The Garden of Letters

The Garden of Letters

Alyson Richman

Written in dazzling prose and 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 that Angelo thought was lost to him forever.

The Garden of Letters - Reviews

“I will remember the voice of this best seller like that of a flute, floating into the room.”

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Riki Goshen, IBA

“The Garden of Letters by Alyson Richman is a touching and sweeping novel taking place in Italy, which is an extra bonus.”

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Anat Bar-Lev Efrati, La'Isha

“Extraordinary stories from difficult times, bursting with sensuality and love. One of the best books I have recently read. Highly recommended.”

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Yafit Erez, Onlife

“A wonderful book, written with great sensitivity and beauty. I enjoyed very much reading it. Do not miss!!”

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Sigi Kadosh, Nuritha