REVIEW
“An evocative tale of love and resilience amidst wartime Italy’s turmoil, capturing the triumph of the human spirit.”
Angel of Alta Langa: A Novel of Love & War by Suzanne Hoffman offers a sweeping narrative set against the backdrop of prewar and wartime Italy, chronicling the lives of two remarkable women, Sara Fiore and Doretta Giordano. Sara, a spirited farm girl from Barbaresco, and Doretta, the daughter of a Fascist Jewish banker, defy societal expectations to pursue their dreams amid the tumult of Mussolini’s regime and Nazi occupation.
Their intertwined stories, guided by the enigmatic Cornelia Bottero, depict a journey of resilience, love, and sacrifice. Sara’s path leads her from the vineyard-covered hills of Langhe to the battlefield as a nurse, while Doretta becomes a fierce partisan fighter, confronting her mortal enemy, Baldo Volpe, amidst the chaos of war.
Hoffman masterfully weaves together themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption as the characters navigate the treacherous landscape of fascist Italy. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships forged in adversity, portraying the unbreakable bond between Sara and Doretta amidst the horrors of war.
Against the backdrop of historical events such as the enactment of the Racial Laws and Italy’s surrender to the Allies, Hoffman crafts a vivid portrayal of life during wartime, capturing the courage and resilience of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances.
Angel of Alta Langa is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring power of love and friendship in the face of adversity. Hoffman’s richly detailed narrative transports readers to a tumultuous period in history, offering a poignant exploration of the triumph of the human heart amidst the ravages of war.
