Well written

This is a well written fictionalized family memoir about how WWII affects one family in Italy. It's mostly told by Elsa, the author's grandmother. As the book begins, it's the mid 1930s and Elsa and her husband have just opened a pensione in Naples, Italy. Elsa and her husband have raised 4 children and all but one are out on their own when Elsa decides to open and run a b&b. She tells the reader a lot about her early life as part of the Jewish community in Germany. After so many years in Italy, she considers herself to be part of the German community and as the Germans start their march across Europe, at first she isn't worried about her family future in Italy. Once they start hearing about the atrocities against the Jews, they realize that they need to get out of Italy and hopefully emigrate to America where thy have family. Getting papers to leave Europe for America at this time was getting extremely difficult and their future was very uncertain. By telling this story through Elsa's eyes, the reader gets the view of an ordinary family trying to live their lives the best they can and getting caught up in the results of war. It's heartwarming and a great read.

Thanks to Bookish First for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.