The Liberation by Kate Furnivall

The Liberation is set in Italy in 1945 as British and American troops attempt to bring order to the devastated country and Italy’s population fights to survive. Caterina Lombardi is desperate – her father is dead, her mother has disappeared and her brother is being drawn towards danger. One morning, among the ruins of the bombed Naples streets, Caterina is forced to go to extreme lengths to protect her own life and in doing so forges a future in which she must clear her father's name. An Allied Army officer accuses him of treason and Caterina discovers a plot against her family. Who can she trust and who is the real enemy now? And will the secrets of the past be her downfall?

I had never come across books by Kate Furnivall so when an ARC of The Liberation arrived through the post I was looking forward to reading a book by a new author and having the high praise by Dinah Jefferies on the cover, who is an author I really admire I had high hopes for this book.

When Caterina Lombardi is questioned by Army office Major Par about her Fathers involvement in stolen valuable items she is  determined to clear her father’s name but she soon discovers that her life is in danger along with her Nonna and little brother.  Desperate to protect her remaining family Caterina embarks on a dangerous journey to get to the truth but who can she really trust?

The storyline is set in Italy back in 1945 and thanks to the author vivid writing style Sorrento and Naples is brought to life showing the effects of the devastation that these places had faced the beauty still shines through as well as the hardship that the people were living through whilst their country recovers and finds its feet after invasion.

Caterina was a courageous young woman who was prepared to go to any length to protect what was left of her family. She is a character you can’t help but admire as she is wise beyond her years taking things with both hands and  embarking on a journey that she may not return from.

There was a charming little romance weaved through the storyline but it didn’t over shadow the main plot it just brought a little light to the deep and dangerous plot. I loved that the book kept me guessing the whole way through, I had little suspicions here and there but I wasn’t even close so I was in suspense the whole way through.

This was such a powerful and enthralling read that I couldn’t put down. I will definitely be picking up some of Kate Furnivall’s previous books next time I am in town.

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