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)

Clara Benigno

CALLING ALL ITALIAN-AMERICAN READERS! BRAVA LISA SCOTTOLINE!! This book is a masterpiece. A must read! This historical fictional novel tells about an unknown, untold time in history that needed to be told. An amazing love story that will live forever. A story of 3 friends and their totally different families bond together by an ETERNAL love. You will be transported back to Italy: longing for the country, the food, freedom & innocence, fairness & justice, and sadness & joy. An instant favorite! I loved it ! Thanks!!!

A wonderful and inspiring book

I loved this book for both the historical facts I learned and for the wonderful gripping story full of love, danger and devotion.

Scottoline’s Best

I started reading Lisa Scottoline’s books because I was a fan of legal thrillers. With that said I believe this is her finest work yet, and that says a lot given how much I’ve enjoyed her other books.

beautiful story.

Interesting, historical truth telling, through a fictional narrative. I loved the sweet characters and was totally immersed in the story.

Outstanding.

I don’t normally submit reviews but this book was so well written that I had to share my thoughts. First, the readers were spot on I’m every way. As you progress in the book, you wonder “can it continue to be as gut wrenching or is this the last of it but no, she keeps going.” Her research brought out the horrors of the time but brought you back to love their perseverance and determination not to let the horrors destroy them. I know I am rambling but just read or listen to this and you will understand what I am saying. Bravo Ms Scottoline 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

absorbing historical fiction

Lisa Scottolini has excelled herself. I was completely absorbed into Italy during the second world war. The characters are vivid and lovable. The conflict drives the narrative such that the tragedy is in the perspective of the long term love story. History changes things and people change as a result of it.

LOVE this story!

I wish there was a movie of this book! I have recommended “Eternal” to all my friends.

A gem

Make sure that you have enough time to ingest this book. It takes a little time to adjust to the style, but the story is so compelling.

Great book

I enjoyed this book mainly for the family's that it is written about and the picture that the author tries to paint of the Italian towns and the life there in. I have never been to these towns but maybe some day I will get the chance to see them. Great novel thank you to the readers who made it come to life and to Lisa Scottoline for writing it.

Lost me at the end

I was too sad to enjoy the ending. Excellent historical story but heartbreaking. I will never understand why the Jewish race had to endure so much injustice and heartache. Great narrators!