A Unique Tale of Art, War, and Bravery in WWII Italy

3.5 stars rounded down to 3.

In 1943, two women find themselves on a mission to save the art treasures of Florence from theft and destruction. Eva Brunner, a German photographer, is documenting art hidden in an Austrian salt mine. Across the ocean, American stenographer Josephine Evans joins the Women’s Army Corps and is assigned to work with the Monuments Men, a group tasked with protecting Europe’s cultural heritage.

Initially, Eva believes the Nazi claims that they are safeguarding Florentine artworks from the approaching Allied forces and will return them to their original owners, but she soon realizes their true intentions. Disillusioned with her work, Eva defects and helps Lucia, an Italian partisan. Together, they embark on a perilous journey through war-torn Italy, facing both external threats and internal conflicts.

This captivating blend of history and imagination takes readers on two remarkable journeys through war-ravaged Italy. The women’s parallel stories are fast-paced, dramatic, and populated with colorful, complex characters. Art enthusiasts and fans of historical fiction will appreciate Morelli’s narrative.

I loved learning about the Monuments Women, the Fifth Army WACs, and the looted Florentine art collections during World War II—details I knew little about. While I enjoy fine art, this book had too much detail on artwork. It was also heavy with metaphors and similes. Despite the impressive collaboration between Italians and Americans to save precious artwork; I found it difficult to stay engaged throughout the book. At 3.5 stars, it was good, just not great.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a comp on this title. The opinions are my own.

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