A Bittersweet & Educational Historical Fiction Novel from post WWII

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I thought this was a very unique historical fiction novel based on true events. I've never read anything about this particular topic in history so I was really excited for this book.

This book follows young boy, Amerigo, living amongst the ruins and poverty of WWII in southern Italy. In a means to provide a better life for her son over the winter, Amerigo's mother sends him on a train to northern Italy. Here he will stay with a family that will be able to provide for him and keep him warm.

I think it is so wonderful how many families up north were willing to welcome these children into their homes with open arms. This shows that even in bad times, there are still positives and good people out there!

This book was heartbreaking. It was told from the view of Amerigo, which definitely had a huge effect. This added to the realness of the time and you really felt his raw emotions. I think the trueness of this situation could only have been told from a child's perspective. The chapters were on the longer side, which I usually don't prefer, but they still seemed to fly by when reading.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction based on true events, showing resiliency during depressing times, and anyone who just wants to read a great bittersweet uplifting book!

I was lucky enough to receive a free ARC of this book from Bookish First in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!