The Italian Wife by Kate Furnivall

Title | The Italian Wife

Author | Kate Furnivall

Publisher | Sphere / Little Brown UK

Publication Date | 7th May 2015

Source | Review Copy & Purchased

ISBN | 9780751550764

Purchase | Amazon

A Page of Fictional Love Rating | 5/5

Italy, 1932 -- Mussolini's Italy is growing from strength to strength, but at what cost?

One bright autumn morning, architect Isabella Berotti sits at a café in the vibrant centre of Bellina, when a woman she's never met asks her to watch her ten-year-old daughter, just for a moment. Reluctantly, Isabella agrees -- and then watches in horror as the woman climbs to the top of the town's clock tower and steps over the edge. 

This tragic encounter draws vivid memories to the surface, forcing Isabella to probe deeper into the secrets of her own past as she tries to protect the young girl from the authorities. Together with charismatic photographer Roberto Falco, Isabella is about to discover that secrets run deeper, and are more dangerous, than either of them could have possibly imagined . . . 

From the glittering marble piazzas to the picturesque hillside villages and winding streets of Rome, Kate Furnivall's epic new novel will take you on an breathtaking journey of intrigue, romance and betrayal.

I was drawn to this book based on it's location; Italy. I have always had a love for Italian culture, history and art. It's still a dream of mine to honeymoon in Venice, and Tuscany. This book, The Italian Wife is set in historical Italy, the time of Mussolini, and it's a beautifully emotive novel that touches not only your heart, but gives you a strong appreciation for Italian history. 

The first chapter alone, had me wiping away tears in the bathtub. The beautiful picturesque Italy is described in breathtaking detail, so much that you feel that you are there, or at the very least bearing witness to the events that unfold. 

The romance aspect to this novel is delectable and warms your heart through and through. At times I was taken aback by the events, fears and intrigue, but still the pages kept on turning. I devoured this book like I would a favourite film; curled up with a blanket, a cup of coffee and a notice that I was not to be disturbed.

I encourage anyone who is interested in Italian culture, lifestyle, romance and history to read this, even those who are not historical fiction fans - as I would not describe myself as such, but this book certainly will stay with me for a very long time. I enjoyed this book so much that I went and purchased the paperback copy too!