about the book:

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is written in first person, free verse, and consists of a series of vignettes chronicling the real life experiences of a young girl and her family in war-torn Italy in the 1940s. The story is set in the town of Fornelli–a tiny hilltop community in Italy’s mountainous heart.

For Lucia and her family, life in Fornelli is anything but boring. Life is difficult, yet tranquil. But soon the war comes, and life in Fornelli is tranquil no more.

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is a true accounting from the eyes of Lucia, about faith, hope, and courage in the midst of war and its aftermath. It poetically conveys how even in desperate times people can open their hearts and rise above adversity.

MY THOUGHTS

Definitely a must read.  The war (WWII) seen through the eyes of a young girl, Lucia, from a small town in Italy.  The book is small snapshots of Lucia's life before, during and after the war.  Lucia speaks with the innocent of a child.  We see her joys and sorrows.  We see her grow and change with each turn of the page.  

A wonderful book full of charming believable characters.  Thomas Antonaccio lovingly brings his mother (Lucia) and her family alive for us.  We see their love for each other, their faith and their ability to get through anything as long as they are together.  

The book has a "PG" rating but I found nothing a child couldn't read.  I read portions of it to my 12 year old son, "What, no Nintendo? No indoor toilets? "   There is one scene where Mamma chases the German soldier out of her house with a broom.  Not only does she chase him out but she runs after him hitting him over the head with her broom.  We both laughed out loud with this! My 12 year old's response "Way to go Mamma!  Keep reading to me- I like this family"  And you will, too.  

Mr. Antonaccio hints about a sequel, I look forward to reading more about Lucia and her family.

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Genre – Children’s NonFiction / History – Europe

Rating – PG


I was so enchanted by the town of Fornelli, I've decided to upload some pictures I found.

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