Eternal

By: Lisa Scottoline

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Edoardo Ballerini, Lisa Scottoline

Length: 19 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER

Number one best-selling author Lisa Scottoline offers a sweeping and shattering epic of historical fiction fueled by shocking true events, the tale of a love triangle that unfolds in the heart of Rome...in the creeping shadow of fascism.

What war destroys, only love can heal.

Elisabetta, Marco, and Sandro grow up as the best of friends despite their differences. Elisabetta is a feisty beauty who dreams of becoming a novelist; Marco the brash and athletic son in a family of professional cyclists; and Sandro a Jewish mathematics prodigy, kind-hearted and thoughtful, the son of a lawyer and a doctor. Their friendship blossoms to love, with both Sandro and Marco hoping to win Elisabetta's heart. But in the autumn of 1937, all of that begins to change as Mussolini asserts his power, aligning Italy's Fascists with Hitler's Nazis and altering the very laws that govern Rome. In time, everything that the three hold dear - their families, their homes, and their connection to one another - is tested in ways they never could have imagined.

As anti-Semitism takes legal root and World War II erupts, the threesome realizes that Mussolini was only the beginning. The Nazis invade Rome, and with their occupation come new atrocities against the city's Jews, culminating in a final, horrific betrayal. Against this backdrop, the intertwined fates of Elisabetta, Marco, Sandro, and their families will be decided, in a heartbreaking story of both the best and the worst that the world has to offer.

Unfolding over decades, Eternal is a tale of loyalty and loss, family and food, love and war - all set in one of the world's most beautiful cities at its darkest moment. This moving novel will be forever etched in the hearts and minds of listeners.

©2021 Lisa Scottoline (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"An accomplished historical novel that is both steeped in period detail and full of relatable characters.... Scottoline is a master at ramping up the suspense." (Washington Post)

"Eternal is remarkable historical fiction that brings to life Rome in the years leading up to and during WWII on the shoulders of unforgettable characters caught up on all sides of terrible events spinning beyond their control. Scottoline’s research is impeccable, her storytelling is propulsive, and the emotional times she describes are deep, moving, and yes, eternal." (Mark Sullivan, best-selling author of Beneath a Scarlet Sky)

"The master storyteller Lisa Scottoline is at the height of her powers with Eternal. This magnificent epic is the story of three childhood friends who come of age during World War II Italy. You are with them in the worst of times as they navigate their lost dreams. You will root for their survival as they find redemption in a post-war world they must build with hope. Love. Faith. Friendship. Courage. It's all here and it is essential reading." (Adriana Trigiani, best-selling author of Lucia, Lucia and The Shoemaker's Wife)

Family First - this is a masterpiece!

Family First Is my family motto. It is prominent in this book. I have read all of Lisa Scottoline’s books. This is her masterpiece. It is an amazing historical fiction which everyone should read. The research, talent, and love that went into this book is priceless. Scottoline’s language and the voice of the book are stunning.
I was not familiar at all with the Italian holocaust although I’ve read numerous books on the Jewish Holocaust, both fiction and nonfiction. Brava, Lisa Scottoline!
Eduardo Ballerini and Cassandra Campbell were fantastic! I know Ballerini is bilingual but I kept researching Campbell to see if she was (I never found out) Well done.

Different telling of WW2

This was a great book...wasn’t sure I wanted such a long book but well worth it. How the lives of the three main characters were affected by the war and in such different ways was very revealing.

Best of Lisa Scottoline

This is the best book I read of Lisa Scottoline and that is saying something because all her books are great. A must read for sure!

Eternal

I loved listening to this historical fiction with the authentic Italian accents ! Will recommend.

To live in Rome in 1943.

A beautifully written historical novel of the Italian Jews and their roundup by the Natzi and ultimately sent to Auswitz only to be killed. Only 16 survived. The telling of two families and the kids who were the best of friends growing up in that time. The readers were fantastic. They transported you to that time and place.

Great listen

I really appreciated listening because there were so many Italian words I would not have gotten right in my own head. The story was captivating from the start. I agree with the author that less is known about the Italian Holocaust, therefore welcomed. There was a strong historical story presented with young love to weave it all together.

Simple story; overly dramatized narration

This is a very simple story of love and friendship. The historical setting is interesting as few books focus on Italy's Fascist history. In general, it is a good story.

The narration will have you laughing a bit. Not sure why they used male & female narrators. I wish there was a sample of the man's voice before buying as I thought he overdramatized the reading. The female narrator was good. Just had to laugh and repeat every time she used the accent with Elisabeta's name. For future reference, accents should be subtle and add to the story rather than detract from authenticity.

One of my all time favorites

Loved this book and hope the author undertakes more historical fiction. It’s a long book but I was sad when it ended. Great characters, great storyline and wonderful performances. Highly recommend.

This author should be SO proud!

While Lisa Scottoline has been a successful author for many years, this is so different from her typical writing, and she has much to be proud of with this book. I'm glad she finally write it and I learned so much! This is a heartbreaking story because of its truth, but it is also a beautiful story of love and family, and friendship ...with the best character development!
I highly recommend the listen!

Outstanding read

Eternal captured my attention from the beginning. I loved the characters and their development.