Another bold, stunning and captivating read from Angela Petch! The Sicilian Secret is so well written that it just floats along like a dream. The novel is set in a few timelines: 1927, 1940s, 1973. The past helps to tell a tragic and tender story set during World War II that echoes injustice all the way to modern day 1973.
The novel opens in Suffolk 1973 with Florence who is minding the cold, looking forward to the approaching spring season and the hope it represents. Her thoughts are on the dog she misses and the debate with herself about revealing some important truth to her niece. Something that has been very hard for her to do. Memories come flooding back as she looks at a photo of her favourite person, Paige, and considers her physical features, different from her own. It is obvious Florence does not think highly of her own appearance. She is also annoyed with the mis-information provided in a new book about what went on during the war. This passage hints that Florence knows a fair bit about the inside activities.
In the past timeline, a couple named Joy and Savio meet during their training to be torn apart abruptly. Each come from very different backgrounds yet have had their own share of heart breaking trials. Savio’s story is an example of what happened to the Italians living in England during WW2. This part of the plot is quite jarring as Savio and his parents are rounded up and sent to the Isle of Man to a facility for holding. Some terrible things happen as a result. The restrictions test Savio’s patience and his hot temper gets him into strife on more than one occasion. He continues to plea his innocence. Eventually his knowledge of Sicily plays a part in setting him free from the internment.
Lady Joy Harrison has her own battles with her cruel, uncaring mother. She misses her late father and draws strength from the memory of his love and acceptance. Joy then plans her escape from the restrictions and expectations imposed on her. She decides to enlist to do her part in fighting the war. It gives her some space and a chance to grow. It is during this time she meets Savio and they become close.
Modern day (1973) introduces us to Paige, niece of Florence/Flo—the lady we meet at the start of the novel. Paige is going through a rough time missing her aunt who tragically died in an accident. She is also struggling with her fiancé, his controlling mother and their upcoming wedding. Is Paige ready for this next step? The loss of her aunt has jolted her into reconsidering her accepted path. Will she be happy? She confides in her best friend who helps her come to the decision she must make. Then a strange half written letter from her aunt, a coded message from Sicily, an unusual piece of jewellery and an odd birth certificate shake her identity. Is everything she has known about her life been a lie? What truth was Flo going to reveal before her tragic death? Paige must make a journey to solve the mystery and discover her father.
Paige’s trip to Sicily is an intriguing one. I was transported to this gorgeous setting through the author’s divine descriptions. Angela Petch’s personal experience of the region is clearly noted and utilised. There was a familiarity about the environment as I followed the characters into both beautiful and frightening terrain. Even though I have never been to Sicily, I felt as if I had. Angela has a knack for drawing emotion out of you through her atmospheric scenes, believable characters and complex plots.
This novel moved me to tears numerous times. It is a beautiful, though tragic story in many ways. The perspectives are presented through various characters so it helped me connect to them in a very personal way. I felt I had walked a mile in their shoes.
The ending is well delivered and contains healing, understanding and copious tears. The questions are answered, the mystery is solved and a reunion is established. Plus, a new love is born. I highly recommend this powerful WW2 and modern day love story that left me sighing and pondering the many ingenious parallels in the two timelines. An absolute must read! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the review copy.
