I think it took so long for me to get into this book but it was over as soon as it got interesting. It felt like the author just got tired and stopped the writing.

Also, wait, who were the daughters?? Technically, she was a daughter but her dad went to America but asked her to go with - he wasn’t a major player in the story. The story mostly focused on 2 guys (that of course both fell in love with her) and not daughters. I haven’t looked up the author, but I did reread the first chapter to remember where the story was going…

I’m also confused about the chapters that appear to be written to her former boss. If she hates him, why is she writing to him? They seem like they are there to reveal some things, but he should know what happened given the ending?

Daughter of Genoa is a powerful, unforgettable story of quiet heroism, forbidden love, and the ordinary people who risked everything to resist tyranny.

Anna is a beautifully written protagonist—brave, complex, and driven by both duty and heartbreak. Left behind in Fascist Italy while her family escapes to America, she finds unexpected allies in a priest, a kind shopkeeping couple, and a growing underground network working to save Jewish lives. As Anna begins forging documents and identities, every page pulses with tension—and purpose.

The love story with Massimo Teglio (aka Mr. X) is poignant and beautifully restrained, adding an emotional anchor to the relentless danger surrounding them. But what truly elevates this novel is how it centers the quiet courage of everyday resistance—people risking their lives not for glory, but because it was the right thing to do.

Inspired by the real-life efforts of DELASEM, Daughter of Genoa is a moving tribute to those whose stories history nearly forgot. Fans of Beneath a Scarlet Sky and The Nightingale—this belongs on your shelf.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.. I am a fan of historical fiction, especially from the World War II era , this story did not disappoint me, as with every other story that I have read I always gain more knowledge and understanding about what transpired during this difficult time period. The story about Italian Jews in Italy during the war was an interesting read, the work done by priests and the resistance to protect and create forgery documents was a fascinating and inspiring read. I enjoyed the character development of Marta, Mr. X, and Father Vitterio and their personal relationships. I would highly recommend this book for fans of historical fiction.

super good historical fiction. I loved learning about the resistance in Italy and more about the work there that helped the Jews during WWII. This was a story I hadn’t heard before and I felt it was well researched. If you like historical fiction you’ll like this book!