My Thoughts:
The Madonna of the Mountains by Elise Valmorbida
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 steadfast stars to The Madonna of the Mountains ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Madonna of the Mountains is an epic story of one woman’s life. Maria Vittoria is born in the mountains of Italy. The story follows her early life in the mountains, her marriage, and the births of her four children. During this time the National Fascist Party and Mussolini rule Italy, and Maria’s family struggles to survive the harsh war times.
During those tumultuous times, Maria has no idea whom to trust. She is surrounded by snoopy neighbors, Nazis, and a Fascist cousin, and her only goal is to keep her family safe.
Eventually, Maria’s children grow and spread their wings, and she is still fighting to preserve her family.
Maria very much epitomizes the quintessential selfless mother who puts her family first ahead of everything else. She is a complex character and one I admired and respected.
There were many nuances to the author’s writing, small things that added up to make a wonderful whole. For instance, the Madonna speaking to the devout Maria, guiding her, and beautiful imagery and depictions of the area where Maria lives.
Thank you to Elise Valmorbida, Spiegel & Grau/Random House, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy. The Madonna of the Mountains will be released on June 12, 2018.
Synopsis:
An epic and inspiring novel about one woman’s survival in the hardscrabble Italian countryside, oppressed by both a patriarchal society and by Mussolini’s iron-fist rule, but determined to protect her family throughout the war–by any means possible.
A sweeping saga about womanhood, loyalty, war, religion, family, motherhood, and marriage, The Madonna of the Mountains is set in Italy during the 1920s to the 1950s, and follows its heroine, Maria Vittoria, from her girlhood in the austere Italian mountains through her marriage to a young war veteran to the birth of her four children, through the National Fascist Party Rule and ending with a decision that will forever affect her family. Maria must ensure that her family survives the harsh winters of the war, when food is scarce and allegiances are questioned. She can trust no one and fears everyone–her Fascist cousin, the madwoman from her childhood, her watchful neighbors, the Nazis and the Partisans who show up at her door. Over the decades, as Maria’s children grow up and away from her, and as her marriage endures its own hardships, the novel takes us into the mind and heart of one woman who must hold her family together with resilience, love, and faith, in a world where the rules are constantly changing.
Pretty picture.🌹 Fantastic review. Cannot wait to read this historical fiction. 📚
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Thank you so much, Virginia! I’m happy you enjoyed my review and hope you love the book! 💗
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Jeez woman, do you sleep? You are been reviewing like crazy today! Another wonderful review from you as always!!😊💖 Go to bed!! Hahaha😂😂
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Thanks, Sus! 😂 How ever did you know I don’t sleep enough?! 😴 I have THREE more books publishing on Tuesday to post by then. I took on way too many June reads, but there have been so many great ones! I think July will be a little slower. 😉 I hope I sleep well tonight and hope you do too! Xo 😘
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Great review Jen!
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Thank you, Lisa! ♥️
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I have recently started reading Historical Fantasy and I lol definitely try this one maybe soon
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I hope you enjoy if you read it, Priyasha! 💗
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This sounds intriguing! I’m kinda interested at the moment in learning more about Europe between the wars, so this is one that would fit in well to that – I shall look out for it!
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This would be perfect for that, FF! I hope you enjoy it if you are able to read it! It’s a lovely book!
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Excellent review! I do like the photographs you use in your posts, Jennifer. Some of your plant-life looks really exotic (to me!). I can imagine humming birds feeding from the flowers in the dish. So beautiful!
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Thank you, Paula, and thank you for the compliment on my photos! I have fun with them! In this photo, I have some of my hibiscus and a touch of angel wing begonia. Yes, the hummingbirds love them! The color gets their attention!
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I would love to visit your colourful, wildlife-filled garden, Jennifer. It sounds wonderful!
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Love the Picture! GREAT JOB!
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Thanks, Reeca! 🌸🌹💓
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Lovely picture and nice review. I need to read a good historical soon. Haven’t read one in months.
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Thanks so much! I hope you find a historical that you love! Typically my favorite genre! 💕
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I am reading this book now but am having a tough time staying with it. Glad you enjoyed it though, Jennifer.
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Thanks, Marialyce! If it’s not clicking with you, maybe move on to something different. I hope you love your next read!
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