‘Paradiso’ by Francesca Scanacapra is a beautifully crafted book of historical fiction that is inspired by true stories told to Francesca Scanacapra by her Italian family and set in locations where she spent much of her childhood.

We are drawn into the young life of Gabriella Ponti throughout World War Two. Through her eyes, we see the emotional journey that shows us how she was evacuated away from her family to a convent only to return to her family and a village that was not the same as when she left. Gabriella is sworn to keep the death of some German officers secret. She protects her family but as always what is the cost?

This book is a story that slowly draws you in and before you know it you almost feel Italian with the members of Graziella’s family around you. Every character had a part to play and without even just one of them, the family would have felt lacking. I was picturing Italy in its gorgeous splendour.

A heartwarming and emotional story in which we witness Graziella grow, mature and change as the story unfolds. We are with her as she faces the unknown throughout her young life…her triumphs and her joys alongside the many sorrows he experiences. I would like to see how Graziella goes on in life in another book too. I was with her every moment and loved it.

Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources and Silvertail Books for the copy of the book.