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cathylpowell's review against another edition
5.0
At the heart of this book are the fates of Sofia, the contessa and Maxine the Italian American who has come to Italy to help the partisans. We see these women as they do many daring, dangerous things to support the cause. There are many sad moments along the way.
I've loved all of the books by Dinah Jefferies that I have read, and this is no exception. Utterly moving and gripping. Absolutely loved it.
I've loved all of the books by Dinah Jefferies that I have read, and this is no exception. Utterly moving and gripping. Absolutely loved it.
portybelle's review against another edition
4.0
When I read a Dinah Jefferies book I know I am going to be transported to another time and place. With her previous novels, this has been to places like Malaysia and Burma. The Tuscan Contessa did indeed whisk me away but this time it was to Second World War Tuscany. But this was not the place of warmth and beauty you may associate with this lovely part of Italy, but a place of fear and hunger, courage and strength.
Sofia is the eponymous Tuscan countess living under German occupation following the surrender of Italy to the allies. Like many Italians, she does her best to help defeat the Nazis by sheltering those in need, tending to the wounded and feeding those who need fed. In her privileged position, she is perhaps under less suspicion than her fellow townspeople but nonetheless, what she is doing is very risk. She is joined by American- Italian Maxine who is working for the resistance and although wary of each other initially, the two women grow to trust one another and work together.
I attended a Zoom launch for the book and it was really interesting hearing about the inspiration for the book. The author had worked as an au pair in Italy some years back and more recently spent some time there somewhat housebound following a fall on holiday. While reading up on the history of the house she was staying in and the surrounding area, she learned about the experiences of Tuscany during the Second World War. I must admit that I didn’t know much about Italy in the war especially after the surrender to the allies. I hadn’t really been aware of the Italian resistance though, of course, there were brave people risking their lives to save others and to pass on intelligence to the allies all over occupied Europe. The Tuscan Contessa is clearly extremely well researched which really brought the women’s stories to life. Throughout the book we see the best and the worst of human nature. This particular extract really spoke to me and recognised that there was good and bad on both sides of the war:
‘She knew there were good kind Germans who’d never wanted the war, who’d emphatically never wanted Hitler. Many Italians hadn’t wanted Mussolini either and so many families on both sides only wanted to get on with living their lives. But war was making monsters of them all.’
The Tuscan Contessa was a very engaging and enlightening read which really appealed to all my senses. From the beautiful colours of the Tuscan countryside, to the heat of the Italian sun, the taste of the food (albeit not the usual fare we might expect on an Italian holiday) and the scent of the flowers and plants, everything combined for a rich reading experience. The beauty of Italy contrasted vividly with the terror and uncertainty of the German occupation. This is a book which will appeal to fans of historical fiction with its mix of courage, love, loss and hope. Although I will admit to a slight fondness for the perhaps more exotic settings of the author’s previous novels, this is a book which will captivate anyone with an interest in Italy and fiction set during wartime.
Sofia is the eponymous Tuscan countess living under German occupation following the surrender of Italy to the allies. Like many Italians, she does her best to help defeat the Nazis by sheltering those in need, tending to the wounded and feeding those who need fed. In her privileged position, she is perhaps under less suspicion than her fellow townspeople but nonetheless, what she is doing is very risk. She is joined by American- Italian Maxine who is working for the resistance and although wary of each other initially, the two women grow to trust one another and work together.
I attended a Zoom launch for the book and it was really interesting hearing about the inspiration for the book. The author had worked as an au pair in Italy some years back and more recently spent some time there somewhat housebound following a fall on holiday. While reading up on the history of the house she was staying in and the surrounding area, she learned about the experiences of Tuscany during the Second World War. I must admit that I didn’t know much about Italy in the war especially after the surrender to the allies. I hadn’t really been aware of the Italian resistance though, of course, there were brave people risking their lives to save others and to pass on intelligence to the allies all over occupied Europe. The Tuscan Contessa is clearly extremely well researched which really brought the women’s stories to life. Throughout the book we see the best and the worst of human nature. This particular extract really spoke to me and recognised that there was good and bad on both sides of the war:
‘She knew there were good kind Germans who’d never wanted the war, who’d emphatically never wanted Hitler. Many Italians hadn’t wanted Mussolini either and so many families on both sides only wanted to get on with living their lives. But war was making monsters of them all.’
The Tuscan Contessa was a very engaging and enlightening read which really appealed to all my senses. From the beautiful colours of the Tuscan countryside, to the heat of the Italian sun, the taste of the food (albeit not the usual fare we might expect on an Italian holiday) and the scent of the flowers and plants, everything combined for a rich reading experience. The beauty of Italy contrasted vividly with the terror and uncertainty of the German occupation. This is a book which will appeal to fans of historical fiction with its mix of courage, love, loss and hope. Although I will admit to a slight fondness for the perhaps more exotic settings of the author’s previous novels, this is a book which will captivate anyone with an interest in Italy and fiction set during wartime.
novellenovels's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
thea_no_evil's review against another edition
5.0
‘The Tuscan Contessa’ gets 5 stars. Absolutely loved it. Dinah Jefferies is one of my favourite authors she has a way of writing that transports you to a different time and country easily. Set in Italy in 1943 - The main characters are two women, from very different worlds but together they do all they can to save the ones they love. When the sudden arrival of German soldiers threatens the village and their way of life. Maxine, an Italian-American working for the resistance, arrives on the Contessa’s doorstep asking for help as well as providing it!
rozanne_visagie's review against another edition
4.0
*Disclaimer: I was kindly gifted a copy of this book by Penguin Random House SA in exchange for an honest review.
✥ PUBLISHED: September 2020 ✥ PAGES: 354 ✥ GENRE: Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, War Story ✥
I love Historical Fiction and when I saw The Tuscan Contessa I knew I had to read it. This is the first book I've read by Dinah Jefferies and I really enjoyed it. Dinah Jefferies is a Number One Sunday Times bestselling author who has written several novels, including her newest release Daughters of War (available September 2021).
The Tuscan Contessa takes place in 1943 during the second World War in Tuscany, Italy. Contessa Sofia de' Corsi and her husband Lorenzo lives in a large manor, Castello de' Corsi, an estate contained within a walled village. Sofia manages the estate when her husband is away on 'business travels', all she is told is that he passes on information to the allies. The Germans have invaded Tuscany and no one can be trusted. Keeping this in mind, a wounded stranger, later to be known as a British radio operator, is brought to Sofia's doorstep. Hiding this man from her husband, Sofia nurses him back to health and moves him to the nuns at Sant'Anna where he is safe.
Maxine Caprioni arrives from Rome in Tuscany. Working with the resistance, her mission is to deliver leaflets that need to be distributed to the partisans. Arriving at Castello de' Corsi, she and Sofia embark on a difficult journey. Faced with danger, these two strong women aid in the fight against the Nazis. Lorenzo is unaware of Sofia's involvement and the German officers' interest are piqued when visiting Sofia at the Castello. Meanwhile, Maxine's background and mission are gradually revealed and the level of danger increases each time when she must transmit information to the allies.
Maxine discovers love in the most unexpected places and Sofia must cope with the sudden loss of someone dear to her. Will love last in a place where one's safety is unknown? Can grief be overcome when bombs are constantly deployed and people are dying rapidly?
This was such a heartbreaking yet beautiful story. I loved Sofia and Maxine, each was strong in their own way. Both of them experienced loss and the uncertainty of a loved one's safety, but they were loyal to the cause and were determined to fight for their survival. They put their lives at risk to help save others. But there were other characters who also made an impact and made sacrifices, these women held each other strong in times of sadness, and this shows how important friends are. This novel gives us a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during World War II when the Germans invaded towns and filled people with fear. Tuscany was beautifully described and I feel the story is well researched, it has an emotional depth to it that makes the reader connect with the characters. I recommend this book to avid readers of Historical Fiction.
In times of uncertainty, when the Nazis reigned and a knock on the door was feared, two strong women stepped to the plate and fought a battle not with guns and bombs, but with determination, courage and passion.
If you loved [b:The Secret Messenger|52762957|The Secret Messenger|Mandy Robotham|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570442407l/52762957._SX50_SY75_.jpg|70900370] by Mandy Robotham, you will enjoy this book.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.com/2021/03/29/the-tuscan-contessa-by-dinah-jefferies-book-review/
✥ PUBLISHED: September 2020 ✥ PAGES: 354 ✥ GENRE: Historical Fiction, Romance Novel, Historical Romance, War Story ✥
I love Historical Fiction and when I saw The Tuscan Contessa I knew I had to read it. This is the first book I've read by Dinah Jefferies and I really enjoyed it. Dinah Jefferies is a Number One Sunday Times bestselling author who has written several novels, including her newest release Daughters of War (available September 2021).
The Tuscan Contessa takes place in 1943 during the second World War in Tuscany, Italy. Contessa Sofia de' Corsi and her husband Lorenzo lives in a large manor, Castello de' Corsi, an estate contained within a walled village. Sofia manages the estate when her husband is away on 'business travels', all she is told is that he passes on information to the allies. The Germans have invaded Tuscany and no one can be trusted. Keeping this in mind, a wounded stranger, later to be known as a British radio operator, is brought to Sofia's doorstep. Hiding this man from her husband, Sofia nurses him back to health and moves him to the nuns at Sant'Anna where he is safe.
Maxine Caprioni arrives from Rome in Tuscany. Working with the resistance, her mission is to deliver leaflets that need to be distributed to the partisans. Arriving at Castello de' Corsi, she and Sofia embark on a difficult journey. Faced with danger, these two strong women aid in the fight against the Nazis. Lorenzo is unaware of Sofia's involvement and the German officers' interest are piqued when visiting Sofia at the Castello. Meanwhile, Maxine's background and mission are gradually revealed and the level of danger increases each time when she must transmit information to the allies.
Maxine discovers love in the most unexpected places and Sofia must cope with the sudden loss of someone dear to her. Will love last in a place where one's safety is unknown? Can grief be overcome when bombs are constantly deployed and people are dying rapidly?
This was such a heartbreaking yet beautiful story. I loved Sofia and Maxine, each was strong in their own way. Both of them experienced loss and the uncertainty of a loved one's safety, but they were loyal to the cause and were determined to fight for their survival. They put their lives at risk to help save others. But there were other characters who also made an impact and made sacrifices, these women held each other strong in times of sadness, and this shows how important friends are. This novel gives us a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during World War II when the Germans invaded towns and filled people with fear. Tuscany was beautifully described and I feel the story is well researched, it has an emotional depth to it that makes the reader connect with the characters. I recommend this book to avid readers of Historical Fiction.
In times of uncertainty, when the Nazis reigned and a knock on the door was feared, two strong women stepped to the plate and fought a battle not with guns and bombs, but with determination, courage and passion.
If you loved [b:The Secret Messenger|52762957|The Secret Messenger|Mandy Robotham|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570442407l/52762957._SX50_SY75_.jpg|70900370] by Mandy Robotham, you will enjoy this book.
This review is posted on my blog:
https://willowscornerbook.wordpress.com/2021/03/29/the-tuscan-contessa-by-dinah-jefferies-book-review/
jennyhk's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book. It took me a few chapters to get into the story but then I couldn’t put it down. I love a historical novel, and this is a really intriguing story. I didn’t know much about Italy during the Second World War but there is a handy little guide at the start so you know where the novel fits into what was happening at that time. I particularly enjoyed the part set in Florence as I visited a long time ago. I loved reading this so much that it makes me long to go back to Italy one day.
strawberrymivvy's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I did not enjoy this book as much as I've enjoyed others by this author or other WWII fiction. I was interested in the Italian location as I don't know much about Italy's role in the war, and how they effectively changed sides half way through.
The characters felt a little flat and I never really engaged with them as much as I might have liked
The characters felt a little flat and I never really engaged with them as much as I might have liked
babsiea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I initially really struggled with this book. The character of Maxine initially came across as someone who would not pass as a spy. Her and those around her just gave too much information away. However, half way through I was able to overcome that and just involve myself in the story.
marthabethanreads's review against another edition
4.0
I love Dinah Jefferies’ historical fiction so much and this one did not disappoint! She is such an amazing author who captures the setting and the context so beautifully. This was a moving, emotional and heavy read at times but I loved every second.
Both Sofia and Maxine were such strong characters and the journeys they went on were inspiring. I didn’t know much about Italy during World War Two so I also learned a lot whilst reading this novel. So much suffering and devastation, but so much hope for the future. I definitely recommend this and all her other books!
Both Sofia and Maxine were such strong characters and the journeys they went on were inspiring. I didn’t know much about Italy during World War Two so I also learned a lot whilst reading this novel. So much suffering and devastation, but so much hope for the future. I definitely recommend this and all her other books!
epictetsocrate's review
3.0
Cu un amestec de dor și speranță, Sofia privea către Val d’Orcia unde costișele brune se vălureau sub cerul violet, luminat din spate de soarele la apus. Părea să-și țină răsuflarea. În depărtare, Monte Amiata, gânditor și singuratic, stătea de veghe, cu viile auriu-roșcate și stejarii arzând sfidător în ultimele lor clipe, stârnind și mai mult pofta Sofiei de a recupera ce pierduseră. Iarna se apropia, dar ea încă tânjea după acele nopți amețitoare de vară când își afunda degetele goale în iarba uscată în vreme ce stăteau întinși și urmăreau licuricii și beau vin roșu din sticlă.
Îi plăceau aceste momente de trecere când preț de câteva clipe lumea devenea încețoșată, magică, imposibilă; îi plăceau minutele dintre somn și trezie pentru ca niciuna dintre cele două stări nu reușea să pună stăpânire pe ea. Putea să creadă că încă mai mergeau de mână prin crângurile prăfuite de măslini, țesând planuri de viitor fără să știe ce stătea la pândă.
În timp ce întunericul nopții se îndesea și începea să pătrundă în salonul mic, a tras obloanele scârțâitoare cu atâta forță încât tocul ferestrei s-a zdruncinat, apoi a închis fereastra și s-a întors să privească scena. A simțit aroma bogată și mângâietoare a trabucurilor lui Lorenzo în timp ce se ghemuia lângă vatră să mai pună un buștean pe foc, înainte de a se uita din nou la el acolo unde stătea pe sofaua lor de catifea albastră, cu amândoi câinii sforăind la picioarele lui. Când casa era învăluită în cea mai profundă liniște și în cel mai profund întuneric – acela era momentul când o urmăreau fricile. Umbrele din cameră se schimbau odată cu pâlpâitul flăcărilor, vii si monstruoase în timp ce se înălțau aproape până la tavan, apoi scădeau când flăcările își pierdeau din intensitate. Dar încă vedea strălucirea lor în ochii săi cenușii și blânzi. Habar n-avea la ce se gândea sau ce simțea. Jale, da, dar nuanța pe care o avea era nouă. El a bătut cu palma locul de alături pe sofa și ea s-a întins înainte de a se cuibări lângă el.
Îi plăceau aceste momente de trecere când preț de câteva clipe lumea devenea încețoșată, magică, imposibilă; îi plăceau minutele dintre somn și trezie pentru ca niciuna dintre cele două stări nu reușea să pună stăpânire pe ea. Putea să creadă că încă mai mergeau de mână prin crângurile prăfuite de măslini, țesând planuri de viitor fără să știe ce stătea la pândă.
În timp ce întunericul nopții se îndesea și începea să pătrundă în salonul mic, a tras obloanele scârțâitoare cu atâta forță încât tocul ferestrei s-a zdruncinat, apoi a închis fereastra și s-a întors să privească scena. A simțit aroma bogată și mângâietoare a trabucurilor lui Lorenzo în timp ce se ghemuia lângă vatră să mai pună un buștean pe foc, înainte de a se uita din nou la el acolo unde stătea pe sofaua lor de catifea albastră, cu amândoi câinii sforăind la picioarele lui. Când casa era învăluită în cea mai profundă liniște și în cel mai profund întuneric – acela era momentul când o urmăreau fricile. Umbrele din cameră se schimbau odată cu pâlpâitul flăcărilor, vii si monstruoase în timp ce se înălțau aproape până la tavan, apoi scădeau când flăcările își pierdeau din intensitate. Dar încă vedea strălucirea lor în ochii săi cenușii și blânzi. Habar n-avea la ce se gândea sau ce simțea. Jale, da, dar nuanța pe care o avea era nouă. El a bătut cu palma locul de alături pe sofa și ea s-a întins înainte de a se cuibări lângă el.