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Paradiso #1
Paradiso
Italy, 1937. In a tiny village in rural Lombardy, Graziella Ponti is born into a loving family.
Though they are not rich and life is full of challenges, they are content and safe, surrounded by the tightly-knit community of Pieve Santa Clara.
But when the shadow of World War Two falls across the village with the arrival of Nazi soldiers, nothing in young Graziella’s life will ever be the same again.
Paradiso is Graziella’s story. It charts her loves, losses and triumphs as she grows up in post-war Italy, a country in transformation, freed from the shackles of dictatorship yet still gripped by the restraints of the Catholic church.
Paradiso is inspired by true stories told to Francesca Scanacapra by her Italian family and set in locations where she spent much of her childhood. It is a deeply affecting novel which sheds light on the complexity and trauma of Italy’s past and weaves it into the epic tale of an ordinary woman compelled to live in extraordinary times.
Though they are not rich and life is full of challenges, they are content and safe, surrounded by the tightly-knit community of Pieve Santa Clara.
But when the shadow of World War Two falls across the village with the arrival of Nazi soldiers, nothing in young Graziella’s life will ever be the same again.
Paradiso is Graziella’s story. It charts her loves, losses and triumphs as she grows up in post-war Italy, a country in transformation, freed from the shackles of dictatorship yet still gripped by the restraints of the Catholic church.
Paradiso is inspired by true stories told to Francesca Scanacapra by her Italian family and set in locations where she spent much of her childhood. It is a deeply affecting novel which sheds light on the complexity and trauma of Italy’s past and weaves it into the epic tale of an ordinary woman compelled to live in extraordinary times.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2021
818 people are currently reading
501 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 19, 2024
This story is so sad ... I stopped reading
May 18, 2021
Many thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Francesca Scanacapra for providing me with a digital copy of Paradiso with a request for an honest review.
Francesca Scanacapra delivers a stirring novel that tugs at all your heartstrings. Paradiso takes the reader on a tour of historical Italy in times of war and after. Told from the point of view of a young girl facing trials well beyond her years. Yet she still keeps her childlike wonder.
Graziella Ponti loves her life. Her father is everything, and cousin Ernesto is her favorite playmate. Unfortunately, circumstances throw her whole world into a spin. Nothing will ever be the same for Graziella and her family.
As Graziella grows, she faces evil in so many ways. Whether it is German soldiers or a vile teacher, her courage shines through. However, when she is at home, her life is as if none of the bad things can touch her.
This story is uplifting as much as it is heartbreaking. I can’t believe this novel comprises true events from Scanacarpa’s family. I don’t if Graziella is pure fiction, but in my mind, she was real. This belief allows me to have faith in humanity in a way that has been lacking in my life.
The Italian countryside brings to mind warm sunshine and bountiful gardens. Italy is one of those places I have always wanted to visit. I would love to know more about the Ponti family’s village and the surrounding areas. I want to follow in the footsteps of Graziella and feel her bravery.
My only problem with this novel is that I felt as if there was so much more I wanted to know. Graziella’s aunt has a backstory, and I felt cheated that we don’t learn more. I also wanted to know more about the relationship between Graziella and her beau. In this way, I was quite disappointed. But, as I was putting together the particulars for this post, I found there is a second novel coming in June. So, I now have hope that we will get the answers needed for the full story.
Thank you, Francesca, for this tale that touched my heart. I am happy to award Paradiso 4 out of 5 stars. Anyone who loves to visit historical worlds will enjoy this novel. Be prepared to live a life through the eyes of a wondrous girl.
Francesca Scanacapra delivers a stirring novel that tugs at all your heartstrings. Paradiso takes the reader on a tour of historical Italy in times of war and after. Told from the point of view of a young girl facing trials well beyond her years. Yet she still keeps her childlike wonder.
Graziella Ponti loves her life. Her father is everything, and cousin Ernesto is her favorite playmate. Unfortunately, circumstances throw her whole world into a spin. Nothing will ever be the same for Graziella and her family.
As Graziella grows, she faces evil in so many ways. Whether it is German soldiers or a vile teacher, her courage shines through. However, when she is at home, her life is as if none of the bad things can touch her.
This story is uplifting as much as it is heartbreaking. I can’t believe this novel comprises true events from Scanacarpa’s family. I don’t if Graziella is pure fiction, but in my mind, she was real. This belief allows me to have faith in humanity in a way that has been lacking in my life.
The Italian countryside brings to mind warm sunshine and bountiful gardens. Italy is one of those places I have always wanted to visit. I would love to know more about the Ponti family’s village and the surrounding areas. I want to follow in the footsteps of Graziella and feel her bravery.
My only problem with this novel is that I felt as if there was so much more I wanted to know. Graziella’s aunt has a backstory, and I felt cheated that we don’t learn more. I also wanted to know more about the relationship between Graziella and her beau. In this way, I was quite disappointed. But, as I was putting together the particulars for this post, I found there is a second novel coming in June. So, I now have hope that we will get the answers needed for the full story.
Thank you, Francesca, for this tale that touched my heart. I am happy to award Paradiso 4 out of 5 stars. Anyone who loves to visit historical worlds will enjoy this novel. Be prepared to live a life through the eyes of a wondrous girl.
May 16, 2021
We begin in the Italian countryside as life is changing rapidly with the onset of World War II. People are scared, innocents are being killed, and to save their futures, many are sending their children to areas out of reach in order to escape the same fate. Here, we meet Graziella. This is her story as much as everyone else's, and it is through her eyes that we view the world not only during her time in a convent far away from her family, and the mishaps both she and her life experience, but the after.
Both times are rather compelling, though again, the "during" is not a focal point. Even though it only takes a small portion of our tale, it's easy to see how it shape many things that happen afterwards. I feel awkward saying it was refreshing to view this time period as it was after a war that ended so many lives, but it was uplifting in the sense that LIFE GOES ON. It doesn't mean those left behind bodily are gone, but rather their spirits come forward with us, help to guide us, and urge us to remember the hard lessons learned lest we be doomed to repeat them again.
All in all, a great start to what sounds like a promising series and a high recommendation to Historical Fiction fans.
**copy received for review; opinions are my own
Both times are rather compelling, though again, the "during" is not a focal point. Even though it only takes a small portion of our tale, it's easy to see how it shape many things that happen afterwards. I feel awkward saying it was refreshing to view this time period as it was after a war that ended so many lives, but it was uplifting in the sense that LIFE GOES ON. It doesn't mean those left behind bodily are gone, but rather their spirits come forward with us, help to guide us, and urge us to remember the hard lessons learned lest we be doomed to repeat them again.
All in all, a great start to what sounds like a promising series and a high recommendation to Historical Fiction fans.
**copy received for review; opinions are my own
June 9, 2021
Growing up is never easy, imagine growing up in a post – war place…
Graziella is living with her loving parents in a small village in Lombardy, Pieve Santa Clara. Her life is not full of money, but is full of love. But when Nazi soldiers start to appear as World War 2 is getting more grip on the world, it’s obvious that life as everyone knew is over. While Graziella is growing up in a new world, she has to learn to cope with love, loss and facing the aftermath of a war that changed the course of everyone’s life.
Whenever a story is taking place somewhere in Italy, the author already has my interest. But of course the story itself has to be able to keep it! otherwise I would like a lot of stories! 😊
Graziella is a young girl living without worries at ‘Paradiso’, the name they gave her home. But her worriless life quickly changes as the World War is approaching. I was somehow in awe how Graziella reacted to all the changes in her young life. Being evacuated from her hometown and to live with the nuns, losing people she loved, picking up the pieces after war, it’s not easy for adults, image how this would be for a little girl. Yet Graziella, even if sometimes in despair, holds on to the little things of life and does her utterly best to remain positive.
The first few chapters had some difficulties to keep my attention, but before I knew, the whole story gripped my attention. I was relieved the story wasn’t completely focused on the war, but also showed us the aftermath. It’s easy to think that life goes on as before the war, but the author manages to show is that such a great, negative event has many implications. People grieve on their own way over losses, but still have to learn to slowly move on and actually live again.
Seeing Graziella growing up towards a young responsible woman was something that warmed my heart. No matter what she has been through and is still facing, she has her head on her shoulders and is not afraid to take her own initiative. Reading about her while she is discovering all kind of feelings, like grieve or that first blooming love, made me feel like I was standing beside her every step she was taking.
The fact that the author inspired the book by true stories told by her family, made it feel more real too. There is no sugar-coating, but also not overly dramatizing the events that are taking place. The emotions are real, not too fast – paced. The only thing I kind of missed, was the feeling of a proper ending. In one way, it was the perfect ending, but on the other hand, I would have loved to read *just more*! I was not ready to say goodbye to these lovely, real characters yet!
Graziella is living with her loving parents in a small village in Lombardy, Pieve Santa Clara. Her life is not full of money, but is full of love. But when Nazi soldiers start to appear as World War 2 is getting more grip on the world, it’s obvious that life as everyone knew is over. While Graziella is growing up in a new world, she has to learn to cope with love, loss and facing the aftermath of a war that changed the course of everyone’s life.
Whenever a story is taking place somewhere in Italy, the author already has my interest. But of course the story itself has to be able to keep it! otherwise I would like a lot of stories! 😊
Graziella is a young girl living without worries at ‘Paradiso’, the name they gave her home. But her worriless life quickly changes as the World War is approaching. I was somehow in awe how Graziella reacted to all the changes in her young life. Being evacuated from her hometown and to live with the nuns, losing people she loved, picking up the pieces after war, it’s not easy for adults, image how this would be for a little girl. Yet Graziella, even if sometimes in despair, holds on to the little things of life and does her utterly best to remain positive.
The first few chapters had some difficulties to keep my attention, but before I knew, the whole story gripped my attention. I was relieved the story wasn’t completely focused on the war, but also showed us the aftermath. It’s easy to think that life goes on as before the war, but the author manages to show is that such a great, negative event has many implications. People grieve on their own way over losses, but still have to learn to slowly move on and actually live again.
Seeing Graziella growing up towards a young responsible woman was something that warmed my heart. No matter what she has been through and is still facing, she has her head on her shoulders and is not afraid to take her own initiative. Reading about her while she is discovering all kind of feelings, like grieve or that first blooming love, made me feel like I was standing beside her every step she was taking.
The fact that the author inspired the book by true stories told by her family, made it feel more real too. There is no sugar-coating, but also not overly dramatizing the events that are taking place. The emotions are real, not too fast – paced. The only thing I kind of missed, was the feeling of a proper ending. In one way, it was the perfect ending, but on the other hand, I would have loved to read *just more*! I was not ready to say goodbye to these lovely, real characters yet!
June 4, 2021
The book entails a coming-of-age story of young Graziella, who experiences WWII's shadow fall across her village in post-war Italy. Inspired by real stories from the author's childhood, Francesca Scanacapra's imagination had a profound impact on the reader's imagery as she describes the setting of the nature of the conflict of the drama in her story, rather verbosely. This was a very fast and quick read to read and I thought that the pacing of the story was excessively fast, throughout. The storyline and action move really fast at times, at the description and setting of Italy during WWII were shown very poetically, with hints of nostalgic remembrances of the past.
I appreciated how the characterization of Graziella was shown and portrayed in the book, to be honest. It really felt as if there was a poetic reflection of a young girl and her thoughts being reflected heavily through a glass window. I wish there was more characterization to the central characters, but I felt that at times, I felt myself relating less to the supporting characters with less emotional attachment, and instead of seeing Graziella's point of view, more often.
The book showcases some tragic occurrences expressed through elements of highlighting Dictatorship and the Church's restriction towards personal freedom, but it is expressed more straightforwardly throughout. (Graziella's life tested when she comes to face her loved ones in peril, during times of hardship.)
As the book is the part I of the Paradiso series, the book ends on a rather different note, with a hint at there being a sequel for the readers. (I'm really curious to wonder what happens to Graziella and Gianfrancesco, to be honest, so will see about that, most definitely!)
"God always hears your prayers. He has a lot of people to listen to. Sometimes you just have to be patient" - Book 1 of Paradiso.
Thank you so much to @rachelsrandomresources and @silvertailbooks for the gifted copy. Really appreciate it and had a lovely time reading and reviewing the book!
#paradisobook #francescascanacapra #silvertailbooks
I appreciated how the characterization of Graziella was shown and portrayed in the book, to be honest. It really felt as if there was a poetic reflection of a young girl and her thoughts being reflected heavily through a glass window. I wish there was more characterization to the central characters, but I felt that at times, I felt myself relating less to the supporting characters with less emotional attachment, and instead of seeing Graziella's point of view, more often.
The book showcases some tragic occurrences expressed through elements of highlighting Dictatorship and the Church's restriction towards personal freedom, but it is expressed more straightforwardly throughout. (Graziella's life tested when she comes to face her loved ones in peril, during times of hardship.)
As the book is the part I of the Paradiso series, the book ends on a rather different note, with a hint at there being a sequel for the readers. (I'm really curious to wonder what happens to Graziella and Gianfrancesco, to be honest, so will see about that, most definitely!)
"God always hears your prayers. He has a lot of people to listen to. Sometimes you just have to be patient" - Book 1 of Paradiso.
Thank you so much to @rachelsrandomresources and @silvertailbooks for the gifted copy. Really appreciate it and had a lovely time reading and reviewing the book!
#paradisobook #francescascanacapra #silvertailbooks
May 29, 2021
A beautifully written book which had me hooked from the very first page. The action starts so early on that it’s impossible to put down.
The fantastic writing meant I was instantly transported to the village of Pieve Santa Clara, in Lombardy. I loved the idea of the big family rural farmhouse in which this story takes place, where we read about the whole family living (and surviving) during and after the war.
Throughout the book, there are some memorable and intriguing characters. My favourites were Salvatore and Miracolino. I loved how their back stories trickled into the main story. Reading how they came into the lives of the Ponti family and the impact they have on the main characters was just a joy.
This beautiful book was magical as within the main story of the book, there are lots of little stories weaved in between. The blurb says that the book was inspired by the authors own true stories of her Italian family history and this is exactly what it felt like. It was like I was hearing little snippets from family members, it was perfect. I used to love listening to my grandparents tell me about their past and it felt just like that! These characters and mini stories added so much to the plot and really drew you in as reader. It made the experience of reading it really intimate.
The writing and setting reminded me of My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante...which is one of my favourite books ever.
Honestly, beautiful. I can’t wait for the next one!
The fantastic writing meant I was instantly transported to the village of Pieve Santa Clara, in Lombardy. I loved the idea of the big family rural farmhouse in which this story takes place, where we read about the whole family living (and surviving) during and after the war.
Throughout the book, there are some memorable and intriguing characters. My favourites were Salvatore and Miracolino. I loved how their back stories trickled into the main story. Reading how they came into the lives of the Ponti family and the impact they have on the main characters was just a joy.
This beautiful book was magical as within the main story of the book, there are lots of little stories weaved in between. The blurb says that the book was inspired by the authors own true stories of her Italian family history and this is exactly what it felt like. It was like I was hearing little snippets from family members, it was perfect. I used to love listening to my grandparents tell me about their past and it felt just like that! These characters and mini stories added so much to the plot and really drew you in as reader. It made the experience of reading it really intimate.
The writing and setting reminded me of My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante...which is one of my favourite books ever.
Honestly, beautiful. I can’t wait for the next one!
May 12, 2021
An enthralling story representing a side not often seen in WWII historical fiction novels: that of a child in Italy, evacuated to a convent and later returned to her family in a village much changed from the place she left.
Sworn to keep a secret about the death of a couple of German officers, Graziella protects her family … but at what cost? Life in post-war Lombardy has its ups and downs, and we see both sides through the young girl’s eyes as she grows up and into adulthood. For me, the story had a similar vibe to “Anne of Avonlea” (Green Gables) as the reader is drawn into life there, with all the family members and neighbours having their part to play.
I found it interesting how the mothers in the story changed after losing their husbands, how they stood up to be counted in their own very subtle way. Zia Mina’s story would make a great spin-off with the Marcesini family. I would gladly read more about Graziella and her family. Had she found her true love in Gianfrancesco? Would she go on to be a teacher?
A true family drama, both emotionally engaging and historically compelling.
Sworn to keep a secret about the death of a couple of German officers, Graziella protects her family … but at what cost? Life in post-war Lombardy has its ups and downs, and we see both sides through the young girl’s eyes as she grows up and into adulthood. For me, the story had a similar vibe to “Anne of Avonlea” (Green Gables) as the reader is drawn into life there, with all the family members and neighbours having their part to play.
I found it interesting how the mothers in the story changed after losing their husbands, how they stood up to be counted in their own very subtle way. Zia Mina’s story would make a great spin-off with the Marcesini family. I would gladly read more about Graziella and her family. Had she found her true love in Gianfrancesco? Would she go on to be a teacher?
A true family drama, both emotionally engaging and historically compelling.
April 28, 2021
Follow along with Graziella Ponti, a young girl in Italy during World War 2. You read all about her life during this time. How she had to leave her home for a convent when Germans began coming to her town. What happens when she comes back home and starts to relive her life with her mother, her father, and aunt. How does she act when things don't always turn around and she must move on? This is a wonderful book that makes you feel like you are with her on this little girl's life journey. One of my favorite books is Corrie Ten Booms, Hidden Place. This reminded me of it so much, in all the ways that I enjoyed it. Both characters aren't hardened or melted in the way that have been treated and have been made to live their life. You still can see gentleness, kindness, and helpfulness. I could see this as a Book Club book or being read in a high school Literature class. This book is one that it makes you want to talk to your friends with or just anyone going down the street.
When this book comes out, you should definitely get it to read.
When this book comes out, you should definitely get it to read.
May 15, 2021
Historical Fiction is my favourite genre, and this book had everything that makes me love this kind of story. I was gripped from the very first page as we follow Graziella and her family as World Wat Two ends and beyond.
The writing is so vivid and captivating that I was thrown into the town of Pieve Santa Clara instantly. The characters are really memorable and developed a wonderful community around the central character. I particularly loved Salvatore Scognamiglio, a returning solider who becomes an 'adopted' member of Graziella's family. He was so warm and full of positivity.
The story is based on true stories that were told to the author by her family, and you get a real sense of this in the story. It is full of so many wonderful events and special moments that remind me of stories that have been passed down in my own family.
I really adored this book and I can't wait to continue reading Graziella's story in the next instalment.
The writing is so vivid and captivating that I was thrown into the town of Pieve Santa Clara instantly. The characters are really memorable and developed a wonderful community around the central character. I particularly loved Salvatore Scognamiglio, a returning solider who becomes an 'adopted' member of Graziella's family. He was so warm and full of positivity.
The story is based on true stories that were told to the author by her family, and you get a real sense of this in the story. It is full of so many wonderful events and special moments that remind me of stories that have been passed down in my own family.
I really adored this book and I can't wait to continue reading Graziella's story in the next instalment.
May 9, 2021
A beautifully written piece of historical fiction that draws you into the lives of the characters from the first page! The story centres mainly on the early life of young Graziella Ponti during World War Two. Told through her eyes, it is an emotional journey that sees her evacuated from her family, struggling to see her frail father so incapacitated after an earlier accident and dealing with the aftermath of a series of actions which will impact on her family for years to come.
Despite the setting, this is a heart-warming tale as the reader sees Graziella grow and change before their eyes, feeling not only her sorrow, but also bearing witness to her dreams and aspirations as she faces her future. A truly delightful read!
With thanks to the author and @rararesources for the opportunity to participate in the blog tour in exchange for an ARC.
Despite the setting, this is a heart-warming tale as the reader sees Graziella grow and change before their eyes, feeling not only her sorrow, but also bearing witness to her dreams and aspirations as she faces her future. A truly delightful read!
With thanks to the author and @rararesources for the opportunity to participate in the blog tour in exchange for an ARC.
May 13, 2021
Full review here: https://bookmarkthat.co.uk/paradiso-f... (NO SPOILERS)
Paradiso is quite a short read (218 pages), but the author completely envelopes you in the character’s lives. I adored every character we came across here, all for their own reasons (although some you’re glad to turn the page on!). Incredibly well-built, and Graziella (the protagonist) jumps out from the page and as if she’s in the room with you.
This is a 3/ borderline 4-star read for me, although I am excited for the next book, Return to Paradiso. I would have preferred the two parts blended into one, longer read.
Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
Paradiso is quite a short read (218 pages), but the author completely envelopes you in the character’s lives. I adored every character we came across here, all for their own reasons (although some you’re glad to turn the page on!). Incredibly well-built, and Graziella (the protagonist) jumps out from the page and as if she’s in the room with you.
This is a 3/ borderline 4-star read for me, although I am excited for the next book, Return to Paradiso. I would have preferred the two parts blended into one, longer read.
Gifted in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2021
This is right up the top with the best of the historical novels. I love that it’s told from a child’s point of view, I love that it starts towards the end of war but then keeps going to tell the story post war.
This book made me feel so many emotions - love, tears, shock, contentment, agreement, understanding and enjoyment of reading every single word. It was one of those books which was very very hard to put down!
There is at least one more of the books in this series and I cannot wait to read the next instalment.
This book made me feel so many emotions - love, tears, shock, contentment, agreement, understanding and enjoyment of reading every single word. It was one of those books which was very very hard to put down!
There is at least one more of the books in this series and I cannot wait to read the next instalment.
June 24, 2021
Fascinating book about Italy during and after WWII
There was nothing I disliked about the book. Interesting descriptions of Graziella as a little girl at the end of the war, her family and friends, and their struggles. I hope there will be a sequel.
There was nothing I disliked about the book. Interesting descriptions of Graziella as a little girl at the end of the war, her family and friends, and their struggles. I hope there will be a sequel.
July 8, 2021
Slow to start
At first it started a little slow, the stay in the convent sounded dreadful. I couldn’t believe the nuns lived like this. As soon as Graziella returned everything got better, even the story.
At first it started a little slow, the stay in the convent sounded dreadful. I couldn’t believe the nuns lived like this. As soon as Graziella returned everything got better, even the story.
May 10, 2021
My review of Paradiso is on my blog.
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
July 31, 2021
Entrancing
As soon as I started reading I was hooked. The characters jump out of the pages, you are there with them all, you feel their sadness and their joy. Read it!
As soon as I started reading I was hooked. The characters jump out of the pages, you are there with them all, you feel their sadness and their joy. Read it!
October 22, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable - the characters are wonderfully portrayed and the setting beautifully described. I was disappointed when I finished it and am looking for more books by Francesca Scanacapra.
October 14, 2021
Graziella is a girl growing up in the small Italian village of Pieve Santa Clara. She is much loved by her parents, her aunt, and is well known to all the other villagers. It is October 1944, and the peace is shattered by the arrival of German soldiers. Their actions rips Graziella’s world apart, though she does not fully understand the danger the villagers are in. Sent to a convent for her own safety, the small girl soon discovers more of the challenges of life in a country at war. This is a lovingly written story of people coming to terms with the aftermath of war in a place where there should be a sufficiency of food for people who have worked all their lives. It is a place where the unfairness of war is visible in missing men and boys, and those who have returned are sometimes scarred by their experiences.
Graziella tells tales of hunger in the convent “I was not unhappy about being at the convent because I understood that my parents sent me there out of love, but I was frequently unhappy about being cold and hungry.” This is a gently written book about the experiences of growing up in a village where there was affection, even if not much food at times, where a man was able to scratch a living despite his disabilities, where there was fun to be had in the small events. It also speaks of the power of the Catholic church to condemn, even if it is only personified by an old weak-willed man who has run out of ideas to keep his church full and standing. A memoir written as a novel, this is a charming and engaging book that I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review.
It is a frightening start to the book when Graziella is taken with the other small girls in the village into the darkness in an open truck. The nuns are generally well disposed to the girls, but they are homesick for their families and worried about what may be happening. On their return they discover that not much has changed, and even Graziella’s disabled father is able to find some work. Her own adventures reflect the life of the village, the boy who is generally shut out for his filthy appearance and difficulties in communicating, is a surprising helper in a traumatic time. Rita, the friend left behind because of her poor health, is a playmate who misses her father who left to fight, and is an ally in difficulties. A visit to a local estate gives Graziella a new view of the world and she meets a person who will have an effect on her. It is a touching moment when she encounters a relatively wealthy woman who is beautifully dressed and considers whether she owns more than one pair of shoes. As injustices happen in a small community the reader is drawn in, as well as when every opportunity for celebration is taken.
This is a positively written book of a girl’s life in a village with a charming tone despite the challenges of daily existence. It has some of the magic of family stories, and here they are presented with feel love and in a very engaging style. For a first novel it is very promising, and I would love to read further tales from this author.
Graziella tells tales of hunger in the convent “I was not unhappy about being at the convent because I understood that my parents sent me there out of love, but I was frequently unhappy about being cold and hungry.” This is a gently written book about the experiences of growing up in a village where there was affection, even if not much food at times, where a man was able to scratch a living despite his disabilities, where there was fun to be had in the small events. It also speaks of the power of the Catholic church to condemn, even if it is only personified by an old weak-willed man who has run out of ideas to keep his church full and standing. A memoir written as a novel, this is a charming and engaging book that I was pleased to have the opportunity to read and review.
It is a frightening start to the book when Graziella is taken with the other small girls in the village into the darkness in an open truck. The nuns are generally well disposed to the girls, but they are homesick for their families and worried about what may be happening. On their return they discover that not much has changed, and even Graziella’s disabled father is able to find some work. Her own adventures reflect the life of the village, the boy who is generally shut out for his filthy appearance and difficulties in communicating, is a surprising helper in a traumatic time. Rita, the friend left behind because of her poor health, is a playmate who misses her father who left to fight, and is an ally in difficulties. A visit to a local estate gives Graziella a new view of the world and she meets a person who will have an effect on her. It is a touching moment when she encounters a relatively wealthy woman who is beautifully dressed and considers whether she owns more than one pair of shoes. As injustices happen in a small community the reader is drawn in, as well as when every opportunity for celebration is taken.
This is a positively written book of a girl’s life in a village with a charming tone despite the challenges of daily existence. It has some of the magic of family stories, and here they are presented with feel love and in a very engaging style. For a first novel it is very promising, and I would love to read further tales from this author.
August 20, 2022
The dedication "For Nonno Mario, Nonna Franca and Zia Rosa, whose spirits and stories inhabit this novel" sheds light that this historical fiction novel is "inspired by true stories told to Francesca Scanacapra by her Italian family and set in locations where she spent much of her childhood."
The story begins in the autumn of 1944 and is set in the countryside village of Pieve Santa Clara, Lombardy. Graziella Ponti begins telling her story on the morning she is hastened to ready for departure by truck to a convent in the mountains for the duration of the war.
Most historical novels I’ve read share the experiences of leading up to WWII and post-war from the perspective of late teens to adults. To be inserted into the novel on the morning of 7-year-old Graziella’s separation from her parents Luigi and Teresa absorbed my attention and emotions flooded my heart. What a difficult decision to separate their child as a precaution not knowing the length of separation and if they would see one another again. What courage little Graziella showed that morning and in the days to follow.
As the novel continues to post-war Italy the reactions of Graziella and neighborhood children portray the reactions of children to schoolteachers, bullies, homework, chores, attending church, favorite family times, and times with friends. It is a story of war through a child’s eyes, her fears, her joys, her sorrow, her resilience, and her dreams.
The storytelling is written engagingly with well-developed characters, realistic dialogue, and an easy pace to read. I was a little disappointed that there was no Author’s Note to elaborate beyond the lovely Dedication. I look forward to reading Return to Paradiso joining Graziella in 1950.
The story begins in the autumn of 1944 and is set in the countryside village of Pieve Santa Clara, Lombardy. Graziella Ponti begins telling her story on the morning she is hastened to ready for departure by truck to a convent in the mountains for the duration of the war.
Most historical novels I’ve read share the experiences of leading up to WWII and post-war from the perspective of late teens to adults. To be inserted into the novel on the morning of 7-year-old Graziella’s separation from her parents Luigi and Teresa absorbed my attention and emotions flooded my heart. What a difficult decision to separate their child as a precaution not knowing the length of separation and if they would see one another again. What courage little Graziella showed that morning and in the days to follow.
As the novel continues to post-war Italy the reactions of Graziella and neighborhood children portray the reactions of children to schoolteachers, bullies, homework, chores, attending church, favorite family times, and times with friends. It is a story of war through a child’s eyes, her fears, her joys, her sorrow, her resilience, and her dreams.
The storytelling is written engagingly with well-developed characters, realistic dialogue, and an easy pace to read. I was a little disappointed that there was no Author’s Note to elaborate beyond the lovely Dedication. I look forward to reading Return to Paradiso joining Graziella in 1950.
September 8, 2024
There are 3 short books in the series, following a little Italian girl staring during WWII, and finishing in the 60’s as a grown woman. It’s a simple story of life in a small village, rich with culture of the time. Some might not appreciate the pace of the story, but I loved it. Will rate all 3 books with 4 stars.
September 22, 2025
What a delight! This was an uplifting book with lovely well rounded believable characters. Set in beautiful Italian countryside, we follow Graziella’s life, her ups and downs and revel in her courage when things are hard. Beautifully written. Just a really nice book in which to lose yourself! I’m off in search of Book 2 …
December 21, 2024
A slice of Italy
Loved this beautifully written story of post war Italy. Fantastic character development and delightful descriptions of the Italian countryside kept me enthralled.
Loved this beautifully written story of post war Italy. Fantastic character development and delightful descriptions of the Italian countryside kept me enthralled.
April 20, 2025
I absolutely loved it! Really enjoyed reading it so far…
Such a sad story of both father’s deaths but they always be in their hearts….
I can’t wait to see what’s next for them of book 2 soon…
Such a sad story of both father’s deaths but they always be in their hearts….
I can’t wait to see what’s next for them of book 2 soon…
September 28, 2021
Utterly beautiful
It has been a long time since I have read such a
heartwarming, heartbreaking book. This is a story of home a family and friends and you will laugh and cry with this wonderful Italian family. Strongly recommended.
It has been a long time since I have read such a
heartwarming, heartbreaking book. This is a story of home a family and friends and you will laugh and cry with this wonderful Italian family. Strongly recommended.
Read
September 28, 2021Quick read about a young girl's life during WW II. The ending left me hanging. There is a sequel. I guess it will have to come next on my reading list.
July 15, 2024
It was an enjoyable read.
July 10, 2024
Mesmerising!
Francesca’s writing sucks the reader into another world completely and for the duration of reading it’s difficult to know which is the real world. It’s a beautifully and evocatively told story of real depth that’s impossible to put down.
Francesca’s writing sucks the reader into another world completely and for the duration of reading it’s difficult to know which is the real world. It’s a beautifully and evocatively told story of real depth that’s impossible to put down.
February 3, 2023
Beautiful, intelligent, hesrt-warming
Beautiful coming of age story of a curious & trusting child from a small village in northern Italy born just before WWII. Through her eyes, we see ourselves walking through her village, warming by the oil rag fire, laughing with her father, embroidering with her mother, canning pears with her friend, building a pizza oven with her neighbors, unempowering bullies, loving deeply, and transforming into a scholarly, thoughtful young woman of promise.
Beautiful coming of age story of a curious & trusting child from a small village in northern Italy born just before WWII. Through her eyes, we see ourselves walking through her village, warming by the oil rag fire, laughing with her father, embroidering with her mother, canning pears with her friend, building a pizza oven with her neighbors, unempowering bullies, loving deeply, and transforming into a scholarly, thoughtful young woman of promise.
June 2, 2024
Beautifully written and engaging.
August 2, 2022
Wow just loved this, listened to the audio book and the narration is simply superb!
The story got me in from the very start, the details of each and every character, the location, the culture, the traditions and way of the world was so interesting. Would recommend, so fabulous I had to purchase the sequel, Return to Paradiso straight away, apparently there is a third book in the making.. I can’t wait. Francesca Scanacapara is a very talented writer. A fantastic book
The story got me in from the very start, the details of each and every character, the location, the culture, the traditions and way of the world was so interesting. Would recommend, so fabulous I had to purchase the sequel, Return to Paradiso straight away, apparently there is a third book in the making.. I can’t wait. Francesca Scanacapara is a very talented writer. A fantastic book
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