This book is Angela Petch at her best, with a purely historical narrative set in her beloved Italy during the Second World War. It’s a gripping tale that explores the plight of the Jewish community as fascism tightened its hold on the country, and the efforts of the Italian resistance to return their nation to the tolerant society it once had been.

The Girl Who Escaped follows the stories of not only Italian Jew Devora, but her schoolfriends Luigi, a clandestine partisan, and Rico who may or may not be a collaborator. Their stories unfold and entwine, with Devora always centre stage as the world she has known crumbles around her when fascism begins to bite.

It’s an incredibly well researched book, so rich in detail that it absolutely transported me to Urbino during the Second World War, to circumstances that were at times so painful it was hard to read on. But, heart in mouth, I persevered, because I just had to know what happened. And that is the mark of a truly great storyteller.

'The Girl Who Escaped' is another superb novel by Angela Petch. I was totally engrossed in the story from the first page through to the very satisfying, uplifting conclusion. I was there, in Italy, in WW2, with the characters who are well-rounded and come alive on the page. I particularly warmed to Devora, the novel's strong and brave main character. The beautifully written narrative drew me in, giving insight into her daring and dangerous decisions, her dilemmas, her thoughts, and her emotions. The brutality experienced at the time, especially by members of the Jewish community, was not glossed over but, as a reader, I was trusting that love and hope would eventually triumph over the evils of the occupation. The wonderful story stayed with me long after I'd finished reading it and I have no hesitation in recommending this well-researched novel.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC.

Another great book from Angela Petch, set in Le Marche during the Second World War. Based on a true story, it shows the hardships and tragedies of Jewish families living in Urbino under Mussolini's rule.

The author writes a wonderful narrative that pulls you into the story, and she brings you closer to understanding what people went through in those times. The characters come to life and you want to know how it ends for them.

If you love historical fiction set during the Second World War, this is a must read! Recommended.

The Girl Who Escaped by Angela Petch

Loved , loved this book . I really enjoy reading this genre of novels and this one is a stand out for me.
A great plot , well researched and takes you into Devoras life story from the very first page.
At the beginning of the war Devora is training to be a Dr , but being Jewish she is soon banned by the Nazis from doing so.
The family are taken away from their home and put into a camp where they are able to stay together and learn to make the best of it.
However , they are then moved and devastatingly , Devora is separated from her loved ones.
A wonderful heart rendering story of a women fighting to stay alive in the hope that one day she will be reunited with those she loves the most.

Historical fiction with some spice 🌶️
This is my first read by Angela and though I mostly enjoyed it I struggled with there being so many Italian words in the first half of the book that I didn’t understand. I was reading an early electronic version though so maybe the final version or print will include some definitions? There was some unexpected but we’ll written spicy scenes that we don’t typically get in historical fiction. It took me a while to piece how Enrico’s story line would come together with the main plot but the epilogue brought it all together. Aside from there being a lot of words I didn’t quite understand in the beginning the novel was well written and the storyline captivating. I enjoyed the main character Devora and was glad that she did eventually get closure.

Thank you to the Author, Bookouture and Netgalley for the eARC

I have read most if not all Angela Petch’s books. She writes very well researched gripping historical fiction stories set in Italy during WWII. This latest title is yet another story of love, hope, betrayal, the horrors of war but also how the human spirit can triumph even during horrific times.
The main character Devora is training to be a Dr but as she is of Jewish descent she is no longer allowed access to education. Her family is forced to move from their village home to an internment camp but life isn’t so bad as some other Jewish families have. As time goes on they are forced to move again but the family become separated and Devora must use her wits and skills to survive until she can reunite with them.
This is one of those books you cannot put down till the end and then it will stay with you for days. Highly recommended for historical fiction readers.

I'm not sure I can think of enough superlatives for this book. Absolutely gripping and beautifully written, with such realistically drawn, complex characters whose dilemmas really pulled at my heart-strings. Devora, in particular, was a wonderful, emotionally rich and strong protagonist. The cruelty and injustice of WWII are powerfully depicted, along with its impact on ordinary people of different classes and faiths. This story doesn't offer any trite answers, but nor does it leave the reader without hope. The setting of the book was superbly crafted, in terms of both time and place. I resented every occasion when I had to stop reading to do other things, as I was so keen to go on devouring the story. Highly recommended.

Enjoyed it but it wasn't my favorite book by the author. I felt like there was something missing. I also didn't love any of the characters. I couldn't understand how Devora didn't see how much Luigi loved her. It took how many years and her brother pointing it out to her. Then all of a sudden she loves him. Throughout the whole book she pines for Enricho. He never did anything to help her or her family. I'm not sure how Devora managed to survive with all the risks that she took. How didn't anyone recognize her back in her home town? I loved the description of Italy, I felt like I was right there with the Lassa family. I enjoyed the story and writing style.

I definitely recommend the book, especially if you read the previous books about Tuscany. I look forward to reading more books by the author. I loved the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a huge fan of Angela Petch and love all of her books.

This book is set in Italy in 1940, wartime. Devora a medical student, her twin younger brothers along with her Jewish parents. receive information that Jewish people are being arrested and sent to internment camps.

They decide to escape with the help of Devora's childhood friend Luigi a member of the resistance. and travel over the border into Switzerland but at the border Devora and her family are separated.

A gripping story of sadness, fear and triumphant right to the very end!

A must read!!

This was such a beautifully written novel. The writing was so detailed I could picture myself as the main character throughout the story. Reading how the main character acted throughout the story was so uplifting. If you pick up this historical fiction, you'll find it hard to put down! This is one of few books that I wish I could erase from my mind just so I could read it again for the first time. I highly recommend everyone picks up this book!!

An absolutely devastating but ultimately uplifting historical novel about how love and hope can get us through the darkest times. This book took me away to Italy.
Pick up this novel and you will find it hard to put it down again, and when you have read it, you will find it easy to believe that you have actually been there experiencing the story yourself.