Courage, My Love

By: Kristin Beck

Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan

When the Nazi occupation of Rome begins, two courageous young women are plunged deep into the Italian Resistance to fight for their freedom in this captivating debut novel.

Rome, 1943

Lucia Colombo has had her doubts about fascism for years, but as a single mother in an increasingly unstable country, politics are for other people--she needs to focus on keeping herself and her son alive. Then the Italian government falls and the German occupation begins, and suddenly, Lucia finds that complacency is no longer an option.

Francesca Gallo has always been aware of injustice and suffering. A polio survivor who lost her father when he was arrested for his anti-fascist politics, she came to Rome with her fiancé to start a new life. But when the Germans invade and her fiancé is taken by the Nazis, Francesca decides she has only one option: to fight back.

As Lucia and Francesca are pulled deeper into the struggle against the Nazi occupation, both women learn to resist alongside the partisans to drive the Germans from Rome. But as winter sets in, the occupation tightens its grip on the city, and the resistance is in constant danger.

In the darkest days, Francesca and Lucia face their pasts, find the courage to love, and maintain hope for a future that is finally free.

Great story once you get past the narration

I found myself very distracted by the narration in the beginning. Her story narration was fine, but the character voices were inconsistent and annoying. The story kept me interested. I loved the strong female characters and the history behind their story.

Interesting and compelling

I liked this book. It kept my interest and the narration was fine. I am addicted to WW2 historical fiction or non-fiction and especially far flung areas that were affected. I have listened to many such novels and I learned more about Rome’s involvement with this one.

the GREATEST generation in story format

This book is enthralling. it captures a asense of right and wrong in an amazing way. I found
myself cheering on the characters. crying for them. and praying for them. the author did a great job entertaining truth and fiction from WW11. I didn't want it to end!!

Heroism for women storyline

Enjoyed this read very much. I was able to read Lucia stories by two chapters at a time then Francesca's by two til halfway through the book then they finally intertwined where I had to read it chapter by chapter. I didn't want to put it down. It can relate to those who are a single parent to a marriage that is rekindled and can also relate to nurse/doctor rolls along with widow loss to finding hope when all was lost.

Women in the war

Another story well done, showing the roles of women in WWII. The stories to finally to have them recognized! Nicely done!