Mallory's Reviews > Eternal

This was a powerful book that left me teary (don’t think this means I didn’t enjoy it). I’ve enjoyed several of Lisa Scottoline’s books, but I have to say I like that her writing keeps evolving and this was a whole new level. A historical fiction story set just before and during World War II. It was painful to read the characters who were so hopeful and full of “that won’t happen here, not to us” that it was heartbreaking. A little like watching a car accident in slow motion - you know what’s coming and are helpless to stop it. The story began with a mother, Elisabetta, telling her 13 year old son the story of who his father is and why she has concealed this. Elisabetta grew up and was best friends with two boys who both fell in love with her Marco and Sandro. Sandro is Jewish which makes his parents upset with his wanting to court a gentile woman. Marco’s family keeps their resistance more vague but is also against the match. The story is told in short chapters from various different characters’ perspectives which was very interesting. While I enjoy the other types of books Lisa Scottoline writes I hope this is not her last historical fiction.