By Adriana Trigiani

ISBN: 9780593183328

In the mood for an emotional historical fiction set during the second world war? Adriana Trigiani’s ‘The Good Left Undone’ offers a multigenerational story centered on women protagonists in a story about love and loss.

Synopsis:

In Viareggio, Italy as an aging Matelda realizes she is nearing her life’s end, she reflects on her mother Domenica’s life and wonders what her family’s legacy is. Anina, her granddaughter, is anticipating big changes in her life as well as she prepares for her wedding. As she spends time with and cares for her grandmother, she is curious about the life her great-grandmother spent.

Domenica was working as a nurse in the local clinic in Viareggio when to atone for a mistake, she was sent to Marseille, France just as the world is slipping into the Second World War. As she eventually finds herself in Scotland, her love story with a sea captain she had met in France blossoms. The fallout from the War impacts the life of fellow Italians in Scotland and Domenica’s life as well while she grieves for the distance from her hometown and family.

Matelda and Anina revisit Domenica’s life story and think about the things that tie their stories together; life, loss, and their family’s legacy.

What’s to like:

For fans of the historical fiction genre, this book provides a treat. Domenica’s story spanning Italy, France, and Scotland is very well written and keeps the reader engaged. Her character is strong and likable and her life, described in the multigenerational setting, touches the reader’s heart. The love story at the heart of the novel stays with us.

What’s not to like:

The rest of the book set in the present about Matelda’s granddaughter is disappointing. It doesn’t seem to be adding anything to the story and is difficult to get through.

Book Review Rating: 3.5/5 – Feel Good

Clean Content Rating: Intermediate. Contains references to premarital relations, violence, and death. Age advisory: 18+