I love Jennifer Robson's books so I was extremely excited to get to read Our Darkest Night in advance. This novel was an appreciated deviation from the typical WWII/Holocaust literature as it is set in Italy rather than France, Germany, or other occupied territory.

Robson's books are always rich in detail and her characters charming. It's difficult not to like Nico and his family. Especially Carlo. I would move mountains for Carlo. And, of course, our protagonist Nina immediately endeared herself to me with her love of learning and her devotion to her parents. She proved to be a strong and capable character, much like Robson's other heroines. I felt genuine joy, terror, and hope for her as the narrative progressed. I really enjoyed immersing myself in the world of 1940s Occupied Italy. While I didn't find the writing as strong as Robson's other novels, I couldn't pull myself away from the book.

What I really loved and appreciated was the connection to the experience of her husband's Italian family that Robson discusses in her Author's Note. I love that she chose to set her WWII novel in their world.

Overall, this is a strong 3.5 rounded up to a 4 because I always love a story that pulls me in right until the end. While I didn't like this novel as much as I enjoyed her WWI trilogy, Our Darkest Night is a great distraction nonetheless. I will definitely return to it again in the future.