Fiume, now Rijeka in Croatia, was once a port city in north east Italy and was occupied by the Germans during World War II. Many of the locals were forced to work for the Germans, something that was not looked upon favourably by the Yugoslav Army when they took back the city. Reprisals were brutal forcing many of the inhabitants to flee for their lives. The Saforos are one such family, and we follow them as they make their escape and become refugees while the war rages around them. It’s a compelling and dramatic story. The narrative style is plain and unadorned, and relies rather too heavily on plot contrivances and coincidences. Characters are not explored in any depth and the author tells rather than shows. But nevertheless it’s a detailed and well-researched portrayal of ordinary people caught up in events beyond their control. Based on the author’s own family’s experiences, it all felt true to life and authentic, and I was particularly interested to read about a part of Europe not often explored in war literature. A well-told and sympathetic story about families uprooted by war, and one which I enjoyed.

Likeable characters, brilliant settings and a good plotline

Great book. Could not put down. I loved it and I will look out for more books from this author. Highly recommended