Well, the big question here is who is concealing the most secrets, Scottie or Michael? One after another, they’re revealed to us. The newlywed couple has come to Siena, Italy, 11 years after the end of WWII. They know so little about each other, and most of what they think they know is wrong.

I felt for Scottie when she first arrives In Siena. Years ago, a group of us rented a house in Pontassieve. While most of the gang made their way from Florence to the house via train, the landlady and I spent a few hours struggling between her elementary English, my few words of Italian and a modicum of French for both of us to teach me how to use the alarm, the dishwasher and the washing machine. Luckily, the couple meets Robertino, a teen willing to teach her the language and do any other job that pays.

And as the book goes on, Lynch does a wonderful job of showing us Siena through the eyes of Michael and Scottie.

There is a dry humor here, based on each’s naivete. They are just so young! The narrative is told from multiple people’s point of view. In addition, the author injects concepts to help the reader understand someone’s mindset or move the story forward. I would love to know if the CIA’s rules to which Michael clings are factual to the time. “The rules were very clear that agents were not supposed to go native...The agency actually preferred if their people didn’t speak the language.” OMG, how did we ever win the war against Communism? And there’s always the dichotomy between American and Italian culture. And ours never comes out looking like the best way. While the book starts with a light feel to it, it gets meatier as it goes along. In the end, I was really drawn into this. I kept reading rather than save it for another day. Well done, Ms. Lynch!

My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.

The Italian Party is a spy story set in Italy in the mid-1950’s. A newlywed American couple, Scottie and Michael, arrive in Siena, a small town, to set up a Ford tractor dealership. On the surface, that’s their story, but in reality, he works for the CIA. This is not your typical spy story because it lacks overt violence but there is plenty of intrigue afoot.

Scottie does not know that her husband works for the CIA. She believes his cover story about selling tractors. But she’s got a secret of her own. She’s pregnant, but the child is not his.

In their new home, they meet all kinds of people, but they need to learn the culture and language too. Scottie hires a teenager, Robertino, who is well-known in town, to be her Italian language instructor. He takes her all over the local area, showing her the sights and teaching her the culture. She also meets their landlord, a Marquis, and becomes very close friends with him. Meanwhile, Michael spends a lot of his time in Rome on business, but in reality, he has a lover there. The problem is that it is 1956 and Michael is gay. His lover is his boss, Duncan. At that time, the government was firing people who were gay, calling them a security risk. So he’s risking a lot by carrying on an affair with Duncan. He hides it from his wife, but will she find out his secrets? Will he find out hers? Will he accomplish his mission of defeating a Communist candidate in the upcoming mayoral election?

I found the characters to be authentic and their motivations were believable. The story is quite complex, with a subplot involving the disappearance of Scottie’s friend, Robertino. Along the way, there is plenty of historical background on Italy in the aftermath of WWII. The politics that were going on at the time were complicated. The land itself is rich in history and culture and the author brings this out for the reader. The settings are described well and you feel like you can see the places in your mind’s eye. The time period is also very different from now. The people in the town still use oxen in farming and get around on horses or scooters. Cars have not yet taken over and roads are not paved. The townspeople like the way things are and are not particularly interested in things like farm tractors. They are quite happy with their way of life and it seems like an idyllic one.

The relationship between Duncan and Michael is also complicated. The historical context also helps the reader understand the risks that gay men had to take at the time. For example, one of Michael’s friends is beaten up on his way home, something that could happen even in today’s more accepting climate. But, in the 1950’s, it was viewed much differently and these men had to always be on guard and keep their secrets, which led to much frustration and depression, as seen in Michael’s reaction to being found out.

Overall, this is a great novel that will give the reader insight into Italian culture, the importance of food in that culture, and also the history of the country. It’s also a look at the complexity of human relationships and international relations as well. It was well-written and very enjoyable.

Michael and Scottie are newly married and starting their life together in Italy. Both are hiding secrets, secrets of who they are and why they agreed to marry a relative stranger.. In 1950's Italy they must learn to navigate Italy that is teetering on the brink of Communism. Michael discovers that Scottie is not the innocent she seems and if he trusts her she might be able to understand and help him with his secrets. Scottie quickly embraces the Italian town they live in and learns about the people living there and what she wants. A story of finding your way through the unknown.

My Review of “The Italian Party” by Christina Lynch

Christina Lynch, Author of “The Italian Party” has written an enjoyable, unique, satire and fictional story. The “Italian Party” in no way really means a celebration. It actually refers to the Italy about 10 years after World War Two, while there are controversial political parties.

The author describes her characters as complex, and complicated. Everyone has secrets, lies, omissions, and betrayals. For example, Scottie and Michael are newlyweds, but know absolutely nothing about one another. Really and truly. I can’t give away spoilers, but these two are certainly clueless. I can tell you that Michael works for the CIA, but Scottie has no idea. I can tell you that Scottie is a gorgeous blond American with a Vassar education, and a monumental secret, and never mentioned to Michael that she has no money. Michael thinks she is loaded. Scottie makes no secret that she loves horses, she is like a horse whisperer. Michael reads books on how a husband should treat a wife, and Scottie reads books on what a wife should do to make a husband happy.

So where do these honeymooners go? They go to Italy of course. Michael tells Scottie he will be selling tractors to people who still use donkeys and mules. Of course he is with the CIA, and wants to make sure politics is on America’s side. Michael hires a tutor for Scotty to teach her Italian. Everything falls apart when her teacher goes missing , as well as a special horse. Scotty will not rest until she finds out what is happening.

I appreciate the way the author uses vivid descriptions of the Italian countryside and mountains. Also mentioned is the variety of local foods, that appeals to all senses.

I found this story to be witty and charming, and would recommend this to readers that enjoy both fiction and satire. I received an Advanced Reading Copy from NetGalley for my honest review.

Take a bit of drama, lots of secrets and many laughs - mix together and you get this very enjoyable entertaining tale. What's really fun is as the reader you are privy to almost all of the character's secrets very early in the book (whereas the other character's are not) which made me feel as if I was part of the charade and not just an observer. It is also a great introduction to Italy, specifically Sienna in the 50s. I've had the privilege of staying in Sienna on vacation so I could vividly picture many of the scenes depicted. I enjoyed learning about the history of Italy and interesting facts about grooming and caring for horses. One minor criticism is the amount of Italian the author intersperses into the story; I found it a bit distracting rather than enhancing to the story. All in all a really fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an early release of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Charming, fast-paced and with a dash of mystery. I have already recommended to others!

The Italian Party started off great with a funny scene with the car as they arrived in their new town, Siena Italy. I liked the secrets and mystery that Scottie and Michael had in their marriage. The characters in the Italian city are a fun group too. The idea of this book is great showing how Americans viewed other countries and tried to push its ideas onto citizens all over the world. The only part that was difficult for me was following the political plot with the communists and different political parties. I did get confused a few times but it didn't take away from the story. There was a lot of unexpected parts about horses, which I also enjoyed (and no animals were harmed)!! Overall I did like the characters and I most loved life in Italy and the descriptions of the town, countryside, pasta etc. Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's press for the opportunity to read this book.

Story set in Tuscany in the 50’s. This novel is full of adventure and deception set in beautiful Tuscany. It is the story of Michael, the CIA agent and Scottie, the young pregnant wife who are keeping dark secrets from each other.
It is also a fun story that brought back great memories from my trips to Italy. The great food, wines and country side are nicely depicted. It put a smile on my face.
Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this great book.

Both American newly-weds Michael and Scottie have secrets, and they are not necessarily revealing them, not even to each other. Still, impeccably dressed, they glided into town like royalty. Both each felt like they had won the lottery when they married, except they were really each living a lie. Michael, so he said, worked for Ford and was coming to Italy to open a new Ford office. Scottie came with the best credentials: Vassar grad from a good CA family. However, both sort of “stretched the truth” about their “credentials”. In reality, Michael worked for the CIA and had come to Italy to make sure Catholic party candidate, Gianni Manganelli, won the Siena mayoral election, defeating the Communist mayor, Ugo. What happens when events lead to their facades to falling apart? Can they get through to and with the reality as it dawns on the pair?

The book explored the world of the post WWII/Cold war era. The story is part satire, part romance, part history of life in this era. I enjoyed reading about the country and the couples‘ reactions and/or perceptions, as their lives took many different twists and turns. In fact, there were enough twists and turns to keep my attention throughout. It was interesting to view just what life abroad for Americans was, is and can be. A good book to give the reader a good picture of post WWII life in Cold war Italy and life abroad. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

Lynch’s book is the perfect escape and drops the reader in a delightful and exciting European adventure. I loved Scottie’s character and all the surprises along the way. Full review to be posted on Goodreads, Litsy and Instagram.

Interesting story about secrets and lies.
Left me with a feeling of boredom both with the subject and the era. I did love the portrayal of Italy.

This is a 2-star book for me. The first few chapters caught my interest, but by the time the appliances were delivered to the couple’s new house, I had lost interest. Who in their right minds buy appliances in the US, ships them overseas to be used in a foreign country without checking to see if they would work. At that point, I knew the rest would be sometimes funny, sometimes believable, but a farce all the same. While I finished the book and would try something else by this author, I cannot recommend it.

I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

St. Martin's Press
Pub Date: 03.20.18

So much of what I want to say about The Italian Party would spoil the story for others so I'm going to say it's a fun, very interesting, satirical look at Americans abroad in the 50s. It touches on McCarthyism and the CIA and their view of communism ready to take over the world.

How two young Americans got sucked into all of that is just the beginning of the story. Those they meet along the way move the story along although everyone has secrets upon secrets upon secrets.
Just when you think you've figured out everyone's story there's a surprise you definitely didn't see coming.

Check this quirky story out. I think you'll love it and be glad you did. Thanks to the publisher, author and Netgalley for offering me an ARC.

Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review. In the first few pages as the main characters, a newly married couple, were being introduced, I thought to myself, oh no, I don't think I am going to be able to like these people. Then quite quickly, everything shifted, and it was off to the races. This book was very entertaining. We have all read about WWII in Italy, from Hemingway, to yesterday. But what went on after? You will find one slice of that life here, tragic, romantic, redemptive, eye opening. Check it out.

A newly married American couple move to Siena in 1956, ostensibly so he can sell Ford tractors to the farmers in the area recovering from the war. Both carry secrets with them as they negotiate the values, mores, and fashion of the 1950s as well as Sienese culture.

Told from the points of view of both the husband and wife, this was a fast paced entertaining read. The book features complex character development, a good story, and insight into the politics of the Italian government in that era as well as the historical significance of life in siena, emphasizing the Palio and, of course, the food.

I thought the author perfectly captured the time and place. For me, the experience of getting a car stuck in the ancient, narrow, Tuscan streets in the opening chapter was all too real and amusing, having had a similar experience in the nearby town of Montalcino! Anyone who has visited or would like to visit Siena will be charmed by this book.

There is something so lovely about Tuscany. I’ve been obsessed with the region as a setting since Frances Mayes’ “Under the Tuscan Sun” and this book does the area justice. The 1950s glamour really shines as well in this environment.

The intrigue and espionage of the story is quick-paced and enjoyable. It’s really served well by the dual voices of the protagonists. I love multiple points-of-view in fiction and Lynch did a fantastic job at giving both characters their own unique voices. I liked the story itself and did find it hard to put down, particularly after the first third of the book. As with most historical fiction, there are quite a few names to keep track of, in addition to a lot of Italian words. I didn’t find it difficult; in fact, the addition of Italian was rather enjoyable. It is such a gorgeous language and it really enhanced the plot to include it.

I liked both Scottie and Michael quite a bit. Their relationship throughout the book changes and adapts. I like where they were in the end much more than in the beginning which was the more traditional, misogynistic 1950s social mentality. Scottie’s past in particular really sets her up for some real growth as a woman in this situation. It seemed to me, though, that Scottie takes over the book and comes into bloom a lot more than Michael. He doesn’t seem terribly different at the end but Scottie has really come into her own as a character and grown before our eyes. I liked that for her but would have liked the same for the other protagonist.

My one complaint about the book really comes down to the beginning of it. The secrets of the two protagonists are thrown at the reader hard and fast, a bit too fast for my taste. By page 25, the reader has been introduced to a handful of monumental secrets, one after another in quick succession, that could easily ruin a marriage, or lives in general. It felt a bit like a dump of information to me, like the author wanted to get it all out there before anything else. I think a slower clue-in would have sat better.

All in all, it’s a fun read. It’s pace is quick and delightful, the characters easy to root for and connect with, and the setting is a beauty.


Note: I received a free Kindle edition of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher St. Martin’s Press, and the author Christina Lynch for the opportunity to do so.

A delightful tale of secrets, spies and love set in Italy in the mid 1950's, The Italian Party had me in stitches.

The Italian Party by Christina Lynch
Starts out with Scottie and her new husband Michael as they are traveling through Italy towards their new house.
They have relocated to Italy and Michael will sell tractors. He works at Ford but we also learn other hidden screts about him.
Story also follows Scottie and her past life and her hidden secrets.
Love descriptions of the landscape and people and history as they drive along. To arrive and have nothing there I don't know what I'd do myself.
When the characters are talking in Italian there are Englsih translations so you are not lost.
Robertino is employed by Michael to help him spy on his wife and others. He also takes Scottie around the town aclimating her to the locale.
Lots of action, horses, adventure and mysteries. Just when you think the secrets are out there are more hidden. Sexual scenes and some swearing.
Lots of different plots in this book, easy to keep track of them and I found it interesting to learn of things from so long ago. Resources quoted at the end.
Recieved this review copy via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.

I really felt like I walked into a black and white film, made in the 50’s about post-war Italy, perhaps LA VITA, NOT SO DOLCE. Lynch paints a portrait of a young married couple stumbling into Siena as part of America’s anti-Communist frenzy after WWII. Sadly, their marriage is wrapped in lies and confusion, and they are almost comical in the way they bumble through their efforts.

The reader is transported into the festivities surrounding the Palio and introduced to the various characters that inhabit the small city. Scottie is an all-American, 1950’s prototypical newlywed, but one living with ever expanding secrets. Michael is a Cluseauesque CIA operative, drowning in his own secrets.

Though they are are absolutely comic in their espionage efforts, Lynch manages to entertain the reader with this satirical novel that is very timely. It is also a very informative look at the age of McCarthy and the anti-RED frenzy. All in all, a delightful surprise.

NO JUICY SPOILERS
It’s tempting to want to share spoilers - however- this sexy-romantic-historical fiction comical spy story with secrets that keep coming and coming - is such delightful entertainment—that personally - I suggest JUST READ IT —skip reviews until AFTER you’ve read it. The surprises are a comic-tragic-kick-of-fun.....pushing your curiosity buttons as to how and the heck are these guys going to weasel out of these situations.

This novel is a delicious adventure from start to finish. Oh....and hungry? You’re in Italy for goodness sake.. the best Italian cuisine in the world! I had the best laugh when a can of Del Monte peaches, topped with whipped cream with a maraschino cherry on top ( as seen in the June issue of LIFE), was ‘desired’ ( American canned food) over ‘anything’ Italian. Instead of Gelato? Really? Gotta laugh!

“The Italian Party” is filled with hanky panky enjoyment.
The secrets that American newlyweds Scottie and Michael have kept from each other adds lots of chuckling to Christina Lynch’s debut novel.


There was much that Michael and Scottie didn’t know about each other—yet this handsome American couple ( he always dressed nicely in a cut suit with a camera around his neck -and she a blond knockout always in an elegant hat and pearl choker) —-glided into Siena, Italy....( 1956)...looking charismatic as if they were a royal couple: “young, healthy, wealthy, and in love”.

Michael felt as if he had won the lottery when Scottie agreed to marry him- A Vassar girl from a good family out in California. “And the best part was, she wasn’t smart. Because that’s what Michael wanted. What he needed.”
Michael was from the Bronx.
“Scottie was taught that a woman likes to feel beautiful, and a man likes to feel superior”.

Scottie, too, felt like she won the lottery when she married Michael: A Yale Handsome sensitive man with an artistic soul. She thought of Michael as compassionate- having endured the tragedy of losing his brother. He wasn’t wealthy but he was hard working and had a good job with a Ford tractor agency....(so he told her).

Actually - Michael didn’t work for Ford—( coming to Siena to open a Ford Office) —It was only his cover job. His real job was to secretly make sure Catholic party candidate, Gianni Manganelli, won the Siena mayoral election.
Michael, unbeknownst to Scottie, was working for the CIA. His purpose was to make sure the Communist mayor, Ugo, was defeated.
Michael was on a top secret mission. Clare Boothe Luce, American ambassador to Italy was counting on Michael to sway the election so that Western civilization didn’t come tumbling down. “Sway the election”.....Hm? Seems we’ve read about this news in our own more current events — seems history really does repeat itself.

I learned a little more about the Cold War - and the 1950’s when communism was grabbing hold of the country - and the influence the United States had over local politics.
There are many colorful -wonderful characters that I haven’t even mentioned - ( with their secrets and drama)- subplots - horse racing - sex - mystery - politics - crime -

The heart of this story belongs to: Scottie & Michael. I found them both ADORABLE!!!
Their individual insecurities - their unhappiness - their hidden happiness - their hidden pain and grief - their flaws - their humanness touched me.
Both of them had a likable tender side.

If historical spy stories are this much fun - humorous- sweet - sexy - educational - charming - adventurous- with terrific characters - I’ll take more please!!!

Thank You St. Martin’s Press, Netgalley, and Christina ( you’re great - I look forward to your next book filled with secrets)