The Garden of Angels

By: David Hewson

Narrated by: Richard Armitage

At his beloved Nonno Paolo's deathbed, 15-year-old Nico receives a gift that will change his life forever: a yellowing manuscript which tells the haunting, twisty tale of what really happened to his grandfather in Nazi-occupied Venice in 1943.

The Palazzo Colombina is home to the Uccello family: three generations of men, trapped together in the dusty palace on Venice's Grand Canal. Awkward 15-year-old Nico. His distant, business-focused father. And his beloved grandfather, Paolo. Paolo is dying. But before he passes, he has secrets he's waited his whole life to share.

When a Jewish classmate is attacked by bullies, Nico just watches - earning him a week's suspension and a typed, yellowing manuscript from his frail Nonno Paolo. A history lesson, his grandfather says. A secret he must keep from his father. A tale of blood and madness....

Nico is transported back to the Venice of 1943, an occupied city seething under its Nazi overlords and to the defining moment of his grandfather's life: when Paolo's support for a murdered Jewish woman brings him into the sights of the city's underground resistance. Hooked and unsettled, Nico can't stop reading - but he soon wonders if he ever knew his beloved grandfather at all.

©2021 David Hewson (P)2021 W. F. Howes

Critic reviews

"Gripping and powerful, The Garden of Angels richly evokes the tension and threat of Nazi-occupied Venice. A moving and important novel.” (Tess Gerritsen, author of The Shape of Night)

"Vivid and compelling. A richly wrought thriller, a love story and a warning that spans decades. I was thinking about this book for days." (Sarah Pinborough, author of Behind Her Eyes)

Extraordinary, Heartbreaking Tale

I have read thousands of books and in the last couple of years have racked up at least 1k Audible books. This book will stay with me all my life. Mr. Hewson’s words painted a more vibrantly real Venice than the one I photographed years ago. What a treasure this story is, making me reflect in wonder how my ancestors survived being driven out of Spain, only to see the same hate in Italy. Towns and vineyards bear my family name for centuries in the foothills of the Italian Alps. Yet we remain foreigners in the eyes of locals, sacrificial lambs in times of utter insanity. I genuflect and praise Mr. Hewson for reminding me that no matter how much hate swirls all around, love is what makes a person lay down his/her life for others. And from that life buried in darkness, new life springs forth and prosper. Heartfelt accolades as well for Mr. Armitage, whose storytelling voice artistry is unparalleled in stirring up emotions and bringing to life this timeless book. I am both your faithful fan forever.

Fantastic historical fiction

Compelling and dramatic story, intense and intriguing characters, fantastic narration. Will read all of this author’s books

This was a riveting, wonderfully narrated story, and given what’s happening these days, relevant once again.

Nothing. It was perfect, and the narrator, Richard Armitage, once again, wove his magic to draw one in and tell a great story.

A “story” all should hear

This is one of the best books I have read, ever. While it is a story, at the same time, it is not and it helps to remind us of the history some of us have forgotten or choose not to think about.

Beautifully told

A beautifully rich telling of a difficult part of history. the narration is superb. the story nuanced, layered, and full of realism.

Intriguing...

I loved the story, I was intrigued by the story of Paolo and how it would unfold, couldn’t stop listening. Although I’m not into warstories this one was interesting and gave an idea of the war in Venice.
The narration by Richard Armitage was great! The different voices give each character their own personality.

Terrific book

Absolutely terrific book! Loved the setting and the story had Avery surprise twist! Great narration too.

The ending

The ending makes it worth it. There are times that I got lost in names. But the lessons of the book and the ending really make it all worth the time.

Excellent Story, Expert Narration, A Winning Combo!

Give Armitage the phone book and he’d make it a fantastic listen. But give him a great story and then you’ll have a winner.
Bravo Mr. Hewson for bringing to life such a great story during such hard times in human history. And thank you Mr. Armitage for breathing life into it.
A great listen!

A great read

Henson loves playing with what is good, nearly good and outright evil. In this novel you are constantly at a loss as to who is really good or bad. Well written and well read (although the use of accents is a bit jarring at times, it actually works for someone unfamiliar with Italian accents).