The Postcard from Italy
by
Angela Petch
Publication date: 16th March 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 375
Format read: eBook
Source: Courtesy of the publisher
My review
The Postcard from Italy is a dual timeline historical fiction.
1945 - Billy, a gunner with the RAF, is shot down over Puglia, Italy. He is found unconscious by Domenico and together with his grandson Anto they nurse him back to health. Billy has lost his memory and has no idea who he is or how he came to be on the beach. Domenico is becoming frail and Anto secretly wishes Billy, who they call Roberto, will stay. However, both Domenico and Anto are harbouring secrets.
Present day - Susannah's grandmother is in a nursing home and whilst Susannah is clearing out her home she finds a hidden postcard from Italy dated 1947 with professions of love but unsigned. Did her grandmother Elsie have an affair with an Italian soldier?
Billy's story in 1945 is narrated in first person and then later through his diary entries. He has forgotten his previous life and feels writing snippets of thoughts could bring back details of his past.
The descriptions of the scenery of Puglia are visceral and the day to day life of the simple country people was amazing to read about.
I also enjoyed Susannah's story and how she was eager to find out more about the writer of the postcard and her trip to Puglia held a small romance. We all know those Italian men are pretty hot!!
I was much more invested in Billy's story however I was still intrigued as to how Angela Petch was going to tie it all together. This was executed well and the events that led to Sussannah finding out the full story were quite believable.
I loved everything about the small country town of Puglia, it's past and present day. The characters were real and heartwarming, the scenery was spectacular and the food was mouthwatering. I almost felt like I was experienced it all firsthand.
My Rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
About the author
Every summer she moves to Tuscany for six months where she and her husband own a renovated watermill which they let out. When not exploring their unspoilt corner of the Apennines, she disappears to her writing desk at the top of a converted stable. In her Italian handbag or hiking rucksack she always makes sure to store a notebook and pen to jot down ideas.
The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of her family live. When Angela’s not helping out with grandchildren, she catches up with writer friends.
Angela’s gripping, WWII, Tuscan novels are published by Bookouture. While her novel, Mavis and Dot, was self-published and tells of the frolics and foibles of two best-friends who live by the seaside. Angela also writes short stories published in Prima and People’s Friend.
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