By 
Barbara Josselsohn, the Author of “The Forgotten Italian Restaurant” had written a captivating, memorable, and intriguing novel. The Genres for this story are Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, and Fiction. The Author has written two timelines, 1943, and the present. The locations for this story are set in Italy during the Nazi occupation, and in present time, in the United States and Italy. The Author vividly describes the preparation and selection of foods, and the small town in Italy before, during and after the war. The author describes the colorful and dramatic characters as complex and complicated. It is amazing how the characters in the past, and present connect to make this story complete.
During the war, there were some brave and courageous women that brought food to those people harboring Jewish people. There often was a menu, with certain codes that were in the baskets that had significant meaning, and very dangerous. During the war, many Jewish people and others disappeared and others were lost track of. There were some women that risked their lives in saving other people.
In the present, Callie finds a wooden box with a hidden menu, and pictures of people from the past while going through her sister’s drawers. There were symbols on the menu. Callie’s older sister had just passed away leaving a baby and husband. In the box, Callie finds two tickets to Italy and her passport. Callie has many regrets, but feels there is special meaning, and is determined to go to Italy to find out the past secrets of the family.
I appreciate that the author discusses the special bond between sisters, family, and friends. I enjoyed reading about the different foods made in the region. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.
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