World War Two drama ‘The Girl Who Escaped’ by Angela Petch is a heartbreaking slow-burner that had me reading late at night to finish it.
The story about four friends in the small Italian town of Urbino begins with a Prologue set in 1988. Enrico, waiting for a reunion with his childhood friends, looks at a photograph of them taken fifty years earlier, before the war, on a mountain hike. Young. Carefree. Unsuspecting.
In 1940 in Urbino, 20-year-old medical student Devora Lassa is struggling to accept how her movements, as a Jew, are now limited by law. She is unable to study, is seen as different. Sabrina Merli, who has a long-standing crush on Conte Enrico di Villanova, is jealous at a party when Enrico greets Devora with a kiss on both cheeks. Luigi Michelozzi, a civil servant, watches, quiet and thoughtful.
After the party, Devora’s world is thrown into chaos when her father explains the hard truth. Tomorrow, Italy will enter the war on the side of Germany and the racial laws applying to Jewish people will again be changed. Her parents, who were born in Germany but are Italian citizens, must leave in the morning for an internment camp near Arezzo. Their Jewish neighbours, not Italian citizens, are being deported. As Devora and her two younger twin brothers were born in Italy they are able to stay in the family home in Urbino but now Devora, helped by their maid Anna Maria, must become parents to the boys.
This the story of Devora, whose life within a matter of hours changes out of all recognition. She is the girl who escapes a multitude of times, but in wartime Italy it is difficult to know where is safe, who is trustworthy, strangers who help, friends who change sides, neighbours who spy, Italians who are fascists or ‘partigianos’ (resistance fighters), German soldiers who are fascists and torturers or world-weary soldiers missing their own families. Every decision Devora makes affects not just herself but those closest to her. When Luigi warns her to leave Urbino, the three siblings are reunited with their parents at Villa Oliveto, the internment camp turned into a Jewish community by its inmates, with gardening, theatre, medical treatment. But is anywhere safe?
Devora runs and runs again, and comes to hate herself for not turning and fighting. When she joins the ‘resistenza,’ she needs every ounce of bravery, ingenuity and intelligence to survive. But in Urbino, no-one can predict who will betray you, who wants to help, who is setting a trap. She is a fantastic heroine, we live with her day-by-day as she begins to understand what is happening to her country, as she grows from indignant student to strong fighter. She must learn to move in the shadows, how to act a role, when to keep quiet and when step forwards. Her character development is compelling. Luigi is fascinating too, his job registering births and deaths allows him to falsify records to protect people. We see a little of Enrico, an arrogant, flashy personality who I had no time for, and even less of Sabrina. I needed to know more about Sabrina’s behaviour throughout the war, to understand her experiences. She blows with the wind, supporting whoever she thinks will be of advantage to her, her loyalty is an enigma. Some people fight to survive, others stay quiet and collaborate.
‘The Girl Who Escaped’ portrays the reality of wartime Italy, focussing on one town and the four friends. At times its not an easy read, the plight of ordinary people persecuted for no other reason than their religion is not new but Petch maintains the suspense to the end so we don’t know who betrays who.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-reviews-a-z/

The Girl Who Escaped is the latest captivating historical fiction novel from author Angela Petch. It is an emotional roller-coaster of a story which takes the reader through a journey from truly heartbreaking moments to more heartwarming moments and I was hooked from the very first page.
I have to applaud Angela Petch for how well she has clearly researched this story. It meant that the history just seeped through the page. I particularly enjoyed the use of Italian phrases where appropriate throughout the narrative as this really supported the story to feel authentic to the setting.
We have a really strong courageous female protagonist in Devora. Her character growth throughout the progression of the story, based on her wartime experiences, was extremely well written. We are also given a few chapters from her childhood friend Enrico’s perspective and, whilst it did add an interesting angle to the story, I found him to be a thoroughly unlikeable character which made Devora’s infatuation with him very hard to understand. On the other side of the likeability scale was another childhood friend Luigi who was a wonderfully written character I fell in love with almost instantly. I loved the chapters exploring his story and found them to compliment the chapters focusing on Devora’s story well. The resistance work Luigi did through his government job registering births and deaths and falsifying records to protect people was absolutely fascinating. I would have liked to have seen a little more exploration of Sabrina’s character and experiences. The prologue sets up the story about the four teenagers and whilst we learn lots about Devora, Luigi and Enrico, we see very little from Sabrina and I do think this was a shame as the choices she made during the German occupation could have added an interesting angle to the story if explored in further depth.
The narrative also features a large collection of characters in minor supporting roles, such as those living in the internment camp with Devora, the partisans and other Italians supporting the resistance effort. Angela Petch has a magical and rare ability to craft these supporting characters in a way which gives such depth to their characters and makes them come alive on the page, even those who play minor roles in the overall plot. Two supporting characters whose story was particularly interesting was Anna Maria and the German soldier she befriends. Whilst avoiding spoilers, I would have liked their story to have been explored in a little more depth.
The Girl Who Escaped pays wonderful homage to the Italians who were so courageous during the Second World War, saving the lives of so many Jewish Italians. As noted in the Author’s Note, approximately 80% of Jews in Italy survived the war whereas 80% of Jews in the rest of occupied Europe were murdered.
Overall, The Girl Who Escaped is a really powerful piece of historical fiction which I would highly recommend for fans of historical fiction set during the Second World War.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I have posted an extended review on my blog www.yourschloe.co.uk and the post is linked.

I love historical fiction and especially fiction set within the era that this book is set in with World War raging and the Nazi atrocities in full swing.
This was well written with a compelling story line and well developed characters some of which I hated and some which I really rooted for

Sometimes I think that when I read the phrase another "Utterly heartbreaking and emotional WW2 historical story" one more time I am going to scream, but I like historical books set in Italy and war stories are very popular at the moment so I decided to read this one as well.
I must say that I quite like the books in this series and I was pleasantly surprised that this one tells the story in quite a chronological order without constant switches to another place and set of protagonists. Makes a nice change from the obligate split time, split person formula for once.
Having said that, I really don't get why the the actual story is sandwiched between an epilogue and an ending that is set in the present day. Somehow it seems today's authors need to stick to this kind of formulae to tell their story.

The story itself is interesting, well written and it is difficult to put down. What made it interesting is how the different characters were split between those who aided the resistance, took a stance somewhere between and the flimsy Sabrina who had no qualms to turn against her friend and become friendly first with the Germans and then change her allegiance to the Americans the moment the Germans were driven out.

What I liked was that there were a couple of interesting side stories as well. I also loved the setting in the lovely town of Urbino.

I read an advance reader copy which was provided to me by Netgalley

Ididn't have a lot of time yo read it, but I enjoyed the parts of it that I got to read. I hope to get to fully read it soon.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author, but this one might be my favourite, Her characters are so well written and heartfelt. In 1938, four friends take a picture together and vow to meet up in 50 years. Flash to 50 years later when only two of the subjects show up in 1988. We then learn the heartbreaking story behind these chaeracters lives. This story is about Devora, an italian jewish girl, starting at the beginning of the WWII. Devora's parents are forced to leave to an internment camp and she and her young brothers are placed in the care of a family friend, Anna Maria. As Devora, who wanted to study medicine, but is no longer allowed to go to school, tries to navigate this new world, not undertstanding the sudden hatred of jews, we are transported into her timeline. It is so easy to feel what Devora was feeling, to imagine her sitting with her olive tree, trying to find peace.

I loved the way this story was written, the author must have invested so much time into research. Cannot wait for this author's next book.

The Girl Who Escaped tells the emotional story of Devora, a young Jewish woman fighting for survival during the Second World War in Urbino, Italy. Starting as an innocent young woman on a path to becoming a doctor, Devora’s experiences and will to survive against the odds make for a page-turning read, full of emotional highs and devastating lows. Devora’s strength and courage are the driving force throughout the plot. Well-researched and based on elements of truth, the book depicts the horror of war while bringing to life the intensely human connections that come to the fore when all else seems lost. The Girl Who Escaped was a compelling read, with characters whose plight will stay with you long after the final page has been read.

The Girl Who Escaped is a historical fiction book set in WW2, primarily based in Urbino, Italy. Devora and her family are Jews living in Italy under Naziism and fascism. They go from living a family integrated life to being limited due to racial laws, to being sent away. When Devora gets separated from her parents, she learns about what it takes to survive and help others.

The book started out a little light for the time period, I couldn't help but wonder why Devora was so focused on minor things and so hung up on her friend Enrico. But it got deeper and better as it went along. The book really showed the ups and downs of her journey.

This book was very surprising to me. The summary of the book didn’t really capture the book at all in my opinion, but anyways….. I thought this book was absolutely beautiful. I loved the way she captured what people in that time were actually going through. You could literally feel the heartbreak they were feeling. I read a lot of historical fictions and have read a lot about WWII and you don’t really see a lot coming from Italys point of view which I Loved. I was so happy about the ending and was rooting for Luigi the whole time!!! I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future!!

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Girl Who Escaped' by Angela Petch.

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Angela Petch, Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous

Publication date 14th April 2023.

This is the third book I have read by this author. I have also read 'The Tuscan House' and 'The Postcard From Italy' which I would also highly recommend.

I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and colourful cover and its captivating synopsis. I also wanted to read something a bit different from the same genres I've been reading lately and this historical novel seemed to attract my attention. The synopsis stated that this book is 'An absolutely devastating but ultimately uplifting historical novel about how love and hope can get us through the darkest times. Perfect for fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Rhys Bowen and Soraya M. Lane.' I am a huge fan of both 'The Tattooist Of Auschwitz' and Soraya Lane so am looking forward to seeing if this book lives up to this statement. I am also a fan of Angela and if this as half as good as 'The Tuscan House' and 'The Postcard From Italy' it is guaranteed to be an excellent read. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).

This novel consists of a prologue, 50 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium to long in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!

This book is based in Italy 🇮🇹.

This book is written in third person perspective with the protagonists being Devora and Enrico. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.

Well done Angela you have done it yet again!!! Another absolutely stunningly written book that takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions whose vivid descriptions completely arrested my attention. The cover and synopsis suited the storyline perfectly.


The storyline itself is captivating and heart warming but also devastatingly heart breaking. This story is based on a true story of the tragedies and hardships of Jewish families living in Urbino under the rules of the dreadful Mussolini. As always Angela's amazing narrative and evocative writing skills pulls the reader into the story and brings it to life around you making you feel, hear and see everything that is going on around the characters. She ensures you understand what the characters are going through and how awful these poor families were treated. It is extremely gripping and addictive story filled with tragedy, love, fascism, heartbreak, pain, war, love and so much more!! This book doesn't just tell us the tale of Devora who is an Italian Jew but also of her schoolfriend Luigi who is a clandestine partisan and possible collaborator Rico. As always Angela weaves all the storylines and events together perfectly ensuring a smooth and fast read which you are completely unable to put down. The fact that Angela has done her research absolutely shines throughout the book and at times my heart was in my throat and I had tears running down my eyes from what I was reading but it was worth carrying on as their stories deserve to be told and never forgotten. It is a pet hate of mine when an author doesn't do enough research on their chosen topics meaning their books are littered with unnecessary mistakes which spoil the storyline but congratulations Angela on the amount of research that hasn't just gone into this book but your previous books that I have also read. I must admit that out of the four books I have read by this amazing author this has got to be my favourite of them all!! Although there are more bad and sad times than good, which is realistic to what went on, there are happy moments which made me smile. This book is an eye opening read to went on in Italy during these awful times and how the Jews were treated there and as most of the books I have read on this subject are based in Germany I learned so much more that I did before which I am glad of so thank you Angela and thank you for ensuring their lives are never forgotten in your beautiful books. Angela also shows the importance of all standing and uniting together and the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. The author emerges her readers into the storyline as well as the settings and actions and emotions of the characters. This book is fascinating and gloriously intriguing, a devastating, beautiful, heart-breaking, compelling and riveting page turner. It is perfect for fans of historical and WWll stories and of course any fans of Angela's previous books. I for one am looking forward to reading the previous and next books by this fantastic author.

DO NOT PICK THIS UP UNTIL YOU HAVE CLEARED YOUR SCHEDULES AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PUT IT DOWN!

Get ready to pack your suitcase and depart on a journey to history and Italy, you won't regret it or forget it!


The characters are absolutely fantastic as well as intriguing, unique and realistic. I loved discovering and delving into their history and background. I really connected with Devora and my heart absolutely broke and went out to her and her family. She is a strong and brave woman who has to grow up so quickly and sees so much tragedy and feels so much heart ache that I just wanted to wrap her up and keep her and her family safe. Devora is daring and willing to go into dangerous situations and faces many dilemmas through the book. I was on an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions with her throughout. I have no idea what she seen in Enrico who enlisted in the army and seemed to be doing the opposite of what Devora believed in. I just really did not like him at all and I was shouting at Devora on a few occasions to run as far away from him as she could and my heart was pounding so hard at one point when I thought she was going to put him before her family. She deserved so much better than him when he obviously didn't feel for her as she felt for him. Luigi on the other hand I really liked and was rooting for him throughout the book. He is handsome, devoted and loyal and he was there for Devora and her family every single time. Luigi and Devora are so brave and I completely fell in love with these truly amazing people from the start. Regardless of whether you loved or hated the characters they each played their roles perfectly and the book just would not be the same without them!


When you read this make sure you also read the letter from Angela. I always make sure u turn every page in a book and I absolutely loved reading Angela's letter and I was absolutely shocked by some of the information I read in it!!! One of the things Angela points out is the statistics which is as follows :

"At the end of September 1943, in occupied Italy, there were 38,994 Jews (33,452 Italian Jews and 5,542 foreign Jews). Approximately 80% of Jews in Italy survived. In the rest of occupied Europe, approximately 80% perished"

I was absolutely flabbergasted when I read this and it goes to show how different things turned out for the different regions going through this hell. In her note Angela also mentions Elizabeth Bettina's book 'It happened in Italy: Untold stories of how the people of Italy defied the horrors of the Holocaust' which I am definitely going to hunt down and read. This book really does show how brave and caring the Italians were and how different their outlook was during the war, how they helped each other and how different things could have been for others if they had done the same in different countries.


Congratulations Angela on another absolutely stunning book that I fell in love with. Here is to your next success 🥂!!

Make sure you read to the very end of the book to read the prologue and the first chapter of Angela's 'The Tuscan Secret' which promises to be as amazing and unputdownable as this and is one I'm looking forward to reading myself!

Overall a devastatingly beautiful, heart-breaking and memorable historical page turner.

Genres covered in this novel include Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Italian Fiction, Historical European Fiction, Historical Literary Fiction, War Story Fiction, Military Romance, Adventure Stories & Action, Jewish Historical Fiction, 20th Century Historical Romance, Literary Fiction, Historical Italian Fiction, Historical European Fiction, Historical Literary Fiction, War Story and Historical Romance amongst others.


I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris, Ellie Midwood, Rhys Bowen and Soraya M. Lane and fans of historical and WWII fiction and anyone looking for a beautiful, romantic yet devastating page turner which will shock and leave you thinking about the story for a long time .

404 pages.

This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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The Girl Who Escaped is a gripping historical fiction story based on a real character, her husband's grandfather. The prologue and epilogue are set in 1988, but they sandwich a story beginning in the summer of 1940 in Urbino, Italy. Four friends: Devora, Luigi, Enrico and Sabrina, are students and the story tells of the irrevocable changes in their lives and friendship during WWII. Devora is Jewish, but born in Italy along with her twin brothers. Her parents moved there in 1918, surely they will be safe from Hitler's craziness. When her parents are moved to an internment camp outside Urbino, Devora and their live in help, Anna Maria, remain in their home to look after ten year old twins Arturo and Alfredo. Her parents ask them to come and live with them in Villa Oliveto, assuming the war will end soon. They eventually escape only to be recaptured, but Devora escapes and makes her way to the Italian resistenza back in Urbino. When will this war end? When will she be reunited with her family?

This was a heartbreaking story, as they all are when dealing with this time in history. I didn't know much about what happened in Italy during the war, so I was invested in the story, not only for Luigi's and Devora's story, but to learn a bit more about the Italian situation. I also learned a bit about Libya and the history of their conquerors. The writing was wonderful, flowing, and descriptive, keeping me glued to the story as it unfolded. The characters were extremely well written. Devora was a strong, independent woman who was not to be pushed aside. She took risks to help her country and people. She was feisty and stubborn as well. Her growth and development in the story was excellent and so realistic. Luigi (Gigi) was an exceptional character and the one based on Angela's grandfather-in-law. He worked for the government registering births and deaths, so was able to change records and save others, thus putting himself in danger. He never waffled from the course and worked diligently for the partigiani. He loved Devora, although she never saw it, and helped her and her family when he could. He was a hero, yet humble. The story of tragedy, the treatment of the Jewish people, the horror of war, the fear, and the difficulties of those left behind was felt on each page. This is also a story of hope, strength, courage and resilience as the Italian people never gave up, even though they were in the midst of the war and occupation. My daughter-in-law's family lived in the Apennine Mountain area and their home was actually taken over by the German's, so although there was not a lot of the story dealing with that situation, it gave me a bit of a background and connection to the area. This is a story that I will not soon forget. The bravery of the characters in the story is inspiring and the hope along the way is uplifting. I definitely recommend The Girl Who Escaped to those interested in WWII stories, Historical Fiction and stories set in Italy. I know I will be reading more books by Angela Petch in the future.

I have just been privileged to read an advance copy of the girl who escaped by Angela Petch.

What an amazing read, from beginning right through to the end,

I loved reading the tattooist of Austwitz, and this was equally as powerful and chilling in its own way, whilst also being mixed with a good dosage of romance between Debora, Luigi and Enrico.

This book will bring tears to the eyes of many, whilst also hopefully bringing to light exactly what happened in these dark days of history.

It is was fascinating to read more about Italy in the war, and the rule under Mussolini, and the gruelling journey that the Jewish people went through in war time Italy.

I fell in love with so many different characters, all with their own stories and some which tied together well.

Thank you for a wonderful read, I hope to read more of your work soon.

10/10

The Girl Who Escaped is the latest novel from Angela Petch and without doubt this is certainly her best book yet. I felt it was so well written with excellent pacing and plot development, a brilliant storyline and setting and a varied cast of characters who all bring so much individually to the book. This was an action packed read and an emotional rollercoaster with many highs and lows and unfortunately at times the bad times outnumbered the good which only fuels the emotion the reader feels. There was no let up in events with something seeming to happen with each turn of the page. Therefore, the reader never got the chance to become bored or feel as if there were lulls or pages of filler. Instead, every character and scene were essential to the overall plot and the tension just increased with each new chapter.

I found this to be a deeply satisfying and informative read. It was an eye opener as to the Jews plight in Italy and I found it staggering that over 80% of the Jews in Italy survived thanks to the resistance work of so many and the fact as the author herself said people had a moral conscience. But 80% of the Jewish population in other European countries did not make it. That really does speak volumes for the Italian people.

Devora lives in the city of Urbino in Italy, with her parents and twin brothers. The family are Jewish, her parents having left Germany many years ago but now once again the situation regarding Jews has caught up with them. It’s 1940 and Hitler’s racial laws are in full force and war has been ongoing for some time. Mussolini has sided with Hitler and entered the war. Any foreign Jews residing in Italy have to pack up their homes and are sent to internment camps. These rules do not apply to Devora or her brothers as they were born in Italy. Yet, that’s not to say laws do not affect them as they have been unable to attend school and university for some time. Devora’s long held desire to become a doctor has been curtailed as she can no longer study medicine. She can’t understand why all this is happening to her family. ’It’s as if we are a herd of cattle, branded with different colours because of our worth.'

Devora alongside the family maid Anna Maria cares for her brothers, Arturo and Alfredo, and she is forced to grow up pretty fast. Initially, I couldn’t quite understand how the internment camp seemed to be good from the letters her parents sent her. When you read the word camp you think of Auschwitz or Dachau and the horrific conditions and unimaginable cruelty that occurred there, but things seemed different here. A year later and her parents send word that they feel it is safe for Devora and her siblings to come and live at the camp. To be honest I thought it was madness, that her parents weren’t fully aware of what was going on. That if their children were free they should stay that way. Devora soon feels like she is a bird with clipped wings. She is stifled and curtailed in the camp even though she does begin to help the doctor and gain some experience but all she wants to do is return to her home and see Enrico. Enrico alongside Luigi and Sabrina have been her friends since school but as the times change, loyalties will become tested and it will prove difficult to know who is on what side?

There are various short chapters told from Enrico’s point of view. He enlists in the army and seems to go against everything that Devora and Luigi believe in. So for this reason, I couldn’t understand how Devora was so obsessed and completely in love with him. It was evident to the reader that this wasn’t reciprocated so why did she continue to write letters to him and long for him in the way she did? I feared at one point that she would put Enrico before her family as she just seemed so infatuated with him. He just seemed too big for his boots and someone who could flip at any possible moment. That he wasn’t someone to be trusted. He had his own clear love and even though names weren’t mentioned I had a smug smile on my face when this was revealed much later on in the book because I had gotten it perfectly right and it definitely made Devora look upon Enrico in a different light. Why on earth couldn’t she see what was right before her eyes? That Luigi was the one for her. He was so loyal and devoted and just the perfectly written male character. He was there for Devora and her family every time they fell and he helped bring her back from the brink of awful situations numerous times. But I suppose when you are so caught up with someone, your heart doesn’t always allow you to see the good that is right before you.

Time passes in the camp and Mussolini is deposed. The family believe that good times are on the horizon but Luigi through his resistance work knows that the worst is yet to come. Although the Allies may have reached Italian soil the Germans will retaliate and no Jew will be spared. I thought Luigi really stepped up to the plate when Devora and her family needed it the most. He provided the family with an escape route and I found all the little details surrounding the organisation of this and all the various people that you would have thought were just going about their ordinary business had such important roles to play.

From here on in, there was no let up in different events and your heart is broken at some of the things that occur. Through what some would call fate Devora is separated from her family and my opinion of her really rose when she decides to Join Luigi and the resistance fighters. What follows is an incredible story full of twists and turns and edge of your seat stuff where remarkable bravery is demonstrated in the face of a menacing situation and injustice and hatred are rife. No one is safe But Luigi and Devora will do everything in their power and capabilities to protect people even if it means putting their lives on the line time and time again.

The Girl Who Escaped was an excellent read, a real page turner which showed how when people come together and unite as one it allows the human spirit to conquer evil. Devora goes on such a journey and turns from a flawed and somewhat innocent teenager to a strong, independent, fierce woman full of courage, ambition and loyalty in the face of adversity. She was certainly not the same person that we met in chapter one by the end of the book and despite the awful experiences and the losses she goes through she emerges all the better for it. More wise, caring and considerate and she sees things an awful lot more clearly than she has done before. Angela Petch highlights the importance of solidarity in the face of so much adversity and again I have learned about an aspect of the war that I didn’t know anything about before. Having finished the book, I have a new understanding and deeper appreciation of what went on in Italy during the war and that’s all thanks to the wonderful, fascinating and admirable characters that the author created. This was an accomplished novel which made you connect with the characters and the story being told and it’s as if Angela Petch has really found her groove so to speak with her writing as she said herself in her ends notes- it was a difficult book to write but thankfully she did because I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.

In 1938 a group of four friends take a photo of themselves together and promise to meet up again in 50 years time. In 1988, some of the friends turn up, having not seen each other for years. But it isn't necessarily a joyful reunion. After all, a lot happen during WWII, and it isn't easy to forget, or forgive, even after all this time.

The central character in the story is Devora, an Italian born Jew of German descent who has grown up in Italy. Her friends are Enrico, son of local nobility and the boy that she thinks she loves, Sabrina, who also loves Enrico and Luigi, all round good guy.

Prior to the introduction of racial laws, Devora was a medical student, studying hard to become a doctor. Now, she helps out where she can, but her life is turned upside down when further racial laws are introduced and her parents are interred as foreign Jews. She is left to care for her two younger brothers, who are exempt from the laws, for now. Her life is challenging, but she still looks forward to her occasional meeting with the unworthy Enrico. Well, she doesn't see him as unworthy, but I certainly did.

When Enrico is sent off to fight, he meets a young woman and soon makes it his mission to protect her at all costs, no matter that he must keep her very existence a secret. The thing with Enrico is that he is a somewhat slippery character, and he is always looking out for Enrico first and foremost.

As the war progresses, Devora is forced to change her appearance and identity on multiple occasions in order to have any chance of survival. Whenever she needs assistance it is Luigi who is there for her, and yet, she cannot see why this is the case.
This is not a light and fluffy WWII novel, and there is no dual timeline to help break up the rising intensity as the war progresses throughout the book. Devora has to make difficult choices, and suffer great losses along the way. And yet, she also develops friendships that are deep and meaningful and is able to use her skills to help others too, becoming involved with the resistenza.

The question is, will Devora survive, and even if she does, will she ever be reunited with her family?

I read Angela Petch's previous book and it inspired me to visit Puglia on my recent trip to Italy. Whilst I enjoyed this book, it was a darker story. Ultimately it was a satisfying read, and I still intend to read her earlier books! Oh, and look forward to the next one!



I am sharing this review with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge.

Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the review copy.

Rating 3.5/5

Mesmerizing, I was captivated as I read this. As I was whisked away to Italy, I found the descriptions to be breathtaking as I imagined the beauty all around me.
The unimaginable happens as outspoken Devora and her Jewish parents and brothers are taken and sent to an internment camp hidden away in the mountains.
Trying to reassure her, her father tells her it won’t be long.
Another captivating read by this author. Her obvious attention to research leads to the authenticity of her writing. I have read many books on WWII but had little knowledge of Italian Jews during this time period. Devora was not one to sit back when offered help from a childhood friend she will do everything she can to help her family escape.
The book is not a light read but rather deals with the realism we see during a war. Premature death and unwarranted mistreatment and separation of families because of their religious belief are just some of the things present.
Even through times of turmoil we find glimpses of happier times, peace and love.
Devora is a courageous woman who though she goes through many hardships her strength and resilience shines through.
A must read for lovers of historical fiction. This book will not be soon forgotten.

Pub Date 19 Apr 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

1940-Italy

“Italy is entering the war alongside Germany. Jews are to be arrested and sent to camps. We have to be ready.”
Twenty-year-old Devora and her family must leave their town as fascists enter their city. Devora, her parents and twin brothers are now set in the mountains in an internment camp. One of her childhood friends Lugi offers to help them escape.

Escaping will not be easy and choices are made. As the family tries to escape they are separated. Devora his separated from her family and prays they are survived, but she must move forward with her life. She ends up working with the Italian resistance. Her brace decision to disguise herself as a mid to a German commander gives her a unique opportunity. She finds herself in many sticky situations.

Will Devora find her family or are they lost to her forever? Will she be discovered? If you’re a historical fiction, this one is enjoyable.

Thank you NetGalley, Angela Petch and Bookouture for this novel due out April 23, 2023.

Historical fiction at it's best! Set in Italy during WWII, this story follows multiple POVS and has a dual timeline- all my favorite elements! Our main protagonist, Devora, shows the resilience and courage of girls and women during this horrific time. We also see what a difference many made in the efforts to sabotage and defeat the Nazis- such courage! I enjoyed the perspective from the setting in Italy and outside of actual internment camps- this was a fresh perspective from many WWII historical fiction books. It is very character driven and the plot moves along at a good pace. I highly recommend this one!

Devora is the heroine of this novel. Born in Italy to Jewish parents who fled Germany and the horrors of persecution during WW1, she is happily living in Urbino, studying with the ambition to become a doctor, with a group of friends and a teenage crush on the local heart-throb. However, the rise of the fascists and invasion by the Nazis threaten her future and the safety of her parent and twin brothers. Devora must discover new strengths and resources within herself if she is to have the opportunity to grow up and realise her dreams, and she also needs to determine who her true friends are. A spirited and rebellious girl, she must grow up quickly.

I enjoyed getting to know Devora and her journey to adulthood against the background of the War in a setting I was somewhat unfamiliar with: the Italian Resistance and the risks taken in outwitting the enemy as part of the fight for survival. Urbino is a beautiful, hill-top walled city, a world heritage centre in the Marche region of the Appennines which played a significant part in the Renaissance and was the birthplace of the artist Raphael. It looks absolutely beautiful and luckily it was not bombed during the war and remained relatively unscathed. I recommend a quick search to discover more about this beautiful place, but I digress...

This is a moving story of bravery and collaboration against a common enemy, with a satisfying ending.
It is a good read, too.

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.

This book is Angela Petch at her best, with a purely historical narrative set in her beloved Italy during the Second World War. It’s a gripping tale that explores the plight of the Jewish community as fascism tightened its hold on the country, and the efforts of the Italian resistance to return their nation to the tolerant society it once had been.

The Girl Who Escaped follows the stories of not only Italian Jew Devora, but her schoolfriends Luigi, a clandestine partisan, and Rico who may or may not be a collaborator. Their stories unfold and entwine, with Devora always centre stage as the world she has known crumbles around her when fascism begins to bite.

It’s an incredibly well researched book, so rich in detail that it absolutely transported me to Urbino during the Second World War, to circumstances that were at times so painful it was hard to read on. But, heart in mouth, I persevered, because I just had to know what happened. And that is the mark of a truly great storyteller.