Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsStunning
Reviewed in Australia on 3 November 2020
I was swept away by The Tuscan Girl, both in time and place, to the beauty of Tuscany (not a bad thing in 2020!)
War, intrigue, love and heartbreak, the author artfully blends past and present in the mesmerising tale of Massimo, Lucia, and her ill-fated love affair with Florian.
Tracking with the World War Two characters, the author intertwines the story of artist Alba, her heartbreak, and healing through friendships with the elderly Massimo, childhood friend Alfiero, and the wise nun Lodovica.
I am unaware if the author is also an artist, but her stunning descriptions of Alba’s work, the Italian countryside, and the food suggest the eye of a painter.
I developed a great fondness for Massimo as he shared his and Lucia’s tales with Alba. I have similarly met elderly people who experienced the horror of war, yet their overarching compassion, wisdom, and zest for life is what shines through, and the author captures this perfectly in Massimo’s character. Overall a stunning book, beautifully described.
