Port of No Return

Great story about an aspect of WW2 I had not heard of- migration to Australia.

World-changing events in World War II Italy form the basis of this sensitively-written novel. Even when the war ends, northern Italy is threatened by Tito and the Yugoslavs wanting the territory, which forces Ettore and Contessa to consider leaving their beloved country. This story of displaced persons and the countries who would or would not take them in is based on Ms. Saftich's personal history and her attention to detail is acute and historically accurate. Historical fiction at its best, and I would recommend this book.

When it comes to stories set during World War II, I am always more interested in those that focus on the plight of the civilians rather than the military experience. This is why I was drawn to this novel as it reflects some of what my own family experienced before my parents immigrated to Canada. The story is set in the north east area of Italy in a city named Fiume which became part of Yugoslavia, or today's Croatia. Through the experiences of two families, the author does a great job of introducing the hardships the civilians faced living under the auspices of danger and war and occupation. The loss of home, displaced refugees, unbearable acts of terror and cruelty, and the severe hunger caused by enemy seizures. It is how many Italians of that era found themselves contemplating relocation as refugees to safer havens such as Australia, Canada, or the U.S. In this novel, it is Australia they seek.

Through the eyes of the protagonists, Ettore and Contessa, we experience the danger, the many kindnesses, the poignanat and painful moments of war. These characters represent thousands of Italians forced to flee their beloved homeland. The author did a wonderful job of describing the effects of the war, along with the history of how that area of Italy was affected.

This novel is definitely a worth reading, especially for those whose roots are deeply embedded in Italy, like me! Recommended!

Powerful story of little known ethnic cleansing of Italians at the end of World War 2.

Michelle Saftich has put together a moving story of a family uprooted and torn apart by the convulsions that Europe experienced at the end of World War 2. The book is set in Istria which had an approximately 40% Italian population and was given to the Italy after World War 1. Based on her father’s recollections she portrays a little known part of the war whereby Italians were forcibly removed by the Yugoslavs.

The story starts under the German occupation of Istria following the Italian surrender in 1943 and mainly follows the experiences of two families. Saftich has done her research well and the period detail is immaculate. She also makes you care about the characters and their extended families.

Whilst I did find one of the situations contrived, I enjoyed this compelling family saga set against the looming shadow of Tito’s partisans and the end of a way of life.