Lilia

A True Story of Love, Courage, and Survival in the Shadow of War

By: Linda Ganzini

Narrated by: Nancy Peterson

Length: 14 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Lilia is an emotionally wrenching coming-of-age and compelling family drama. Trapped under Mussolini’s reign and Hitler’s occupation, this riveting true story is propelled by a brave girl’s courage and a family’s bond as they struggle to survive the battle between the forces of evil and the power of love.

Where there is love, hope remains.

Against the backdrop of fascist Italy during World War II and the Holocaust, Lilia sets the stage for the harrowing story of a family whose depth of heart overcomes a war tearing them apart—years marred by unfathomable tragedies, immense loss, upheaval, and countless betrayals.

Lilia resigns herself to a world crushed by misery, abject poverty, and a broken, bitter mother who suffered insurmountable grief. The burden of war, loneliness, and adult responsibilities rob her of a carefree childhood. Witnessing her parent’s challenge to stay alive during the Nazi occupation becomes Lilia’s greatest sorrow, one she makes the most heroic efforts to conceal. Ultimately, tragic loss and unanswered prayers dim the flame of her belief in the future. Will a seed of love reignite Lilia’s faith leading her toward an unforgettable and inspiring triumph over tragedy? Or will the dark shadow of war plague her destiny forever?

This poignant account will transport you to a lost moment in history that irreversibly changes a quaint Northern Italian village, transforming its people for generations to come. Through the eyes and fearless spirit of a young girl, Lilia’s family story comes to life on the page, and it will remain in your heart long after you finish the final chapter.

This inspirational book is changing lives.

©2021 Linda Ganzini (P)2024 Linda Ganzini

A solid coming of age tale

Lilia by Linda Ganzini is the true life story of the titular character as she grows up through the Second World War and beyond with her parents and siblings. There is much tragedy throughout; a stark reminder that people lived through horrific events. But throughout, there is also hope and humor. Knowing the book was written by the character’s daughter proves that even through the most devastating experiences life can bring, hope is an important thing to keep.

I found the book enjoyable and important, right along books like Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search For Meaning and The Dairy of Anne Frank. I also thought the reader, Nancy Peterson, did a fantastic job with the multiple voices of not only the other characters but also Lilia as she ages from a young girl to a teenager.

A must read! Don't miss out!

The life of Lilia. A true story, cinematic written by Linda Ganzini. Scenes narrated by Nancy Peterson, who does a fabulous job at bringing this story to life! This story is from the eyes of a young girl, Lilia. She takes us to Italy. To the time during the World War II, when Italy’s citizens underwent the influences of Mussolini and the Nazi party. Lilia was the youngest of the sisters in her family. Her tasks at a young age are the meaning of childhood weeping and sorrow experiences. The stir of bravery, love, courage, joy, laughter, and survival is at the core of the journey in Lilia's story. A must read! I could not put the book down! I have no doubt one day we'll see Lilia’s story as a featured cinema production!

Do Not Miss This!

Lilia was subjected to the horrible events that happened in northern Italy during the war but never lost the spark of life and tenderness that allowed her to become such a wonderful human being.
The part that really made me cry the most was the end of the book where Lilia and Linda Ganzini give background notes to the story. I felt closure for some of the saddest parts of the story as Linda told about her miraculous meeting with Arturo’s friend.

Heart-wrenching, superbly written and narrated!

I've never written a book review before, but this book deserves all the praise it can garner!
I was not familiar with Italy's involvement during World War II and was appalled to discover that not only were the Italian citizens required to fight for Hitler under Mussolini, but that after Mussolini was voted out of power they suffered intensely at the hands of the Nazi party who they had once fought for.
As awful as war is for anyone, it was heart-wrenching to see these events unfold through the eyes of a child too young to comprehend what was happening to her family, yet required to grow up fast in order to hold her family together. Such courage and resilience are rarely seen these days!
High praise for the narrator Nancy Peterson who does a fabulous job drawing you into the story with her accents and characterizations.
Beautifully written and narrated, this true life story needed to be shared with the world! As the author notes at the story's conclusion "we must never forget because then we are in danger of repeating the same mistakes." Thank you for sharing this compelling family story with me, I promise not to forget!

Time moves on and we struggle to learn, so we repeat.

As a man in my mid-sixties, my perspective on historical events is colored by the hindsight of years and the experience that comes with age. “Lilia,” beautifully written by Linda Ganzini and masterfully narrated by Nancy Peterson, is delivered in a way that is as engaging as it is historical and a poignant reminder of a past that we must not forget.

From the first chapter, Peterson’s narration is captivating. Her ability to gradually transform her voice to match Lilia’s growth from a child into a teenager is remarkable. The story is like stepping into a time machine and witnessing history firsthand. “Lilia” isn’t just an audiobook; it feels more like an immersive radio drama, where every character comes to life with depth and emotion.

The story, set against the dark backdrop of Mussolini’s Italy and World War II, could easily have been a tale of unrelenting despair. However, Ganzini skillfully balances the harsh realities of war with rich passages of love, light, romance, and laughter. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a theme that resonated deeply with me.

It’s one thing to learn about historical events in a classroom; it’s another to feel their weight through the eyes of someone who lived it. The story of Lilia and her family is a stark reminder that their struggles are not confined to history. They are ongoing and echoed in the lives of many today, making the message of this book timely and profoundly relevant. Stories like these must be told and retold in books and schools. I’d love to see this tale adapted one day into a film or series, bringing its powerful message to an even wider audience.

Lilia’s story will stay with you, urging reflection, understanding, and action. I highly recommend this book to anyone, especially those who seek a deeper understanding of the breadth of human experience during one of history’s darkest times.

Beautiful!

I immensely loved listening to this book. The story was very well-written, inspiring, and heartwarming. I cried, hoped, daydreamed, loved, and cried some more along with Lilia and what she had gone through growing up during the war. The author wrote the story beautifully which keep me engaged from start to finish. Very well done.

Nancy Peterson was just simply amazing with her narration. She brought so much life to the words. She's so talented!

Will not forget this one

I have such a hard time reading about concentration camps but the stories need to be told. This one was great-showed the resiliency of the people.

Lilia- inside Italian Hearts WWII

Lilia, her family and the Italian people will capture your heart throughout this story. The author sets all scenes to mimic the mood of the characters in a way that pulls you into Italy and allows you to empathize with its citizens during such a challenging and horrifying time in our World’s history.

A stunning family saga

This book is a five-course meal, not fast food. The author relates her mother's memories of Italy during WWII and does it beautifully. The characters come alive, a harsh and exacting mother, a warm and loving father, poverty, war, and hope. What I love best about this book is that I learned things I did not know about Italy during WWII. I had no idea that the war caused a civil war between those Italians who supported Hitler and those who did not. I had no idea there was also an Italian Holocaust, with around fifty thousand Italians killed most of them from poor peasant families. There is no such thing as History, only Histories. It is important that we learn about all the ways different people were affected by war so as not to repeat it.
The other thing I loved about this book was being part of this family. These people will stay with me for a long time.
Also, Nancy Peterson did a fantastic job of narrating this story. Her ability to do the accents and pronounce the names and foods made it feel very realistic. It was like her voice was made for this story. Exceptional all the way around.

Couldn't stop listening! Narration was captivating

What an amazing story. Brilliant writing and the fabulous narration brought the whole story to life. I became so involved in the story and the family at the heart of it that I couldn't stop listening. This true story will leave a mark in your heart and open your eyes to historical events you have probably never heard before. I did not want the story to end. Add this book to your 'must have' list. You will not regret it.