ETERNAL by Lisa Scottoline

 

#1 bestselling author Lisa Scottoline offers a sweeping and shattering epic of historical fiction fueled by shocking true events, the tale of a love triangle that unfolds in the heart of Rome...in the creeping shadow of fascism.

What war destroys, only love can heal.

Elisabetta, Marco, and Sandro grow up as the best of friends despite their differences. Elisabetta is a feisty beauty who dreams of becoming a novelist; Marco the brash and athletic son in a family of professional cyclists; and Sandro a Jewish mathematics prodigy, kind-hearted and thoughtful, the son of a lawyer and a doctor. Their friendship blossoms to love, with both Sandro and Marco hoping to win Elisabetta's heart. But in the autumn of 1937, all of that begins to change as Mussolini asserts his power, aligning Italy's Fascists with Hitler's Nazis and altering the very laws that govern Rome. In time, everything that the three hold dear--their families, their homes, and their connection to one another--is tested in ways they never could have imagined.

As anti-Semitism takes legal root and World War II erupts, the threesome realizes that Mussolini was only the beginning. The Nazis invade Rome, and with their occupation come new atrocities against the city's Jews, culminating in a final, horrific betrayal. Against this backdrop, the intertwined fates of Elisabetta, Marco, Sandro, and their families will be decided, in a heartbreaking story of both the best and the worst that the world has to offer.

Unfolding over decades, Eternal is a tale of loyalty and loss, family and food, love and war--all set in one of the world's most beautiful cities at its darkest moment. This moving novel will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of readers.

My Thoughts:

War was eternal, but so was peace.

Death was eternal, but so was life.

Darkness was eternal, but so was light.

Hate was eternal, but above all, so was love...

This is my favorite quote from this awesome, perfect, beautiful, very emotional book.

This is the story of three friends. Two boys and a girl. Best friends since forever. Marco, Sandro, and Elisabetta. Three friends who's lives will be changed forever. Who endure more than anyone should ever in a lifetime. 

In Italy during the reign of Mussolini. At a time when the world is about to go to war. When Jews are being persecuted just because they are different. Or because someone wants what they have. Because Nazi's have to hate someone and they chose the Jews. Marco and Elisabetta are both Italian Gentiles while Sandro is an Italian Jew. They all three love each other completely. But when things start to change what will happen. Will they be able to remain friends or will one have to be cast aside? 

This is a story that truly rips at the heart. It's so raw and emotional and full of love and hate. Evil and good. Filled with some who can kill at the drop of a dime. Others find it much harder. It's what happens when you let one person rule and decide what is best for a country. When you listen to hate speeches and lies. Made up things. When one group is selected and singled out as unworthy. Less than human. When people's hearts start to fill with hate. 

Marco, Sandro, and Elisabetta try so hard to hold on to their innocence and be the friends they always have been. One will make the wrong choice. One will pay the price. One will be heartbroken. But together they may endure the hardest things life has to offer. This is a story that makes you think. Makes you wonder what you would do. Who would you choose. What would you choose. 

It's so full of emotion and feelings that you may not even realize you have. It's well written and just makes you feel like you are right there. In the good and the bad. The happy and the sad. I found myself gasping in places at unexpected actions. Crying in parts where so much hatred is shown. From love, hate, caring, murder, forgiveness, this book spans a lifetime of feelings. You can imagine the smells coming from the kitchen. The garden on the rooftop. The love between a boy and a girl. The love between three friends. 

This title, ETERNAL, could not have been more perfect. This is truly a great book. Well done Ms Scottoline. Very well done. 

Thank you to #NetGalley, #LisaScottoline, #Penguingroupputnam for this ARC. This is my own true feelings about this book!

5/5 stars and the highest recommendation possible. Another historical fiction to rip your heart out. But also one that will make you smile too. In a few places.