Eternal by Lisa Scottoline

A well-woven and engaging historical novel set before, during and after the second world war.

Elisabetta, Marco, and Sandro have been best friends since forever. Elisabetta loves her books and dreams of being a writer herself. Marco is the sporty one, with a father who hopes he'll be the next professional cyclist in the family. Finally, Marco is the brains, an extremely promising mathematician, and Jewish. As the war develop, the three long-term best friends suddenly realise that according to the new rules they are no longer equal.

As they get older, their friendship develops into something more; Elisabetta is in love with both Marco and Sandro, and they both love her. They somehow manage to all three get along, with Marco and Sandro taking turns in spending time with Elisabetta.

The vivid story-telling by Scottoline brings the reader straight back to an occupied and war torn Rome, with poignant description of daily life including the struggles and the injustice experienced by the Jews.

Inspired by true historical events, but with the author's magical touch added, this is a thought-provoking story, which brings to life some of the daily struggles endured at the time.

#Eternal #NetGalley
eARC downloaded as "The continental affair"

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