I found this book to be unreadable.  It is written in present tense and is just overly flowery.  I just could not get through it.  

The story is about a bombing run made on Florence by a group of British bombers.  The main pilot's wife lives in Florence where she works as an artist.  

I so wanted to read this story, but just couldn't get through it.

I found this book to be a different twist than a lot of the WWII books out there. I haven't read many that take place in Italy, or from an Italian perspective and I found this very informative and rewarding.

I can not recommend this book highly enough. It is written with sensitivity and passion. It made me smile, cry and cringe at the thought of what was happening. A page turner set in the Second World War and which encompasses bravery, poignancy and love. I did not want it to end, it needed it to do so I order to find out what happened to the characters. Brilliant.

A beautifully written book that really bought home the realties of a war torn Europe. A thought provoking story about what life was like in Italy during WW2.

The way Back to Florence is a heartbreaking tale of WWII Germany. A couple is torn apart by war and a young child has to learn to hide her Jewish identity because of it. This is wondeefully written and deeply moving.

Set in Florence, Italy during World War II, The Way Back to Florence tells the story of three friends--Isabelle, Freddie, and Oskar--and their experiences during the war. They met before the war as art students, all striving to learn from Maestro, a strict Italian painter. During the war they are split up, as Freddie goes to fight for the RAF in England, Oskar and his daughter are on the run, and Isabelle remains in Florence, living under the German occupation and the Italian socialist thugs. The story is told chronologically, and alternates between these three point-of-views.

I enjoyed the story, and ended up invested in the characters, but the first third of the book is slow. The main issues are the novel is over-written and it is about 100 pages too long. The author strives for a descriptive, poetic tone, but just bogs down the narrative with superfluous details, awkward phrasing, and too many unnecessary characters. Eventually the author finds his footing, and I read the last two-thirds quickly and eagerly. The plot picks up as our characters become more embroiled in the war and an undercurrent of tension propels the story forward and keeps you engaged.

The novel's primary strength is its judgement-free tone, and its ability to portray the realities of life under occupation and persecution. I have read many WWII novels but Haybittle does a great job of bringing the horror and fear to life. The novel explores both the tremendous horror of the Nazi killing machine, but also the everyday fears, suspicions, and heartbreaking decisions that had to be made. I also appreciated the setting, and The Way Back to Florence left me with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Italian experience during World War II.

Those looking for a historical novel about World War II that has a mix of intrigue, romance, and unique setting should look into The Way Back to Florence. Although heavily flawed--and in serious need of a ruthless editor--in the end I'm glad I read it.

Reviewed on Goodreads & Amazon: 3 stars.

This was a great book, the character development helped you understand and care about each person. It was very interesting to learn how they coped with the changing times of the war and the decisions they made. The war effort was well researched. I have read many books on WWII and this is one of my favorite. Highly recommend.

The Way Back to Florence
by Glenn Haybittle (Goodreads Author)
108416
Nancy Cunningham's review Sep 12, 2017 · edit
really liked it
bookshelves: historical

The historical fiction market has been awash with WW2 stories over the past few years, and I have read my share of them. But, this book stands apart from the others in my mind. It retains all of the elements integral to novels of that period: nasty nazis; the horror of the holocaust; and the personal pain that ensues from war.

The beauty of this book for me was the loyalty of friends amid the struggle, and the instinct of survival even during the most harrowing and horrific circumstances. There were more "evil-doers" than good guys in Haybittle's world, but his good characters were so beautifully conceived that the reader truly inhabited their world.

I was tense throughout the entire book because there were very few periods of tranquility for the characters. A lot of time was spent in a British fighter plane---narrowly escaping the enemy bombs. This novel certainly doesn't glamorize war, but it elevates the bonds of friendship that military men form during their service. Haybittle's descriptions of the superstitions and rituals of the RAF pilots were interesting and humanizing and helped me understand the mind-set of men who approach death on a daily basis.

And, lest we forget the horror of the Nazi reign, this book takes the reader in to the concentration camps. It is painful reading, but a welcome reminder of where intolerance and prejudice can take us.

THE WAY BACK TO FLORENCE was both beautiful and painful to read. I could not take a constant diet of this subject matter, but it was a book that I am grateful to have experienced. NetGalley provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful piece of historical fiction based in the time of World War II. It's the tale of three individuals from very different backgrounds and circumstances who meet and become friends in art school in Florence. When the war starts, they each have to go their separate ways but they all fight to make their way back to Florence and each other again.

This book has all the best qualities of a great novel. The plot sweeps you off your feet, the characters are well-developed and you easily connect with them. There is suspense and a little romance and it's all so good.

*I received an advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

This was an impassioned story of love and brutality, told from multiple points of view over a span of several years, before and during WW II.
Isabella and Freddie had barely begun their life together when war separated them.
What most struck a chord with me was the character Oskar, and his love for his daughter Esme. How do you teach a child so young that the "bad people" want to hurt you just because you are Jewish? To hide who you are for your own safety but to not give up hope. There was so much ugliness, and desperation but Esme never gave up hope because of Oskar.
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This was a thought provoking tale of the cruelty of war and I can't count the number of times my heart was in my throat and tears were in my eyes..

I wanted so much to like this book, but I just couldn't get into it and stay interested. For some reason it was hard to keep track of which character was who and the info dumps of war descriptions took me out of the story just as I would start getting into it.

They first met in Florence at an art class given by a renowned painter known as the maestro. Isabelle, Freddy and Oskar became friends though only Isabelle showed any promise as a painter. Their lives would become entwined in different ways through the war, as Freddy would return to England and pi!ot a Lancaster for the RAF. Isabelle would remain in Florence, her home, and Oskar as a Jew would take a different path. A dangerous time for all as the Nazis move into Italy.

I started reading this and my first thought through ten or so segments was that this was a nice story but one in which I didn't feel much emotion. As the author continued to set the scene, add additional characters, not only did the writing get stronger but I became invested in the lives of these people, the dangers they were encountering, wherever they were located. The descriptive touches we're top notch, allowing the reader to completely visualize the setting and the scenarios. What made this different from other I have read about WWII, is not only the gradually unveilng of the full dangers on our characters but how extremely dangerous was every decision they made. There were so many different factions working in the same place, one never knew who to trust, who was as they appeared to be, who was on what side? The author also was very fair because he showed the good with the bad, a very balanced viewpoint showing even among Nazis there were some who helped in small ways when they could, towns people who should have pulled together but instead acted n their own self interest. Can't imagine living where every move you made was analyzed, when acting in a certain way could mean your life, where you had to watch everything g you did, who you talked to. Mindboggling.

Some of this was hard to read, the concentration camps, the torture, but the author tried to follow the darkness with some light. A fairly long book, but the short chapters, narrated by each of the three leading characters, read like a much shorter book,the pages literally flew by. A first book, a talented author and characters in which I became invested. What a journey this was, but one I was glad to have taken. Reading this with Angela and Esil was even more special.

ARC from Netgalley.

I'm not sure why, but I didn't always think of Italy when I thought about WWII. It wasn't until several years ago while on a vacation in Italy that I realized the impact . We visited Monte Cassino and graves of US soldiers there . But I have to admit that didn't know very much about Florence and the war. So this book brought yet another facet of the war with its beautifully written depiction of the effect of the war on Florence and a group of characters living there . I really liked the descriptive writing from the beginning which just got better and better. It took me a while to connect with the characters, but once I did I couldn't help but care about them and be concerned for their fate.

Through alternating narratives we come to know Isabella, an artist, her English pilot husband Freddie, Oskar, the German Jew, who'd rather dance than paint and eventually his 6 year old daughter Esme. There is an expanded cast of characters who interact with these main characters as the story progresses. The alternating narratives work so well here as we see the harrowing impact of the war on Isabella, drawn into a scheme to forge old paintings to save the originals from the Nazis, on Freddie as he engages in his bombing missions, and on Oskar and Esme as they seek refuge and safety. This is a story of war but it also is a story of relationships - husband and wife, teacher and student. It also wonderfully depicts the friendships that are fostered in military . But my favorite is the beautiful father and daughter relationship of Oskar and Esme. It's heartbreaking and touching as they maneuver through the danger.

The writing is very good and the story is compelling. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel. It's not easy to read at times, though. There are arrests and torture and death, glimpses into concentration camps which provide such a realistic picture of the time, and the day to day experiences of people trying to survive the war. While this is fiction, I couldn't help but think that these characters might just reflect the courage and the resilience of some real people in Florence during the war. I definitely recommend it to readers of historical fiction. Once again I thank Goodreads friends Esil and Diane for what has become our monthly buddy read.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Chenye Walk through NetGalley.

The Way Back to Florence. Glenn Haybittle.
Utterly gripping, this novel transports you back to war ravaged Europe - in particular the Florence of Mussolini which draws together the threads of the story.
Isabella an Italian artist remains there painting and hoping to see her English husband Freddie again. Freddie studied with Isabella but returned to England when Italy declared war on her. He now pilots one of the Lancaster bombers V Vicky that will disgorge its load on Florence.
At times sensitive and lyrical and others harrowing and brutal we see via a group of well drawn characters all interconnected, their loves, hopes, trials and betrayals portrayed in absorbing detail.
The setting is equally well drawn and we feel for the place as well as the characters. Haybittle gets to the soul of Florence and of the base in England where Freddie and his crew wait for each mission. V Vicky takes on a life of its own. To Freddie and crew she is more than just a machine.
The mood and atmosphere of the various settings is drawn with an extremely fine line enabling the reader to feel not just for but with the characters.
Superbly written, this is the best book I have read for a long time. A modern classic.

The Way Back to Florence started off as nothing special, but then it really grew on me. The story takes place during WWII and mostly in Florence. Italy was a complicated place during WWII, and this novel takes on those complications and their consequent human emotions. The initial focus is on Isabella and Freddy, a young married couple. Isabella is Italian and an aspiring artist. Freddy is British and Oxford educated. The war soon separates them. Isabella stays in Florence, while Freddy becomes a fighter pilot for England. The story gradually adds some additional perspectives -- characters connected to Isabella and Freddy in one way or another -- two of my favourites being displaced Jewish father and daughter Oscar and Esme. Initially, while the writing was good, the story felt a bit aimless and disorganized. But as it progressed, the author really managed to pull me in. This is not a romantic depiction of WWII. Nor is it a romance. The author depicts ordinary flawed people trying to survive, in a world taken over by brutal thugs. It's often not possible to know who to trust, neighbours turn each other in, and people surprise themselves with acts of courage and acts of betrayal. There are some graphically harrowing scenes, but mostly what's depicted is the mix of fear, uncertainty and courage that comes out in people in these dark times. The Way Back to Florence falls short of 5 stars because it starts off awkwardly and because there are a few loose ends that are left unexplained or incomplete. But this definitely falls into my pile of worthy WWII fiction, and I do tend to be fussy about historical fiction so it's not a big pile. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read an advance copy. Thanks to GR friend Katie for being so enthusiastic about this book as I doubt it would have caught my attention. And thanks again to Angela and Diane for another excellent buddy read.

I had a hard time getting into this book. I thought it was overly descriptive, which I find off-putting. Since I did not finish the book, I do not intend to publish a review.

I never tire of reading about WWII and WWI war stories. This set in Florence detailing the lives of ordinary citizens in the face of fascist Italy is remarkable.

Freddie, Isabella and Oskar are friends at art school. That they are three different nationalities is of no consequence but it becomes very important when war breaks out. Oskar is Jewish, Freddie is English and only Isabella is Italian. It puts them all in very precarious positions and Isabella more than most. Freddie returns to England to fly for the RAF and Isabella is left alone to fend for herself in very trying and suspicious conditions. Oskar's life becomes a nightmare.

The day to day workings of life under a foreign invader, made much worse by the workings of your own neighbours and friends against you made life much harder. You never knew who was a spy, who was out to get you, sometimes just for spite nothing else. They just did not like your attitude, or what you stood for before hostilities started. It could have been that you had more money, you were popular or that you were pretty. You could get arrested, thrown into prison and after that never seen again.

Isabella had to work with all the above and still try to survive. She had to survive because she knew that Freddie was not dead and that she must be around to be with him when he returns. She also knew that she must survive to try to help out whoever she could, in whatever way she could. That this would endanger her life and put her under torture and imprisonment was to be expected.

This was a sad but a very good story well told.

Goodreads and Amazon reviews up on 6/7/2017. Review on my blog 19/8/2017

The Way Back to Florence is an excellent choice for historical fiction that brings WWII Italy to the forefront. The story begins in Florence, with three art students who form a friendship in the years right before the start of WWII.

Oskar, a dancer who is living in Paris, has married and is the father of a young daughter. Oskar is also a German Jew. Freddie and Isabella are living in Florence and have married. Freddie is from England and Isabella is a native of Florence. When the war breaks out, Freddie returns to England and becomes a pilot. Isabella, an artist, remains in Florence.

Throughout the novel, we follow the three main characters as they navigate the challenges of the war. At times, it seems impossible that all three will manage to live through the war, but they each persevere.

I thought this novel did an excellent job of presenting how precarious life was in Italy during the war years. With the communists, the fascists and the partisans, it was difficult to know who to trust.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Cheyne Walk for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

There is nothing engrossing about this story. The style of writing is not to my liking. Therefore, I’m not the write reviewer for this book.

If someone asked me to describe this books I would say it is poetic, passionate, and fast paced. It went by way to quickly for my liking, I wanted it to never end. In this historical fiction novel you follow the lives of  Freddie, Isabella, and Oskar against the backdrop of  in Italy during World War II. What I enjoyed the most is that their personalities are distinct, they do not feel generic at all. Isabella is a strong individual, she puts herself in so much danger to help others as well as project art. I went to art school for a few years and for me personally art is culture. It is a way to show how a group or individual feels, but also shows what they see around them. Art is very important. Freddie is a pilot during the war. His does gruesome work and is faced with danger often. During this time he bonds very well with his crew mates and you experience his point of view of the bombing, which I found interesting to read. Oskar, whose story is not really described in the description so I wont say much, but he is also a very distinct character who has a very important non-passive role in this book. I felt that this novel described a lot of the various roles citizens could have taken during the war. 

I could easily go on about this, I honestly REALLY enjoyed this. It has all of the elements of a historical fiction that I look for. It takes place during an active time in history, the characters are involved in the events in different ways, and I genuinely connected with these characters. For me a bonus of this book was that it took place outside of Germany, France, and Britain. For me personally I had not read a WWII historical fiction that took place in Italy so it caught my eye even more than a historical fiction normally would. Over all I would say if you enjoy historical fiction, art, WWII related books, and you enjoy reading about characters that feel like real people you need to pick this up. I give this book an easy 5 stars!