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erincataldi's review
4.0
Told from multiple perspectives and between two timelines - this historical fiction weaves together an unlikely cast of characters. In Italy at the height of the second World War two American army medics, a prima ballerina, and a young Jewish orphan find themselves thrown together in impossible circumstances. In the present day, Delaney is going through her grandfather's belongings after his passing when a mysterious (and handsome) Italian man calls and demands that they return his grandmother's possessions. Delaney has no idea what he is talking about, but when she discovers a little girl's suitcase he insists that she returns it immediately. He offers to pay to fly her out so she can safeguard it. What secrets could be kept in there? As the story progresses more and more secrets come to life and Delaney and the Italian man, Matteo, will learn who their grandparents really are. This inspirational novel is a must read for religious readers and for those who like WWII fiction that isn't too dark.
marieleigh73's review
4.0
I'm rounding this up from a 3.5. I loved the concept of this book, but it was a bit slow.
cinz_12's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
marilynw's review against another edition
4.0
The Italian Ballerina: A World War II Novel
by Kristy Cambron, narrated by Barrie Kreinik
We have present day Delaney Coleman, whose life has been upended by a relationship breakup and the need to return home to care for her aging parents after the death of her grandfather. In the past, we follow Julia, a successful ballerina, whose career is cut short by the war. Delaney's story stays in the present day, as she and a man in Rome try to piece together the puzzle of the past. Julia's story jumps around, as does the story of Delaney's grandfather.
Something I love about good historical fiction is when I can learn about real life events, people, and places while enjoying the story. Once I learned about Syndrome K, I wanted to know more, so this story took me off to learn about this time and place when Syndrome K played a part in the lives and deaths of so many people. I also learned about the hospital, church, and people who were involved in helping others escape persecution and death and I'm amazed, once again, at the ingenuity involved in the use of Syndrome K.
The Italian Ballerina audiobook gave my brain a workout. We have five different timelines we are following, some with the same people, and we don't know how they will all tie in until much later in the story. And these timelines jump around, back and forth, which is confusing and makes the story a little harder to follow than if we could get the story in consecutive order. Also, I would have liked more information about one of the male characters by the end of the book. Since we get to see the story from several viewpoints, it would have been nice to see how this man fared after the war, rather than not getting answers to what happened to him.
I did enjoy this story very much and wasn't ready to leave the characters when the story was over. I don't know as much about Italy, and it's role in the war, as I do other aspects of the war and I may look for more on this subject. I plan to look at this author's other work, in the future.
Pub July 12, 2022 by Thomas Nelson on Brilliance Audio
by Kristy Cambron, narrated by Barrie Kreinik
We have present day Delaney Coleman, whose life has been upended by a relationship breakup and the need to return home to care for her aging parents after the death of her grandfather. In the past, we follow Julia, a successful ballerina, whose career is cut short by the war. Delaney's story stays in the present day, as she and a man in Rome try to piece together the puzzle of the past. Julia's story jumps around, as does the story of Delaney's grandfather.
Something I love about good historical fiction is when I can learn about real life events, people, and places while enjoying the story. Once I learned about Syndrome K, I wanted to know more, so this story took me off to learn about this time and place when Syndrome K played a part in the lives and deaths of so many people. I also learned about the hospital, church, and people who were involved in helping others escape persecution and death and I'm amazed, once again, at the ingenuity involved in the use of Syndrome K.
The Italian Ballerina audiobook gave my brain a workout. We have five different timelines we are following, some with the same people, and we don't know how they will all tie in until much later in the story. And these timelines jump around, back and forth, which is confusing and makes the story a little harder to follow than if we could get the story in consecutive order. Also, I would have liked more information about one of the male characters by the end of the book. Since we get to see the story from several viewpoints, it would have been nice to see how this man fared after the war, rather than not getting answers to what happened to him.
I did enjoy this story very much and wasn't ready to leave the characters when the story was over. I don't know as much about Italy, and it's role in the war, as I do other aspects of the war and I may look for more on this subject. I plan to look at this author's other work, in the future.
Pub July 12, 2022 by Thomas Nelson on Brilliance Audio
reneesmith's review against another edition
4.0
A great listening experience! This story has all the things I love--dual timelines, WWII historical connection, sympathetic main characters, fine writing & sending ordinary folks on a grand adventure.
juliemittan's review
4.0
This probably deserves more of a 3.5 for me- but I think it’s my own fault… I wish I didn’t listen to this as an audiobook and instead just read it. Good WWII story- I just struggled to keep track of the character plot lines/time periods because this has really 2 stories going on - one in the past, one in the present - I would have got into this a lot more if I read this as a physical book and could more easily flip back and forth.
imsewbookish's review
4.0
I love historical fiction, especially WWII-themed fiction. This is an emotionally gripping story about love and sacrifice.
While I enjoyed each individual's story, there were a few times when I had a hard time keeping up with following all of those characters and timelines.
Aside from this, I still truly enjoyed this story. I felt that the characters were well developed and the plot well-paced.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION.
While I enjoyed each individual's story, there were a few times when I had a hard time keeping up with following all of those characters and timelines.
Aside from this, I still truly enjoyed this story. I felt that the characters were well developed and the plot well-paced.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Netgalley and Thomas Nelson--FICTION.
bonniereads777's review
4.0
Rome, 1943. British ballerina Julia Bradbury is stranded in Italy during the Nazi occupation and takes refuge at the hospital on Tiber Island. Along with two American medics and a young Jewish girl, she becomes part of a conspiracy to promote a fake disease—Syndrome K—in order to rescue Italian Jews from the Nazis.
Present day: After the loss of her grandfather, who was a doctor and World War II vet, Delaney returns home to help her parents settle his estate. When a letter arrives claiming that an Italian woman owns one of the family heirlooms, Delaney is not convinced. She travels to Italy and, with the help of the woman’s grandson, learns of a hospital in Rome that saved hundreds of Jews during the war, and of her grandfather’s role in it all.
This is a compelling story of the Nazi invasion of Rome, the fake Syndrome K sickness, and the courageous people who used it to save others. This novel takes us to small-town America, London, and Italy from 1939 to 1943, as well as forward to the present day. There are inspirational themes of faith, sacrifice, and second chances. The time-jumps back and forth between different places and events of the 1940s are a bit confusing, and may have been less so if told in sequence. However, the characters are inspiring and easy to connect with, and the plot is fascinating, with touches of romance that fit well into the story. The facts about the Syndrome K sickness were new to me, and these facts are expertly woven into the fictional storyline. The present-day timeline is enjoyable and ties the whole story together. Fans of wartime fiction and inspirational fiction will enjoy this look at World War II Italy.
I received a free copy from the publishers via the Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
Present day: After the loss of her grandfather, who was a doctor and World War II vet, Delaney returns home to help her parents settle his estate. When a letter arrives claiming that an Italian woman owns one of the family heirlooms, Delaney is not convinced. She travels to Italy and, with the help of the woman’s grandson, learns of a hospital in Rome that saved hundreds of Jews during the war, and of her grandfather’s role in it all.
This is a compelling story of the Nazi invasion of Rome, the fake Syndrome K sickness, and the courageous people who used it to save others. This novel takes us to small-town America, London, and Italy from 1939 to 1943, as well as forward to the present day. There are inspirational themes of faith, sacrifice, and second chances. The time-jumps back and forth between different places and events of the 1940s are a bit confusing, and may have been less so if told in sequence. However, the characters are inspiring and easy to connect with, and the plot is fascinating, with touches of romance that fit well into the story. The facts about the Syndrome K sickness were new to me, and these facts are expertly woven into the fictional storyline. The present-day timeline is enjoyable and ties the whole story together. Fans of wartime fiction and inspirational fiction will enjoy this look at World War II Italy.
I received a free copy from the publishers via the Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
inspiretruth's review
5.0
Though history is being written daily, the past continues to fascinate us. Obsessed with uncovering the hidden stories of people who risked their lives to save others, events that changed the course of history, plots that deceived the greatest of enemies, and the places that housed these incredible moments, it’s no wonder authors keep finding inspiration to write. Kristy Cambron is one such author. Taking readers on an intricate journey between the past and present, her latest book, The Italian Ballerina, is an incredible story of loss, redemption, sacrifice, love, and faith.
Rome 1943: Indiana native Courtney Coleman doesn’t believe he’s worthy of a happy ending. Convinced it’s better to leave than stay, he enlists in the army and becomes a medic. Caught in the crossfire as the Nazis clear the Jewish ghetto, Court makes a hasty decision that could cost him his life. Is one little girl’s life worth disobeying orders and risking everything?
"You can’t keep living for yourself, Court. Once you figure out what that means, you’ll finally find home . . ."~ Kristy Cambron
British ballerina Julia Bradbury has dreamed of dancing on the stage of La Scala in Rome since she was a child; however, when the Nazi Regime takes control of the Eternal City, Julia must take refuge in a hospital on Tiber Island until it is safe to return home. Wanting to do her part in the war effort, Julia works alongside the nurses and doctors to save Jewish refugees under the guise of a fictional disease called Syndrome K. Walking on a fine line between life and death, Julia’s life is put at greater risk when two Allied medics arrive at the hospital with a little girl who refuses to tell them her name. Will they be able to hide from the Nazis and reunite the girl with her family, or will their enemies learn their secrets before they can escape?
"Il Morbo di K—Syndrome K—is a farce. An invention of this hospital. And the quarantine, a ruse to support it… There is no sickness here beyond the plague of being born a Jew."~ Kristy Cambron
Present Day: Returning to her childhood home after losing her grandfather, Delaney’s life isn’t what she’d hoped it would be. Unclear of what her future holds, she struggles to figure out what’s next; however, when an Italian woman declares ownership of a family possession, Del finds herself on a plane to Rome to learn about her grandfather’s untold past. Will Rome capture Delaney’s heart like it has so many others, or will the past stop her from embracing a future almost within reach?
"Rome gets under your skin when you’re not looking. And then it goes deeper—into your heart—and never leaves."~ Kristy Cambron
The Italian Ballerina is an excellent novel! Weaving multiple storylines into a fabulous narrative, it took time to get used to the jumps; nevertheless, by the second half, I was completely absorbed and impatient to see how the picture would come together. Authentic, raw, and full of incredible history, I loved Kristy Cambron’s writing style and how she incorporated a faith element into the story that didn’t feel forced. Though I thought this would be a predictable read, the ending took me by complete surprise and filled me with an unexpected flood of emotion.
I love what Kristy writes in the author’s note at the end of the book: “From AJ Nelson’s pursuit to save others, Court Coleman’s finding faith and restoration within his own heart, Julia Bradbury’s longing for deeper meaning to her calling, and Delaney and Matteo’s journey to uncover truth for the grown Calla so many years later . . . All show the impact just one life can have on the lives—and faith journeys—of so many others. In this way history is powerful. To remember. To learn. To see and understand the human experience through another’s lens.“
Historical fiction lovers will fall head over heels for The Italian BallerinaThe Italian Ballerina! It’s a World War II novel you don’t want to miss!
*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
Rome 1943: Indiana native Courtney Coleman doesn’t believe he’s worthy of a happy ending. Convinced it’s better to leave than stay, he enlists in the army and becomes a medic. Caught in the crossfire as the Nazis clear the Jewish ghetto, Court makes a hasty decision that could cost him his life. Is one little girl’s life worth disobeying orders and risking everything?
"You can’t keep living for yourself, Court. Once you figure out what that means, you’ll finally find home . . ."~ Kristy Cambron
British ballerina Julia Bradbury has dreamed of dancing on the stage of La Scala in Rome since she was a child; however, when the Nazi Regime takes control of the Eternal City, Julia must take refuge in a hospital on Tiber Island until it is safe to return home. Wanting to do her part in the war effort, Julia works alongside the nurses and doctors to save Jewish refugees under the guise of a fictional disease called Syndrome K. Walking on a fine line between life and death, Julia’s life is put at greater risk when two Allied medics arrive at the hospital with a little girl who refuses to tell them her name. Will they be able to hide from the Nazis and reunite the girl with her family, or will their enemies learn their secrets before they can escape?
"Il Morbo di K—Syndrome K—is a farce. An invention of this hospital. And the quarantine, a ruse to support it… There is no sickness here beyond the plague of being born a Jew."~ Kristy Cambron
Present Day: Returning to her childhood home after losing her grandfather, Delaney’s life isn’t what she’d hoped it would be. Unclear of what her future holds, she struggles to figure out what’s next; however, when an Italian woman declares ownership of a family possession, Del finds herself on a plane to Rome to learn about her grandfather’s untold past. Will Rome capture Delaney’s heart like it has so many others, or will the past stop her from embracing a future almost within reach?
"Rome gets under your skin when you’re not looking. And then it goes deeper—into your heart—and never leaves."~ Kristy Cambron
The Italian Ballerina is an excellent novel! Weaving multiple storylines into a fabulous narrative, it took time to get used to the jumps; nevertheless, by the second half, I was completely absorbed and impatient to see how the picture would come together. Authentic, raw, and full of incredible history, I loved Kristy Cambron’s writing style and how she incorporated a faith element into the story that didn’t feel forced. Though I thought this would be a predictable read, the ending took me by complete surprise and filled me with an unexpected flood of emotion.
I love what Kristy writes in the author’s note at the end of the book: “From AJ Nelson’s pursuit to save others, Court Coleman’s finding faith and restoration within his own heart, Julia Bradbury’s longing for deeper meaning to her calling, and Delaney and Matteo’s journey to uncover truth for the grown Calla so many years later . . . All show the impact just one life can have on the lives—and faith journeys—of so many others. In this way history is powerful. To remember. To learn. To see and understand the human experience through another’s lens.“
Historical fiction lovers will fall head over heels for The Italian BallerinaThe Italian Ballerina! It’s a World War II novel you don’t want to miss!
*Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher, for providing me with a pre-release copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own!*
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