The Villa Triste

Great listen, takes you back to WW 2 and takes you on a journey through an Italians eyes. Never thought about the war this way, surposed I assumed (wrongly) that the Italians wouldn't mind the Germans being there because they had been on the same side. Really good story of how what happened 60 year's ago came home to roost today.

It's hard to exaggerate how good this book is - I haven't enjoyed a novel so much in ages. Excellent characterisation, good plot, twists and turns that keep you guessing. I fell in love with the main protagonists, too. I'll definitely read more from this author!

I bought this listen because it was set in Italy where I spend quite a bit of time and also because it was 23 hours long. Good value hopefully.

Well I am 2 hours into it and I know why it's 23 hours long. It's because the narration is so laboured and disjointed. Every sentence has 2 or 3 pauses. Also there is absolutely no Italian feel to the way the story is told and I just can't listen to any more mispronunciation of basic Italian words and names. This is the first time I've abandoned an audiobook part way through.

I really enjoyed listening to this book. It's core story takes place in Italy between 1943 and 1945 (I confess I knew next to nothing about the struggle of the Partisans against the Germans and resurgent Italian Fascists at this time). The danger and confusion of this time leads to modern day murders and mysteries that are slowly resolved as the story unfolds. The book is well written, interesting from an historical perspective and evocative of Italy, particularly Florence.

The only criticism I have is that the book is too long. I think that some judicious editing would have tightened and improved the narrative. I also wasn't keen on the narrator's style which was too staccato for my taste. Despite these reservations, however, I would recommend this book.