The Garden of Letters

By: Alyson Richman

Narrated by: Elizabeth Sastre, Alyson Richman

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Set against the rich backdrop of World War II Italy, Garden of Letters captures the hope, suspense, and romance of an uncertain era, in an epic intertwining story of first love, great tragedy, and spectacular bravery.

Portofino, Italy, 1943. A young woman steps off a boat in a scenic coastal village. Although she knows how to disappear in a crowd, Elodie is too terrified to slip by the German officers while carrying her poorly forged identity papers. She is frozen until a man she's never met before claims to know her. In desperate need of shelter, Elodie follows him back to his home on the cliffs of Portofino.

Only months before, Elodie Bertolotti was a cello prodigy in Verona, unconcerned with world events. But when Mussolini's Fascist regime strikes her family, Elodie is drawn into the burgeoning resistance movement by Luca, a young and impassioned bookseller. As the occupation looms, she discovers that her unique musical talents, and her courage, have the power to save lives.

In Portofino, young doctor Angelo Rosselli gives the frightened and exhausted girl sanctuary. He is a man with painful secrets of his own, haunted by guilt and remorse. But Elodie's arrival has the power to awaken a sense of hope and joy that Angelo thought was lost to him forever.

©2014 Alyson Richman (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Richman seamlessly weaves together the languages of music and love, reaching into the heart of the reader with artful portraits of heroism, sacrifice and redemption. Fans of The Lost Wife will again savor Richman's ability to tell a remarkable story about people who are unforgettable and real." (Pam Jenoff, international best-selling author)

“Lyrical and rich...filled with beauty and tragedy, romance and heartbreak.” (Jillian Cantor, author of Margot)

“Graceful, mellifluous...read this book.” (Jenna Blum, New York Times best-selling author of Those Who Save Us)

Beautiful Story

I hated to finish this book. Loved the characters. Bought 3 copies so friends could share in this story.

My thoughts

This story went above my expectations. The narrator was absolutely wonderful, and my most memorable moment was when she failed the mission.

A favorite!

I loved this tender work of heart! The author and narrator took me away to this time and place, and I loved every minute of it.

Eh, so so

Would you try another book from Alyson Richman and/or Elizabeth Sastre and Alyson Richman ?

Elizabeth Sastre is an excellent narrator.

Would you be willing to try another book from Alyson Richman? Why or why not?

Yeeeeeeaaaaaahhhh....I guess. I'd want to give her another chance. The story had potential, then sort of just fell apart at the end.

Any additional comments?

This book started off well. It was interesting, good character development. Towards the end it just fell apart, I didn't like the ending at all. I don't know, it kind of just left me wanting more. One thing I hated the entire book was her overuse of descriptive descriptions (if that makes any sense). It left one feeling unrelatable to the characters sometimes, because things were often just not described in a realistic way. Like, "he could see her reflection in her eyes." While you technically can, you're not seeing your own expression in someone else's eyes.

And, while the story should have only been spoken by the two main characters, she would jump to over to the person the main character was talking to and briefly describe the situation from their side of it, or explore how they were feeling, and then jump back to the main character.

There was lots of eye rolling from me throughout the book, but it wasn't irritating enough for me stop listening. The narration was excellent, and really saved the story.

Aburrido

Después de leer Los amantes de Praga y Las horas de terciopelo, este libro es decepcionante.

Garden of Letters

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Definitely, first the novel was beautiful, second, the narrators were awesome.

What did you like best about this story?

The room of letters and how it's transformed in the end.

What about Elizabeth Sastre and Alyson Richman ’s performance did you like?

Both of them were so realistic, at times you could swear there was also a male narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I DID! BEAUTIFUL BOOK!!!!!

Any additional comments?

This is a novel that you want to sit and savor.....

AWESOME

After a slow start introducing the characters, I couldn't put it down. I laughed and cried. The story line gave few clues as to what would come next. I didn't really want to listen to this book, but I am so glad I did. Hope there is a sequel.

Haunting

This book was hauntingly beautiful, with many surprising twists and turns.The characters in the book were lovingly brought to life By the narrator and kept you entranced throughout

Ok overall

The book was just ok for me. The story seemed to lull in places and the. capture me in others. I also think the ending was abrupt and odd.

Excellent in every way

I love how the author worked music into the story line . This is a very well written story which combines love , war and redemption in a beautifully intertwined manner.