Can love be found in the ruins of war? Find out in this thrilling and inspirational story of hope, redemption and the power of forgiveness in a broken world.An enchanting debut novel by Steve Physioc As Italy tries to heal from the shocks of World War I, one young woman brings together a number of strangers from disparate sections of the struggling country’s society. Isabella Roselli has an inner … Roselli has an inner strength that defies understanding and her mission will touch those still hurting from the scars of war and violence.
When the orphaned Isabella happens on the Martellino vineyard, she pulls in a widowed mother of four, a shell-shocked soldier, and an imperious matriarch. As these and other characters in the town of Lucca get to know Isabella, they are challenged to surrender their fears. Fascism is taking hold of the heart of Italy, and it is ensnaring all Italians in a web of brutality and dictatorship. Will Isabella’s unconditional love and strength be enough to break its hold? Find out in this compelling novel about love, hope, and the family we choose for ourselves.
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A multigenerational romantic saga in the tradition Alessandro Manzoni’s 1827 Italian classic, “I Promessi Sposi” (The Betrothed). Physioc weaves his beautifully drawn characters through the destruction WWI to post-war rebuilding, heading toward impending disaster again as Benito Mussolini rises to power and WWII threatens to blacken the skies and hearts of Europe again. Along the way, the story treats the reader to lessons on Tuscan cuisine, the joy of vineyard life, and the wine-making process. The author adds more than a dash of humor to his narrative style, along with a spirituality that is both earthy and heavenly. Above all, “The Walls of Lucca” is about family, with all its human messiness and undying love. Family is the common link that speaks to readers of all ethnicities and citizenship. The sequel, “Above the Walls,” picks up where the first book ends. It deserves its own review. Combined, the two volumes provide a worthy companion—not rival—to Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables.”Alfred J. Garrotto The Soul of Art
WWi iTALY THAT i KNEW NOTHING ABOUT. GOOD READ AND I LEARNED SOMEHING.
The cruel years leading to Mussolini’s rise to power affect the families connected to a successful vineyard. Happiness and tragedy, simple country living and war are in conflict with each other as romance blooms, children are raised as WWI ends, the Depression chokes the economy and WWII looms ahead. The writing is excellent, the plot intriguing and the characters strong, whether good or evil. Wonderful novel.
What a great look at the culture of that area, and and enjoyable “learning” of the history of the world at that time also.
Exceptionally well written book. I learned so much historical information that I never knew. The characters had great depth and stayed true to their beliefs. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the story.
I took a chance on this book and I think it may be my favorite book of the summer. I loved it so much, I ordered the sequel and enjoyed it just as much.
Loved this book so much that I bought the next book in the series. Great plot, characters and setting. Great book!
This book was very informative. So many historical facts. We need to learn from the past- Scary.
Loved this book that takes place in one of my favorite parts of the world. It’s not really a tear jerker but it did bring tears to my eyes. Wonderful characters and a spiritual reminder.
Interesting for the time period and history.
Loved it so much I read the series.
I like it when a book is set in a place I’ve been so I can picture the environs! The author is a play-by-play announcer for the Kansas City Royals, for heaven’s sake (and we’re fans) so I didn’t expect much, but it’s a really good book. The story takes place during and just after WWI. I like the author’s sense of political history. Even though he never comes out and says it, the comparisons drawn between Mussolini and Trump are rather clear. E.g., “Why won’t Mussolini condemn the violence?” Giovanni asked. “Because they’re his base. Alienate them, and he’ll lose their support.” “The Fascists don’t care about truth, Alfredo—only perception. Your great Mussolini has been screaming to the masses about the importance of ethics and family while he gallivants around the country with other women.” “I’m always concerned when corporations do so well while workers struggle.” “Two years ago they told us what we wanted to hear so they could gain power. Now that they have power, they’ve gone back on all of their promises.” “It was a time in Italy during which an accusation held almost as much power as the truth.” “Mussolini had always told Italians he was a man of the common people—one of them, a man of hope and determination. But now he had done what all the other leaders had done in the past. He had done nothing for the poor or middle class. He followed the money and made agreements with the most powerful corporations in Italy. Mussolini’s parliament had created the National Council of Corporations: twenty-two of Italy’s most influential companies representing agriculture, industry, and God knows what else. Franco knew the Fascist laws were probably designed to make sure those corporations would prosper.” ““Two years ago they told us what we wanted to hear so they could gain power. Now that they have power, they’ve gone back on all of their promises.”
I also really liked the author’s theology. His protagonist Isabella is all about inner peace and forgiveness. She says things like: “We’re here on earth to simply learn how to forgive and help each other.” “There are no limits to the blessings we’ll receive when we seek to help others.” “Every day it’s my job to show the world who created me by being truly helpful.” “But how do we stop the bad men?” “By being vigilant with our kindness. Each one of us has the power to help heal this world, but it will take great determination and faith to make it happen.”
Good story and enjoyable reading. And there’s a sequel!
While I swore I was no longer going to read a book having to do with war (I am old), this book deals with WWI when Italy fought against Austria, being poorly prepared and suffering great losses. The hero of the book loses his brother and sort of deserts. Yes, there are love stories and class differences, but while I knew Mussolini formed a pack with Hitler, I really did not know how there were these groups of blackshirts, actually really thugs, who would round up any person even under the slightest ‘way suspected of not agreeing with Mussolini. These people would be attacked, thrown in jail or hanged. I see real parallels in todays political situation here in the U.S. The hero starts working for a family who owns a large vineyard and olive groves.
I enjoyed the references to various locations enough to look up Lucca for video and pictures. I particularly liked the influence Bella had on others, her way of dealing with different situations.
working on finishing the sequel; want more!!!
Loved it. Sequel just as good !
I learned so much about post WWI Italy, and the characters were awesome. Thanks for the story.
Historical novel about the intertwined lives of people living in Lucca Italy during the 1900’s and Mussolini’s rise to power. Wonderful descriptions of the town of Lucca.
I lived this book. I had a difficult time putting it down. Truly enjoyed the story!!!
Picked this up because I love Lucca. Lots of references to local landmarks and features that added enjoyment to the sweet story of love and community in spite of tragedy and challenges during and after WW1. Enjoyed the story, although *Puccini did NOT sing in his own operas. I enjoyed the spirituality of growth and nurturance throughout the book, but it became a bit preachy in the last quarter, after doing such a good job for 3/4 of it to SHOW rather than TELL.