A review by mylogicisfuzzy
I Give It to You by Valerie Martin

4.0

This is a novel about family, friendship and the power of storytelling. Beatrice, a descendant of once wealthy Italian aristocratic family rents a cottage by her family’s Tuscan villa to Jan, an American novelist and college professor. Jan, in Italy to research for a book on Mussolini, becomes more interested in stories about Beatrice’s family, especially stories from WWII. Noting her interest, Beatrice tells Jan “I give it to you” after one particular story. Over the course of the summer and the years that follow, the two women become friends, meeting every now and then in the US where Beatrice also teaches Italian at a university and sometimes back at the villa in Tuscany. Interspersed with the times they spend together are stories of Beatrice’s family that span the course of the twentieth century.

Initially, I was very much drawn to the title of the book. Publisher’s description was also intriguing, conveying certain expectations. So I was reading expectantly and soon found myself drawn in and very much enjoying the book but for completely different reasons. The story of the Salviati family and of Beatrice’s life was fascinating, she is a very well realised character. This is a very good summer read, the landscape, the people, the wonderful Italian food. Great lockdown escapism albeit set against the backdrop of Mussolini and fascism and Italy’s post-war recovery. A compelling story, beautifully told.

My thanks to Serpent’s Tail, Profile Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review I Give It To You.