A powerful book about women striving for what they want and not obeying the rules of what is expected of them. I loved the writing style and the characters and I really appreciate the herbal medicine aspect and the healing. Overall a well thought out and researched plot and a well paced page turner.

This is a beautifully told story set in Calabria, Italy starting in 1936 where we meet a young Giulia Tallariti and move through life with her and her family as she grows to a woman and we share what she goes through during some very hard times Mussolini’s rein, World War 11 and the aftermath of war, this story pulled me in with the descriptions of the setting and life.

Giulia lives in a small village amongst the mountains and close to the Ionian Sea with her parents Andrea and Gabriella, her sisters Teresa and Paola and brothers Vincenzo and Antonio, she dreams of being a healer like her Nonna but her father has other ideas, these were the days of arranged marriages and Giulia is determined to not have that happen to her, after a stand-off with her father Giulia is sent to a monastery to learn the art of being a healer under a famous herbalist, here Giulia learns more than being a good healer and makes true friends. It is not long before Giulia is being pushed again by her father on her return home.

Family life on the farm is not always easy especially as they are ruled by a fascist government and when family members her father Andrea and brother Vincenzo are called up to fight for Italy, this leaves the females of the family to run the farm and Paola does this really well the woman stand together and strong as they do what has to be done.

When World War 11 erupts throughout Europe and Italy is fighting with the Nazis people are torn with what is right, there are tragedies that devastate the family but still the woman keep going with what has to be done and Giulia stands tall and proud as she continues to help people.

I loved this story from page one, I have read many stories set in World War 11 and most have been set around Paris so being in Italy and seeing it from the Italians’ point of view was fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable, getting to know Giulia and seeing her grow in strength and find love through such hard times was fabulous. I found this story heart-wrenching at times and yes there tears from me, I couldn’t help but cheer Giulia on throughout her journey from Italy 1936 to Australia 1953.

To think that this story come from a photo of Tania Blanchard’s grandfather was awesome, this is one that I would highly recommend the history and settings of the times were just wonderful, but above all it shows the courage and strength that the woman showed when times were tough.

My thanks to Netgelly and the publisher for my copy to read and review

I read this one when it was released last year as Echoes of War and I do highly recommend it

Daughter of Calabria by Tania Blanchard is an historical fiction set in Calabria and other parts of Italy from 1936 to 1953 which included World War 2. The setting of a small village where families lived and worked together was amazing, creating a picture of a vibrant life of a rich family life. Even with the onset of war the closeness of family and friends was intense. While the description of war was graphic at times it wasn’t overwhelming and we certainly felt for the families who were affected by it all.

Added to the external matters of war there was also the cultural/social issues of the place of women in society at the time and the fight the daughter Giulia undertook to become a woman in the modern world while still maintaining her love of her family.

Written in a very readable style this was an enjoyable read. Although I wanted to know what was coming I was disappointed when the story finished and I am certainly hoping there will be a continuation of the story.

Highly recommended read.

This review is based on a complimentary copy from Simon & Schuster Australia via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is another historical fiction book that is far too long but having said that it was and is a good book (it could be shortened and that would make it all the better).

The story of Calabria, Italy, 1936. A young girl, a dream, a war. This is a novel based on a true story and and this is the story of that young girl, Guilia, and her life. It is a pretty full on tale and as previously mentioned it is very long and drawn out. And for me it was just missing something. It is well researched and in parts very interesting. It told a good story but was sometimes repetitive and this did slow the story down.

I did put it down a few times to give myself a break and feel if it was shortened it would have been a better read. It is not one of my favourites from this genre and this author I must say.

I certainly learned some things I didn’t know about ww2 in this emotional and very good story.
Italy in the South, arranged marriages and women basically being second rate citizens in the eyes of their fathers and not up to scratch doing things a male can do..
Meet Giulia, a young woman from Calabrian, who doesn’t want to fit in with the “norm” and feels she is destined for things other than being a wife and mother. Giulia strives against odds to do what she wants.
A very heart warming, and breaking novel.
If you like historical fiction, this is for you and if you have read any historical fiction, give it a go.
You won’t be disappointed. Excellent reading and recommend.