This novel offers an interesting look at a lesser-told side of World War II, focusing on an Italian-American family in California and their relatives still in Sicily. The dual perspectives of Annalisa and her cousin Alberto highlight the struggles of identity, loss, and resilience during a turbulent time. I appreciated the historical detail, especially the depiction of the U.S. internment of Italian immigrants, which isn’t often covered in WWII fiction.

That said, the story didn’t fully capture my attention compared to other WWII historical fiction I’ve read. The pacing felt uneven at times, and I found myself less engaged with the characters than I had hoped. Still, readers who enjoy family sagas with layered history may find value here, particularly if they are looking for a new angle on the WWII era.

The families of 2 brothers, living in different parts of the world, suffer the trials and hardships of WWII.

Annalisa Aiello and her family hear radio with a radio announcement that Pearl Harbor has been bombed – where her brother is stationed on the USS Arizona. After the United States enters the war, Annalisa's father, a Sicilian fisherman, is arrested as an "enemy alien". Grappling with grief and harsh wartime restrictions, Annalisa leaves home to find where her father is interred. In war-torn Sicily, her cousin Alberto does what he must to survive regular bombing raids as his fishing village crumbles around him. Unknown to him, his family made a secret pact decades earlier on a Sicilian shore beneath the stars, as half the family set off across the sea. As Annalisa searches for her father and Alberto seeks his place in a changing world, they both discover that even in the darkest times, hope for a better future can endure.

MY THOUGHTS
It's sobering to consider how 'enemy aliens' were treated during WWII and this story covers this sad and shameful part of history. While I understand it happened in many different parts of the world at that time, it is a terrible and heartbreaking story. Compounding the tragedy of this person's story is the fact that his son is fighting the war in the Pacific as a US soldier. @lindsaymariemorris also conveys the horror of war in Europe for those directly impacted by fighting and bombing raids.

A moving family saga about the plight and injustices of war, with a twist at the end that brings the final threads of the storyline together (which I didn't coming). I am fascinated by books set at this time in history and enjoyed this story so much! I recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Thank you @NetGalley and @stormbooks_co for the ability to read and review this book.

Beneath The Sicilian Stars is a moving and beautifully told story of family, resilience, and hope set against the backdrop of World War II. Through Annalisa’s journey across America and Alberto’s struggles in Sicily, the novel vividly explores the harsh realities faced by those caught between two worlds during wartime.

The historical detail is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of both the American home front and the hardships in Sicily. The emotional depth of the characters makes their struggles and sacrifices feel personal and heartfelt.

While the pacing sometimes slows with the detailed descriptions, the story’s message of enduring hope and family loyalty shines through. Fans of historical fiction with strong characters and evocative settings will find much to appreciate here.

I loved this story. Very romantic and sad and very interesting. It really told a lot about the second world war in Silly which my information is limited. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

In this interesting World War II historical fiction novel, readers alternate between wartime Sicily and Pittsburg, California, where cousins Alberto and Annalisa Aiello live very different lives on opposite sides of World War II. When her brother dies at Pearl Harbor and her father, a Sicilian fisherman, is arrested as an enemy alien and sent to camps around the United States, Annalisa chooses to undertake a strange journey to find her father and discover the past sacrifices he made for her life. Alberto, on the other hand, navigates bombing raids and the loss of ancient fishing traditions as his family falls apart because of a choice made decades earlier. Powerful, emotional, and fascinating, readers will love this complex triple-perspective story about family, history, and connection during World War II. The characters are complex, well-written, and fascinating, and their relationships are really central to this story and to their character development. The different storylines do not overwhelm each other, and their unique elements and depth of detail really bring the historical settings to life. The book is immersive, packed with details, and emotional, and readers will struggle to put down this brilliant new World War II historical fiction book from Lindsay Marie Morris.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

This is a new author to me

I absolutely loved this

A great summer read

In the middle of the night, US authorities bang on the door of an immigrant family This is a family who has been in the US for 22 years. His son is a US Navy hero. They take the father of this family and they detain him. They send him to a series of detention centers.

Is this a something ripped from the headlines? No, this is a World War II historical fiction novel.

Beneath the Sicilian Stars by Lindsey Marie Morris centers on two families during World War II – one in California and one in Sicily.

The one in California is the Aiello family. Vincenzo is the father and family and the main character is Annalisa. The Cardinale family in Sicily. They live in Sicily in Isola della Femmine. They’re a bit isolated, and they’re pretty much protected from the war. We see how both of these families respond and endure, and how each of them grow in both love and in understanding of what their country is really doing.

While Beneath the Sicilian Stars was not ripped from today’s headlines, it sure seemed to be. I highlighted like after a line after line: “By order of the President of the United States, you are under arrest.” This was so prescient. I’m just guessing the author is now feeling that she foretold the future by writing about the past.

I am so glad I read this book. This was an ARC. It actually was released July 8, but I couldn’t get it read and reviewed by that point I was given access to the digital copy by the author through NetGalley. And for the last part of the book, I also listened to some of the audiobook and it is good.

There are places—especially toward the beginning where I would’ve liked a little bit more from the characters—more depth—especially in the first quarter of the book. And more showing rather than telling in that section.

But I recommend this book. I am so glad I read it. I learned so much just throughout the book. And it is crystal clear that the author did such deep, deep research for the book. And it shines through without feeling heavy-handed.

Something else that doesn’t feel heavy-handed is the way that that faith is dealt with in the book. These characters are inspired by the Roman Catholic faith, and they are adherence to it. You know you see some questioning, as well. I never felt like this was done in a heavy-handed way.

There is one more quote that I think it worth mentioning. “The guard said that we will start with ‘Americanization classes’ tomorrow. ‘What does that mean,’ Ernesto asks, as he and the other Italian men silently claimed bunks and sit down. We’re supposed to start work on improving our English and learning the Constitution,’ Alrich explained. Ernesto chuckled and slapped his thigh. ‘The Constitution that allows the government to round up people in the middle of the night without fair trials?’”

I recommend Beneath the Sicilian Stars.

I like that the author writes so authentically. I really feel connected to these characters and can imagine myself in their lives. This is a book full of information that still manages to be interesting

This is the story of the extended family of Italians who are trying to find their way in WW2. There are three different characters we follow: Annalisa, Alberto, and Vincenzo.
Annalisa is a teen girl with immigrant parents, trying to come to terms with the loss of a loved one and the departure of another. Vincenzo is Annalisa’s father, who works as a fisherman, but gets interned after Pearl Harbor. Alberto is from a fishing town but move to the city to provide for his family.
I really enjoyed this narrative, as it isn’t one I have seen before or was familiar with. I learned about the Italian side of the war in ways I hadn’t before. The multiple story lines kept things interesting and engaging. The novel felt very real and the characters felt like people I’d observed before. There is a slight twist, but it was hinted at throughout the book. It wasn’t the biggest shock, but it did make for a tidy and satisfying ending.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

We follow three points of view. Annalisa, a teenager, her father who has been put in an Internment camp and her cousin, Alberto, who lives in Sicily. Annalisa is grieving over her brother who was likely killed in the bombing of Pearl harbor and really misses her father. Alberto is in a war torn country and struggling to live.

This is an interesting story on WWII but I struggled to get invested into any of the characters.

Beneath the Sicilian Stars by Lindsay Marie Morris was a historical fiction novel set during WWII. The story is told about two families that lived across the ocean from each other. The story is told from the eyes of Annalisa who lives in CA and Alberto who lives in Sicily.

After WWI, Vincenzo Aiello moved his wife and son to California from Italy and left behind family. Annalisa is born to the family upon moving to CA. Her brother is stationed at Pearl Harbor when it is attacked and the next day the U.S declares war. The family has no idea if their son is alive after the attack. Vincenzo is arrested because of his Italian heritage even though he had done no wrong and has lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years. He was labeled as an 'enemy alien.' He is sent to an internment camp and transferred to different locations throughout his imprisonment. Annalisa is left at home with her mother, who is very bitter. Annalisa sets out on a journey to bring her father home.

Alberto Cardinal is in Italy and war is taking place. His family are fishers by trade, but Alberto seeks a different life and moves to a new city where he finds a job. His current job is a target for the bombing that is happening during the war.

I liked the character of Annalisa, who showed strength in adverse times. I learned about a topic in history that I did not know. What happens to Vincenzo? Is Annalisa's brother alive after the bombing of Pearl Harbor? Why is her mother bitter? What happens to Alberto? How does the story of Alberto and Annalisa tie together?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed the story.

I picked up this title due to my own Sicilian heritage. Little did I know, reading it would feel as if I was reading stories from my own grandparents and great-relatives.

It is written as if passed down by family, and balances encompassing the Sicilian culture we know about, with the WWII hardships we didn't.

This historical fiction title weaves us through how the experiences of one can impact our entire family, even across the ocean. Romance, hardships, mother/daughter relationships, war, grief, and perseverance all are represented in this book.

I enjoyed it incredibly, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys WWII fiction, or is interested in their own Sicilian heritage.

This is the story of the experiences of one Italian family during the first half of the twentieth century. There is the Depression, dictatorship, prejudice and war. Through it all these people raise families and search for love, life and friendships. In some ways this is a comparison of life in Sicily as a local, versus life in the USA as an immigrant. In both countries there are leaders who change the way they think and therefore how they treat citizens. At the end of the day it is family that wins through and friends/neighbours who provide support rather than governments.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A story of choice, hope, loss, determination, and the enduring Italian spirit of familia. As an Italian American and Bay Area native, I felt deeply connected to this novel. I loved recognizing the cities mentioned and resonated with the immigrant experience—it reminded me of my own grandparents, who grew up in a time when being Italian in California wasn’t easy. Beneath the Sicilian Stars beautifully captures the unwavering love within Italian families and the devastation World War II brought to both countries, all within the framework of a powerful coming-of-age story.

Having numerous stories related to World War II right at our fingertips, I'm always amazed when I learn something new. I feel like I missed out on a key piece of history, as I had no idea about the United States internment camps holding a large number of Italians during the war years. This was eye-opening. I feel like this was completely skipped over in my education, and I appreciate the research and effort that Lindsay Marie Morris put into this story.

On a constructive note, I found it hard to get invested in the characters and felt deprived of key pieces of character development. I wanted more from Annalisa, Mario, Sam, Vincenzo and Maria, and I think they had a lot more of a story to tell. I wonder if, perhaps, it would have been better to simply focus on the Sicilian family that immigrated to the United States and their experience. Weaving in the family in Sicily felt too complex, in which I felt key points in the story were rushed and/or forced.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for the advanced digital copy via NetGalley. These opinions are entirely my own. I have to say. The author's note had many key pieces of information that eerily feels similar to current events. I would recommend reading the author's note first.

During WWII, Pearl Harbor has been bombed. A wonderful romance. I wasn’t able to put it down. Lindsay Marie Morris is a new author for me.

I read historical fiction so I can learn about the past and gain guidance on where to search for more. Beneath the Sicilian Stars taught me so much. The author created a story that I felt the story. I experienced so many emotions. I could only hope at least some of the characters made it through and found a ittle happiness.

The story takes place mostly in Isola Delle Feminine, Sicily and the California bay area. After World War One, Vincenzo took his wife and son to Pittsburg, California from Sicily leaving family behind. His daughter, Annalisa, will be the first American born in their family. None of that would matter when war came calling. The family left behind would see a different war through the eyes of Vincenzo's nephew, Alberto.

Through Annalisa's story the reader experiences the prejudice that blossomed with war. Her brother joins the navy and is stationed at Pearl Harbor on the Arizona. Her father is interned even though he had been in America for twenty-one years. A country of immigrants started calling others enemy aliens, stereotyping, and questioning everyone. World War Two changed so much for so many.

Alberto's story in Sicilly takes place during the same time as Annalisa's but that is where the simularity ends. Italy is at war as an ally with Germany. Bombs and bullets riddled the country. A lack of food, clothing, shelter and jobs will have Alberto leaving to work in the Palermo shipyards, trading safety in the country to the dangers of Palermo.

Thanks to Beneath the Sicillian Stars I was able to experience both sides of World War Two. The reader can get glimpses into how it affected family members on both war. Both struggled. Both lost. When the war ended they were still family, but what happened next?

A great novel! I found it interesting and uplifting to read a story about WWII not set in France or concentration camps! The novel is about a Sicilian family whose half decided to emigrate to the USA well before the war started. Through the storyline we get an insight into living as an immigrant: about their social status within the community for instance, family life still very close to the Sicilian ways. Particularly fascinating was the fact that they were considered enemy aliens when the war started. Men were interned, the rest of the family often having to move somewhere else. Meanwhile in Sicily, the rest of the family was striving to survive... This novel is also about the traditions of fishing in a small Sicilian village as well as California ... I loved reading about the lives of these very likeable characters! I particularly enjoyed the fact that no gruesome war details were depicted! A great novel about family ties and society at large during many years of hardship.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book. The story of two Sicilian families, the Aiello family in California, and the Cardinals family in Italy during World War II is an interesting, heartbreaking, story. This book mainly focuses on a young Annalisa Aiello who lives in California with her family, there is tragedy and heartbreak , trials and tribulations for this young woman and her family. The story also focuses on a young man, Alberto and his family in Italy , also experiencing tragedy and tribulations during the war. This story shows that family and love will ultimately prevail, there was an unexpected twist at the end of the story that I did not expect but now I understand why the father father , Vincenzo was so adamant about sending money to his family in Italy. I enjoyed this book, the characters were interesting, the details about interment camps in this country during the war was informative and thought provoking. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a focus on family relationships during that difficult time.,

This is a must-read for historical fiction fans! Learning more about history is one of the reasons I enjoy this genre so much. Highly recommend!

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.