Girls such a brilliant book. I was filled with admiration for Livia and her father particularly.

I haven’t read Debbie Rix before and I rather think I have been missing out if The Italian Girls is indicative of her atmospheric and engaging writing. I really, really enjoyed this book and recommend it most highly.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Italian Girls is the first book that I've read by this author, and I'm really happy to have discovered her writing. The story kept me quite intrigued throughout. The start of the novel is fairly slow but enables the author to introduce her characters and the beautiful setting to the reader.

I'm a huge fan of a prologue. I really enjoy the way the the reader's interest is snared with a short look at one of the characters. In this case, the reader is introduced to Livia Moretti in modern-day Florence before being thrust back into the World War II era.

This is the story of Livia and Isabella. Two very different women, from contrasting backgrounds whose lives become woven together because of the War and the roles that they play in it, despite never actaully meeting face-to-face. The author has based her story upon real-life events and the amount of research involved must have been vast. Every scene, every setting, every conversation, is so well put together, there's a sense of danger running through the story that makes the heart beat a little faster as the pages are turned.

The Italian Girls is a rich and evocative novel that captures the absolute power held by Mussolini and his facist party during the war years. The suffering of the people who lived there, the ever increasing danger and most importantly, the bravery of those who stood up for what they believed in.

An ambitious, but extremely well written story of courage and hope. I loved the characters, I enjoyed how the author didn't create a bias toward one woman, and I really enjoyed the drama.

Historical fiction fans will lap this up!

[Ghada · Rating 5 out of 5]

#TheItalianGirls #NetGalley
Thanks NetGalley, Bookouture and Debbie Rix for an ARC to review.
Historical fiction is my favorite genre especially WWII. Based in Italy 1941 we follow the life events of Isabella Bellucci a famous actress and Livia Moretti an art and history student and how their paths crossed during the hideous war years.
Gripping and beautifully written it certainly motivated me to look for more books by Debbie Rix.

[Carol lowkey.bookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book which was based on a true story of two Italian women during World War II.

I don’t see many historical fiction books set in Italy during World War II, so it was a refreshing part of history to read about. I did keep wondering, as I’m sure they did at the time, when the heck the allies were going to finally come to their villages and towns as the war was winding down.

The dual POVs come from Livia and Isabella who are very different characters. Livia is a brave college student who starts working for the resistance. Isabella is a film star who was pretty self-centered and annoying, but she redeems herself in the end.

I appreciated that the author included a section at the end to explain the story behind the book. I like to hear the background historical information uncovered during her research.

Thank you to the publisher for a free review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially being able to read the completely different perspectives from Livia and Isabella. I'm a sucker for ww2 historical fiction (and as an italian, i loved the italian backdrop as opposed to germany or england) and I also really appreciated the amount of research that went into this book.

There are really only two small negatives with this book, hence the four star rating:
1) I wasn't totally enthralled in Isabella's storyline. I found her to be quite annoying at times. I definitely preferred Livia's story.

2) Also, the ending also wasn't the greatest. It felt a bit rushed - i wish it was fleshed out a bit more.

[Kelli Carsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

The plot didn’t sweep me away like the The Secret Letter, but I loved so many parts of the story and found myself thinking about them when I wasn’t reading.

[Desiree · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Italian girls is announced as an absolutely gripping and heartbreaking WWII historical fiction based on real life story's. An announcement that I have seen more often recently for these types of books, so I wondered if it is, gripping and heartbreaking, that is.

The story centres on two very different young woman , each fighting their own battles in two different Italian cities, Rome and Florence. Isabella Belluci is an already famous actress working for the (fascist) Cinecità film studios near Rome while Livia Moretti studies Art and literature at the University of Florence. While Isabella is a bit naive and is easily influenced by the film world and her love for the aristocratic film director Vicenzo Lucchese (loosely based on Luchino Visconti), Livia livia has been fighting fascism from the start.
Despit their different approaches of life the stories of the two women interconnect during this story, although they never really meet each other in real life.

Did I find the story absolutely gripping and heartbreaking? To be honest, no, I didn't. It certainly is a great story but somehow during the whole book I stayed somewhat disconnected. I don't know if this was because of the slow start of the book, which took some effort to really get into the stories of the two girls, mainly due to the constant switch between the two stories and cities, or the way it was written.
The book certainly got better towards the end of the second part (there are 4 parts in total), but it didn't grab me like some other books set in the same period in Italy during the second world war.

That doesn't mean I don't recommend the book because it certainly is a good read and I think the author is well documented and it gives a good picture of the struggle between followers of fascism and the partisans.

So, 4 stars because of the historical background it provides.

I want to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Renita D'Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author and everything she writes. And this book- wow!
This is everything I look for in historical fiction - well researched, stunningly written and beautifully realised. I was transported. I lived and breathed this book - I could think of nothing else. This author has the ability to make the reader empathise with the characters, forget their surroundings and immerse them in her story to the exclusion of everything else. Very few authors can do that but this author does it effortlessly and with panache. An outstanding masterpiece of a book. Please read it.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here’s what I loved:

✔️A look at the Italian Campaign, rather than historical fiction set in Germany or England
✔️Two uniquely different female characters; both with unique voices
✔️Well-developed characters and plausible growth
✔️Authentic wartime experiences
✔️ Beginning and ending were both beautifully imagined and vividly described
✔️Exploration of BOTH fascism and anti-fascism and the complex political situation during wartime Italy
✔️the conflict of emotions caused by a country at war with itself and its oppressors
✔️A chance to re-visit my favourite city, Florence
✔️An obvious pouring out of the author’s heart on every page
✔️A prompting to research ‘Italy’s Little Sweetheart’ (Maria Denis) and Luchino Visconti further

This book is one I’ll treasure and reach for time and time again! I’ve also loved The Secret Letter and The German Wife by Rix and will be eagerly watching for her next book. Rix has a wonderful way of highlighting the lives of real women of history in inspiring life stories.

I was gifted this copy by Forever, Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Chelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

These women really did so much to help win the war, it really is amazing! Every WWII novel I read, I learn something new and interesting fact of things that happened that no one knew about until after. The risks these women took and that they didn't think twice about putting their lives on the line to save others is so amazing! This novel follows two women, Livia and Bella. Livia is a university student who gets herself immersed into the resistance with her father and Bella was once a well known movie star until the war shut down the cinema. Livia and Bella's lives intersect in a most curious way and each of them have to fight for their life and prove whose side they are really on. I just loved reading about these two women and how they are based on true people. Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the free book.

[Leith Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of WWII fiction, mostly set in France or Germany. This was the first set in Italy, a country I’ve been to several times. The Italians were occupied by the Germans, but Mussolini invited him in. The country was torn between those who supported him and those who didn’t. The Italians had a difficult time, food and fuel were scarce
This is the story of two women who were totally different, but both ended up as anti-Fascists helping the resistance. The book started very slowly but picked up later, but I couldn’t completely relate to the characters. I enjoyed reading it, 4 stars.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not want to put it down!!!! When a book wants you to go and dig in to the history of Italy, Fascists, and World War II you know you've got something good in your hands. Based on fictionalized but real women in history (which is often overlooked) the historical accuracy was excellent and Debbie Rix wove a really great story about the two main characters and how their lives intersected but yet they never met. I could not put it down because I really wanted to find out how the story ended. It also gave me pause to stop and think of a parallel history on how the people in Ukraine are fighting for their lives today and being very brave everyday against Russia.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction, but I have never read about the Italians during WWII in Rome and Florence, I really enjoyed learning about that. The storyline was captivating, I loved the characters and wanted to continue reading. Worth reading especially if you love Italy and are a fan of historical fiction.

[Prema Zilberman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like historical fiction very much. Especially when the story has a clear setting and flow. Author made clear efforts to keep the pace and clarity while maintaining the facts and adding fictional scenes. Furthermore, it is amazing to understand women’s role in Italy during WWII.

[Alice Chittock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of ww2 fiction but this was the first set in Italy. It was the story of two women who were quite different, but their lives intersected. Will worth a read.