Italy like the many countries during the war saw its citizens rise up amidst Fascism and Nazism. This is an overlapping story of two young girls and their role in helping to save the lives of the tragic innocents who were massacred by the thousands. You are left with overwhelming sadness and unshed tears.

The Italian Girls by Debbie Rix

Thanks to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book I really enjoyed it. Having very little knowledge of what happened in Italy during WW2, The Italian Girls gave me my first insight into the Nazi occupation of Italy and the resistance work that was done there. 

The story focuses on two women, Livia and Isabella. Although both women are wealthy, they come from very different backgrounds and have a very different experience of the war only being linked by Italian aristocrat and film director Vicenzo. Both women show bravery; doing their part for the war effort but in very different ways and with different motivations. Although their stories cross, they never actually meet. 
Overall I really enjoyed the plot and story line of this novel. However, there were some problems with the writing that let it down; preventing it from being an amazing 5 star read. For much of the book, although enjoying the story, I struggled with it and could not put my finger on what was actually wrong with it. The characters, although not always likeable are interesting to read about and well developed. The descriptions are there but the story lacked atmosphere but my main problem with the novel was the dialogue. This often seemed unnatural and stilted which meant I found the characters and therefore the story unbelievable. Also, there were several points in the story where I should have felt my heart racing with fear for the characters and I didn’t. I feel that the writing was rushed which meant the build up to big events was missed and then when the events happened they were brushed over and finished very quickly. Having said this, I did enjoy the book and I am left wanting to read more about Italy during WW2.

Lone of the greatest things about historical fiction is that it often takes you on a journey to places you’ve never been, events scarcely mentioned in history books and introduces you to brave .characters who are based on real people. The Italian Girls did just that for me and what an incredible journey it was that often left me on the edge of my seat.

Livia is a brave college student who attends university in Florence. Isabella is a famous actress residing in Rome. Though the two never meet, their stories are intertwined thanks to being mutual friends with a famous director, Vincenzo. Livia recognizes that the future of Italy is In peril under the German occupation. When she learns that her father is secretly part of the resistance, she also asks to join. Isabella desperately,  madly in love with Vincenzo and mad with jealousy denounces Livia to the Germans after only hearing him mention her name. Isabellas actions infuriate Vincenzo, who is secretly involved in the resistance himself. 

Livia is an amazingly brave character who endured torture for a free Italy. She saved lives and transmitted information to the allies. She put her life in danger every day for others and what she believed in. Isabella rubbed elbows with Nazi elite to save Vincenzo’s life and was eventually accused of collaboration. Actual historical events are weaved intricately into this story, which often sent me to Google for more information...I love it when a book does that. 

It’s crazy how two people who have never met, can have their lives intertwined in wartime. I highly recommend this book to all WWII fiction aficionados. It takes you inside the Italian resistance as well as the Italian film industry during the war. Thank you to NetGalley and Debbie Rix for the opportunity to read this gem before it hits the shelves!

**i did catch several typos throughout my journey in this book. Nothing major, just spelling typos and an occasional name mix up. None of this errors affect the story in any way but I did notice them.**

The story begins slow, a bit too slow for my liking. It was difficult to feel any connection with the characters and I felt that Livia and Isabella were childish and immature.  Things picked up towards the end of Part 2 and especially into Part 3 where the Resistance movement was being illustrated. World War II historical fiction is a favorite genre of mine and it was refreshing for a story not set in Germany but rather from the perspective of Italians and how the country was torn at this time.  I didn’t feel that Cosismo could be trusted, despite him not being a traitor, I didn’t find that the author wrote him in a trusting way. I always questioned his motives and dialogue.  The author succeeded in showing Livia’s desire for truth and justice when she wrote fairly on Isabella’s court case and furthermore, by confronting The Count about his failure to truly prove Isabella’s innocence. Here, the author did a superb job of showing the coward of a man he was. The closing scene was touching between Isabella’s grandson and Livia.  
3.5/5

#TheItalianGirls #NetGalley
Thanks NetGalley, Bookouture and Debbie Rix for an ARC to review.
Historical fiction is my favorite genre especially WWII. Based in Italy 1941 we follow the life events of Isabella Bellucci a famous actress and Livia Moretti an art and history student and how their paths crossed during the hideous war years.
Gripping and beautifully written it certainly motivated me to look for more books by Debbie Rix.

Historical fiction is my second favourite genre. I love to read about the world war , the sufferings and struggles kinda make me realise how terrible times people of that particular generation have seen. The Italian Girls by Debbie Rix  was indeed a pleasant read.

I loved reading about the Italian environment, Florence and its Duomo tales are so fascinating. 
When Germans step in Italy we see the dark memories of the previous century. Livia Moretti and Isabella Bellucci reminded me of Sophie Lefevre from The Girl You Left Behind.
Isabella’s sacrifices everything for saving the love of her life was heart wrenching.
I wanted to see some more pages, the end of the novel seemed a bit rushed up. Otherwise Issa thumbs up 👍

A beautifully written book.  I was enthralled with the story all the way to the end and stayed up too late reading.  A real page-turner. The writing is spectacular. A perfect historical fiction novel.

This book had me gripped into the story from the start.
I found i just could not put it down.
the year is 1941 and Isabella Bellucci actress and a rising star.
we follow her remarkable journey through the war, that is startling reading.
I really enjoyed this book
and will recommend to all.
thank you to Net galley and publishers for the copy.
well deserved the stars fantastic.