Intriguing period in Italian history

• Book: Bridge of Sighs and Dreams
• Location: Italy
• Author: Pamela Allegretto

Review Author: JSAauthor

Bridge of Sighs and Dreams tells the story of one family living in Italy in the 1930s and 1940s. It is a sometimes gritty, sometimes romantic, tale of betrayal, intrigue and – above all – survival. The author’s beautiful yet compact descriptions of the landscape, people and culture effortlessly transport the reader to this fascinating land and complex period in Italian and European history.

Two strong female characters – one who chooses to resist and the other to work with the occupying forces – drive this book, allowing the author to effectively explore the gray areas inherent to both resistance and collaboration. Both women remain human and fallible, and their actions – though sometimes extreme – fit within the characters’ personalities. The physiological and emotional impact of the constant threat of betrayal from friends and family, as well as the hardships brought on by wartime (rampant diseases, lack of medicine and basic supplies), are well-described and help to create understanding for the less than commendable actions taken by normally good people.

Though this book spans almost ten years, the author’s choice to write relatively short chapters sharply focused on the key plot elements and characters’ development is masterful, allowing her to skip through time without leaving the reader disoriented or overwhelmed by an over-abundance of detail.

I really enjoyed reading this book, traveling through Italy and experiencing life under Mussolini and Hitler’s control, through the eyes of these well-developed characters. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about this intriguing period in Italian history, as well as those who are just looking for a great (historical fiction) novel to read!

Back to book