Bologna, Italy, 1944, and the streets are crawling with German soldiers. Nineteen-year-old Leila Venturi is shocked into joining the Resistance after her beloved best friend Rebecca, the daughter of a prominent Jewish businessman, is ruthlessly deported to a concentration camp. In February 1981, exchange student Rhiannon Hughes arrives in Bologna to study at the university. There, she rents a room from Leila, who is now middle-aged and infirm. Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, offers to show Rhiannon around but Leila warns her off him.
This is one of those books that draws you into the lives of compelling characters, and haunts your thoughts long after you reach the end. I knew little of Bologna, or what happened there during1944, but Siobhan Daiko uses the inspired device of a memoir in progress to take us back from the present day to explore past events.
I particularly liked the interplay between the main character, Leila Venturi, and her young guest, Rhiannon. Rhiannon's curiosity allows the story to emerge naturally, with the fascinating city of Bologna providing the unique historical context. Leila’s nephew, Gianluca, is also a well rounded character, and forms the perfect link between the two women.
Anyone visiting Bologna after reading this book will have a deeper appreciation of the hardships faced, and the bravery of those who fought in the Italian resistance during WW2. Some of the most chilling scenes involved the Fascist regime, which pitched neighbours against each other, yet Siobhan Daiko uses these past traumas to explore their legacy for the present.
Highly recommended.
Tony Riches
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About the Author
I am so glad you enjoyed The Girl from Bologna. Thank you so much for hosting today's tour stop.
ReplyDeleteAll the best,
Mary Anne
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Thank you so much!!!
ReplyDeleteNow I want to visit Bologna :)
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