A Novel of Italy and the Second World War

by Jennifer Robson

Jennifer Robson has written a number of well received historical novels. I very much enjoyed her earlier book, The Gown, so was looking forward to reading Our Darkest Night. It did not disappoint.

I have written before about the number of historical fiction titles that center on WWII are being published now and why I think that is so. In brief, I think that, in our current uncertain times, the certainty of who won the war and the courage that people displayed, gives some reassurance to readers.

This is one of the few WWII novels that I have read that takes place in Italy, the other being The Road to Grantchester. The settings added to my knowledge and enjoyment of this title.

Robson’s story is about a Jewish young woman who needs to leave Venice to hide in the countryside in order to escape the Germans. She meets a young man who had been studying for the priesthood but has left to help his parents manage their farm. Antonia and Nico meet and she subsequently poses as his bride in an effort to stay safe. What will happen to them over the course of the war? Will their assumed relationship become a real and valued one? Will they both survive the war? What will happen to their families? Read this title to find out.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.