The Garden of Letters

De: Alyson Richman, Alyson Richman - introduction

Narrado por: Elizabeth Sastre

THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE LOST WIFE

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.

Reseñas de la Crítica

Advanced praise for THE GARDEN OF LETTERS
"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 bestselling 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 bestselling author of Those Who Save Us“The Garden of Letters demonstrates artistry of the highest order. Lyrical and compelling, Alyson Richman’s novel of a cellist coming of age in wartime Italy is as layered as a symphony. Exquisite.”—Erika Robuck, author of Fallen Beauty

“A brilliant novel that will haunt me for years to come.”—Kristina McMorris, bestselling author of The Pieces We Keep

“Alyson Richman crafts a transportive novel vivid with history and fragile with hope.”—Jessica Brockmole, author of Letters from Skye

Praise for THE LOST WIFE
"A truly beautiful heartfelt story...I couldn't put it down once I started it. Ms. Richman is a very special talent."—New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah

"Staggeringly evocative, romantic, heart-rending, sensual and beautifully written, Alyson Richman's The Lost Wife may very well be the Sophie's Choice of this generation."— New York Times bestselling author John Lescroart

"Moving, unforgettable and so expertly told, you have to wonder if the author has a gift of time travel—this is storytelling at its very best."—Sarah Jio, New York Times bestselling author

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.

Exceptional Writing/Narration

Beautifully written. Skillfully narrated. Historical Moving and Sweeping . Great character development. I loved everything about this novel. An all time favorite!

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.