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Gina grew up in Portofino but moved to England after the war to raise her daughter, Hope. When she learns of her father’s death, Gina and Hope travel to Portofino for the funeral.
Hope has her future ahead of her, but Gina finds herself journeying back to the past when she is presented with a journal written by her twin sister Adele, during the war. Everyone believes that Adele betrayed her country to work with the Germans, but it turns out it was a little more complicated than that.
I think Adele was one of my favourite characters, although we only briefly meet her in Gina’s memories, the rest of the time only getting to know her through her diary. Gina was always the brave sister, putting herself out there, so when Gina left to join the Resistance, Adele wanted to do her part as well. The only issue was finding something she could do, for she wasn’t like her sister, and couldn’t pick up a gun against the Germans. This novel depicts strong women who find themselves living during an extraordinarily frightening time, and how these young women reacted to these events made this story come across as very real in the telling.
This novel does have its fair share of romance, for both sisters find themselves slowly falling in love, but it is based during a war, and both sisters find themselves fighting it, one way or another. There is violence, from both sides, and both Gina and Adele see things they would rather forget. This is not a book that romanticises war, but one that tells the truth and this, while distressing at times, has been done with great skill.
This book was completely captivating, and I found it incredibly difficult to put it down.
In 1970 Gina Bianchi returns to Portofino to attend her father’s funeral, accompanied by her troubled twenty-four-year-old daughter, Hope. There, Gina is beset by vivid memories of World War 2, a time when she fought with the Italian Resistance and her twin sister, Adele, worked for the Germans.
In her childhood bedroom, Gina reads Adele’s diary, left behind during the war. As Gina learns the devastating truth about her sister, she’s compelled to face the harsh brutality of her own past. Will she finally lay her demons to rest, or will they end up destroying her and the family she loves?
A hauntingly epic read that will sweep you away to the beauty of the Italian Riviera and the rugged mountains of its hinterland. “The Girl from Portofino” is a story about heart-wrenching loss and uplifting courage, love, loyalty, and secrets untold.
If you would like to read this novel you can find it on Amazon If you have a #KindleUnimited subscription you can read for free.
I am so glad you enjoyed The Girl from Portofino (Girls of the Italian Resistance, Book 2). Thank you so much for hosting today's tour stop.
ReplyDeleteMary Anne
The Coffee Pot Book Club
You are welcome.
DeleteThank yuo for reviewing "The Girl from Portofino". So glad you found it captivating.
ReplyDeleteYou are more than welcome.
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