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Italy, 1940. The girl sobs and rages as her father tells her the terrible news. “Italy is entering the war alongside Germany. Jews are to be arrested and sent to camps. We have to be ready.”
REVIEW
Wow, what another captivating on-the-edge-of-your-seat story by Angela Petch! The detail in this narrative is stunning. The knowledge from her personal research has added another layer of authenticity. By the end of the story, I certainly felt as if I had walked a mile in the shoes of Devora, an Italian Jew, and others. Her friend, Luigi was a favourite. Devoted, gentle, unselfish and caring. And, Enrico, the other man in her sphere, was cut from quite a different cloth. Self-absorbed and often seeking gratification for himself. And as Devora says, ‘elusive and mysterious as ever.’ Devora’s infatuation with Enrico initially clouds her vision but her feelings for him go through some changes with the passage of time. At one point, trust is challenged with thoughts of possible betrayal. That question mark hangs heavy over her life.
I have to say I admired Devora’s feistiness, her desire to focus on medicine, to contribute to the war with the best talents she had. Her steadfastness and love for her family were also quite heart-warming, even lasting well beyond their differences.
There is little joy for the characters in this novel. With war comes separation from families and premature death. I felt so often the pain and anguish of the Jewish people who were treated badly for their faith. The needless torture and hardship the war imposed on such innocent souls broke my heart and Angela delivered this reality in such a profound way (as she always does). The racial laws meant they were constantly on the move seeking hiding places. Never safe, always filled with fear. The one shining thing in this whole mess was how the kindness of strangers flooded their lives. There were people who took risks to save those who did not deserve to be hunted down like animals by legions of Hitler’s soldiers.
But there are moments of reprieve: places that become special to those needing solace. Devora has an olive tree where she likes to go. The knobbly trunk gives her comfort. Olive trees represent peace. Whether this is why she feels a sense of calm under its branches, I don’t know but it is a nice thought: this symbol of something she and all those caught in the ugly war desired with all their hearts. Ida also speaks of the grove and how her ‘tears have watered’ it: a sentiment echoed by Devora. Together they bury the family’s candlestick (menorah) beneath the tangled roots of an olive tree with Ida saying a prayer for peace. It is a very moving scene, knowing they must move on, leave all they love to flee danger. But will there be any place they will be free? As they move like ‘tall shadows in the eerie light’ Devora feels ‘each step’ is ‘like a long goodbye…’
The story also addresses love: who should expect it? The views of the era are echoed in Anna Maria’s words when Devora asks her if she has ever been in love. ‘Do you think it’s possible for a woman like me to be in love? A woman past her prime, not beautiful, uneducated, with no dowry to her name?’ Devora’s response to her is so true: ‘I don’t think any of those are necessary for a woman…to have feelings.’ Of course, we learn more about Anna Maria’s past love and what happened, her loss and disappointment.
Besides grief, this story does have moments of hope. Though there will be great loss for many of the characters, maturity brings to light a lasting love in Devora’s life. And possibly the opportunity to forgive. Or not.
I found the ending truly excellent. Like Devora, I whispered, too, ‘I’ll never forget you.’ This deeply moving novel pierced my heart and made me feel the anguish of the victims. I longed as Devora, to wave a magic wand and see these people ‘return to their carefree days before war had shattered their lives.’ … ‘to banish despots and ensure nobody died prematurely in such barbaric ways.’ This novel is a testament to the Jewish people’s suffering and their resilience. And of those who were saved—those who managed to escape. It also brings to light the internment camps in Italy and how they were different from the rest of Europe.
I believe Angela Petch accomplishes her mission to show that ‘goodness exists amidst evil’. For the generosity of spirit rose up once Italy joined the allies in 1943. This, as I mentioned before, is the shining grace of this story. I highly recommend this outstanding novel. The Girl Who Escaped deserves to be remembered. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for my review copy.
