Tuscany, 1943. Stranded in war-ravaged Italy, Beatrice’s dream of an escapist year teaching English is shattered. Granted shelter at the Villa delle Colombe, she seeks refuge in Francesca and Edoardo’s beautiful walled garden, hidden from the outside world, with an elaborate cypress maze at its heart.
But Beatrice is not the only one seeking an escape here. Francesca has brought children to the safety of the house, as well as other adults, all of them seeking sanctuary on the estate with its mysterious maze. As the war closes in, the residents are forced to witness—and do—unthinkable things…
2015. Tess arrives at the villa raw from the agonising loss of her husband. Beatrice, now custodian, guides her to the solace of its gardens, where Tess begins to heal. But all hope of peace is shattered by the arrival of Marco, the estate’s absent owner, who wants nothing more than to hand it over to developers.
Distraught, Beatrice realises she must finally reveal the villa’s painful past if she wants to save it. As the extraordinary story unfolds, Tess realises that Villa delle Colombe is not just a refuge, but a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Can she convince Marco to give it a new lease of life—and find a way back to happiness herself?
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My Review
“Villa delle Colombe” unfolds as Beatrice, working as an English tutor in wartime Italy, finds herself declared an enemy alien. A stroke of luck connects her with Francesca, leading to shelter at Villa delle Colombe. Edoardo, Francesca’s husband, anticipates the impending conflict and constructs a maze as a contingency. The villa becomes a refuge for war-displaced children. As the Germans take control during the Allies’ armistice, the peaceful Tuscany valley transforms into a battleground.
The narrative spans two timelines, with Beatrice and Tess sharing their perspectives from 1940 to 2015. In the contemporary timeline, Tess visits Villa delle Colombe, assisting Beatrice in preparing for the new owner, Marco. Amidst fears of the villa’s potential sale, Beatrice opens up about its wartime role. Tess, grappling with widowhood, helps document Beatrice’s experiences, revealing the villa’s history as a haven for Beatrice, local men, children, resistance members, and an allied soldier. The shared storytelling aims to bring closure to Beatrice and Tess while enlightening Marco about his father’s childhood sanctuary.
This heartwarming narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the weight of grief. The dual timelines interweave seamlessly, providing a captivating reading experience. The rich and detailed descriptions added depth to the story, and I found myself particularly drawn to Beatrice’s resilience and Tess’s unwavering determination. Witnessing the support these brave women offer each other in 2015 was truly moving, and the book concludes on a satisfying and fulfilled note.
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