The journey of Elsa, who is originally from Germany, starts when she is in her early fifties in Italy. It is 1934, and her daughter Mela just suggested that Elsa buys the Pensione Alexandra, a well-established guest house in Naples. Elsa accepts the challenge and soon becomes enthusiastic in her new function. But shortly thereafter, the fascist leaders of that time change lives all over Europe, including Elsa’s. She suddenly finds herself in a fight for life.
The story of Elsa is really heart-touching, and I enjoyed it a lot. I especially liked the part on renovating and reestablishing the pensione. Being from Germany originally, I am familiar with such emigration stories, but this one is different, since the point of departure is rather Italy. Knowing that this is a family story makes the book even more special. However, although the narrative is really interesting and well written, I had a hard time getting into the book. The story takes quite some time to evolve, and some monologues of Elsa are a bit lengthy. I would have loved to learn more about Paul as well, who always seemed to me as the rather insignificant other. At some points, especially when Elsa is telling about the present, I had the feeling that Paul was really important to her, but still he did not get the attention I was hoping for.
All this being said, I can recommend the book to anybody who enjoys historical novels, but is not afraid of reading about hard times, either.
The story of Elsa is really heart-touching, and I enjoyed it a lot. I especially liked the part on renovating and reestablishing the pensione. Being from Germany originally, I am familiar with such emigration stories, but this one is different, since the point of departure is rather Italy. Knowing that this is a family story makes the book even more special. However, although the narrative is really interesting and well written, I had a hard time getting into the book. The story takes quite some time to evolve, and some monologues of Elsa are a bit lengthy. I would have loved to learn more about Paul as well, who always seemed to me as the rather insignificant other. At some points, especially when Elsa is telling about the present, I had the feeling that Paul was really important to her, but still he did not get the attention I was hoping for.
All this being said, I can recommend the book to anybody who enjoys historical novels, but is not afraid of reading about hard times, either.