Every Time We Say Goodbye follows playwright Vivien Lowry, whose most recent play, which opened in London in 1955 was panned by critics and shut down. At a loss, Vivien takes a friend’s advice and takes a job in Italy working as a script doctor in the film industry. Vivien views her trip to Italy as a way to both find a new path forward for herself and to find out what really happened to her fiance David, who went missing in Italy during the war. Vivien is a complex, well drawn character and I found myself very invested in everything to do with her time in Italy, especially since it becomes such a personal journey for her.

In addition to Vivien’s personal journey, Jenner also gives us insight into what was going on in post-war Italy, particularly the huge contrast between the vibrant and glamorous film industry versus the struggling orphans and refugees who were of course present in Italy after the war. Jenner also explores just how much the Catholic church was policing and censoring the content of Italian films, as well as the political landscape of Italy as it tries to come to terms with its own role in the war.

Jenner also effectively uses a dual timeline in this multi-layered story. During her time in Italy, Vivien works with a director who is determined to make a movie about a young woman he doesn’t want the world to forget. This woman was not only his girlfriend, but she was also an assassin in the Italian Resistance who was tortured and murdered during the war. We learn more about the circumstances that led to her death in an earlier timeline set during WWII.

Every Time We Say Goodbye is both a well researched work of historical fiction and an engaging story of love, loss and truth.

Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner is a stand alone novel, but references her previous novels. I have not read her previous novels, but was easily able to follow. Vivien has moved to Italy to work as a script doctor in Rome at Cinecitta Studios in 1955. The play she just wrote and produced did not do well on the London stage, and she needs a fresh start. We walk with her during her time in Italy as she navigates the movie industry, tries to find out what really happened to her deceased fiancé during WWII, and explores who is she is.

The setting of Rome, Italy post WWII was fascinating. The book weaves in themes of redemption, grief, and deciding who to love. I found myself wishing I could visit Vivien and walk the streets of Italy with her. There were many charters with different subplots that kept my interest. The story is in dual time periods that flow seamlessly.

In Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner, we follow Vivian on a journey of self-discovery in this beautifully written complex story with incredible historical details and endearing characters. I highly recommend.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

Natalie Jenner’s debut novel, The Jane Austen Society, was a wonderful read back in 2020. She followed it up with Bloomsbury Girls, taking one of the characters from her debut novel to a London bookstore. In her latest, Every Time We Say Goodbye, Natalie takes one of the characters, Vivian, from the bookstore to post-war Italy working as a script doctor in the movies after her play is a flop in London.

“We make the truth. We’re selling a world that doesn’t exist.” “That’s so cynical.” “What are you making, then?” “What the world could be.”

Natalie was inspired by the world famous Cinecittà movie studio in Rome that had been used as a war refugee camp in the 1940s. Set in the la dolce vita of mid 1950s Rome, the story explores a very unique time period. Lead FMC Vivian is working as a script doctor and carries her own personal war wounds wherever she goes. Her fiance disappeared in Italy during WW2 and she is searching for closure after making some life changing decisions.

‘The only thing that will save you is perspective - and that, only the passing of time can bestow.’

Natalie does an excellent job of conveying the complexity of Italian political, economic, and cultural life in the 1940s and ’50s. From the glamour of movie actresses like Ava Gardner and Sophia Loren making cameo appearances, to the policing and censorship of some movies by the Catholic Church. In many ways the past continues to haunt from its fascist and German occupation days and deep contradictions are evident.

‘… contradictions of Italy at work here: a former Fascist regime that had somehow shape-shifted into an ostensible democracy that was heavily influenced by a censorial church and half-heartedly administered by the police. Yet the one thing all these factions took seriously was cinema.’

The novel encompasses so much, from love and conflict, faith and censorship, war and orphans, glamour and moviemaking, fashion and food - it has to all. Whilst there is much to learn about Rome, the Church and politics of the day, in some ways it feels like a reflective piece with characters coming to terms with life after traumatic events. You don’t have to have read the previous novels to enjoy Every Time We Say Goodbye as the focus is on learning how to live after such tragedy.







This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Every Time We Say Goodbye was a phenomenal book. It will definitely be one of my top reads this year.

This book felt like a love story to start, the love story between our main character and Italy, the Italian film industry, and a local Italian. But, a love story that quickly turned sour as our main character started to see the underside of the film world in Italy and an Italian lover who wasn't what he seemed.

This book had such vivid descriptions, and you could easily imagine the glitz and glamour of the movie world in Italy and all of the beautiful and glamorous 50's movie stars. As well as, feeling the frustration of the film industry in Italy, constantly being censored and shut down by the Vatican.

There was another theme running through this book as well. The aftermath of war, especially in a country that was under fascist rule, and then for whose government ultimately collaborated with Germany. A lot of times the aftermath of WWII is a mere epilogue in WWII historical fiction, so it was interesting to get more perspective on the healing, that both an entire country and individuals went through after the war, and how war changed people.

Our main character and a colleague of hers were both looking for some closure while in Italy. Our main character desperately trying to find out what happened to her fiance while he was a prisoner in Italy, in the hopes of finally being able to move on in her life. Her colleague trying to find out what happened to a baby he rescued as part of a group of American soldiers coming to liberate Italy. These stories were so moving, and I wanted desperately for both to get the closure they sought.

And of course, being set in Italy, religion ran throughout the book. I found it absolutely fascinating to learn more about the influence of the church in Italian culture, as well as the role the Vatican played during the war. But, also how priests and nuns "on the ground" helped out the vulnerable citizens of Italy during the war. Helping many persecuted citizens, giving them shelter and rescue and helping aid the resistance.

There was just so much happening in this book. But, it didn't make it difficult to follow. It made it all the more fascinating!

Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy of this beautiful book. My opinions are my own.

3.5 ⭐️

<i> In 1955, Vivien Lowry is facing the greatest challenge of her life. Her latest play, the only female-authored play on the London stage that season, has opened in the West End to rapturous applause from the audience. The reviewers, however, are not as impressed as the playgoers and their savage notices not only shut down the play but ruin Lowry's last chance for a dramatic career. With her future in London not looking bright, at the suggestion of her friend, Peggy Guggenheim, Vivien takes a job in as a script doctor on a major film shooting in Rome’s Cinecitta Studios. There she finds a vibrant movie making scene filled with rising stars, acclaimed directors, and famous actors in a country that is torn between its past and its potentially bright future, between the liberation of the post-war cinema and the restrictions of the Catholic Church that permeates the very soul of Italy.

As Vivien tries to forge a new future for herself, she also must face the long-buried truth of the recent World War and the mystery of what really happened to her deceased fiancé. Every Time We Say Goodbye is a brilliant exploration of trauma and tragedy, hope and renewal, filled with dazzling characters both real and imaginary, from the incomparable author who charmed the world with her novels The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls. </i>

This was an okay story. Just entertaining enough for me to keep going. I think I might have connected with the characters more if I’d read the previous two books in the series, however I didn’t realize going in that this was part of a series. So it’s likely a “me” problem.

Thank you Natalie Jenner, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

‘Every Time We Say Goodbye’ by Natalie Jenner is the authors newest book. This is my third book by Natalie Jenner. Ms. Jenner always finds a way to have unique locations for her stories. This book is set in Italy. The time period is the post war in 1955. The story centers on the Italian Film Industry in Rome’s Cinecitta Studios.

Some of the characters are from Natalie’s previous books. I will say that it is not necessary to read the others. This is a stand alone. Vivien Lowry is the main female character. She is a writer who was not very successful in London. At the suggestion of her friend Peggy Guggenheim, Vivien takes a job as a script ‘doctor’ for a major production company that is shooting a movie in Rome. Vivian works with famous directors, actors, and rising stars. The characters are deep, emotional, memorable and likable. There are several interesting undercurrents. At that period of time the Catholic Church is entwined in every inch of Ital including who is making films and what their content is about.

The story also explores Vivien’s fiancés death during the war. It examines heartbreak, loss, tragedy, trauma, growth, hope, and resignation. As always, Natalie Jenner does a tremendous amount of research for her books. This new book is no exception. As always the reader feels ensconced in the story. This was extremely enjoyable and another winner for Ms. Jenner. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.

I would like to thank St, Martin’s Press, Natalie Jenner and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

While technically the third installment of "The Jane Austen Society", this book has a different feel than the first two books. I enjoyed it quite a lot, but it is definitely deeper and more sad than the first two. We follow not only Vivien, but a host of new characters (both from real life and composites of historical figures) in Italy. I learned a lot about the Rome Cinecitta Studios that were active after WWII making many, many films and introducing future Hollywood stars.

Recommended if you want to learn more about that time period, if you like Italy, if you enjoyed the first two books and want something a little different to continue the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. #sponsored

I have consistently loved Natalie Jenner‘s post-WWII historical fiction these past couple of years, first The Jane Austen Society, then Bloomsbury Girls and now Every Time We Say Goodbye. I loved how she managed to keep them within one fictional world, with basically just one main character moving on to the next book, whereas some of the ancillary characters move on as well.
In this new book we meet Vivien Lowry yet again, no longer working at a London bookstore but having moved to Rome and the 1950s Cinecitta as a script doctor shaping and honing new movies. The movie making scene at the time and it’s stars, the tug-of-war between avant-garde movie making right on the outskirts of Rome and the Catholic Church in the Vatican provide a fabulous backdrop for Vivien‘s personal story of grief and loss. Her move to Italy brings her closer to her dead fiancé who died in Italy during the war and his last movements. It is 1955 now, 10 years after the war, can she allow herself to live, to be happy again ?
That the Cinecitta where so many movies have been made (from Cleopatra to Gangs of New York) was home to a displaced persons camp right after WWII and those refugees were used as extras in monumental films like Quo Vadis ? sent me on google deep dives since this was completely new to me, but so intriguing.
I loved this book and had access to both, the audio and the ebook (thanks to the publisher and @netgalley ), and truly loved both versions, Juliet Aubrey did a marvelous job with the narration.

OH. MY. HEART.

Look, I'm not sure what I can say that hasn't already been said by better review writers than I'll ever be, and I'll forever be grateful for their words that will do this book justice when a non-writer [me], cannot.

What I CAN say is this: I am SO GLAD that I took a chance with "The Jane Austen Society" four years ago - I cannot imagine missing out on these gorgeous, lush, fantastic books. I am so glad that the author had more stories to tell within the JAS world, and that we get the opportunity to visit with these friends over and over again. I am so glad that Vivian [such a great character] got a really excellent story herself, and that through her story, I learned new [and heartbreaking] history of that time that I was completely unaware of.

I knew when I had book hangover before the book had even hit 50% that this book was going to be a huge winner for me - and the ugly tears that flowed at the end proved it was just that. This was, quite simply, absolutely fantastic.

I am not sure who picked the narrator for this book, but they deserve a ginormous prize. Juliet Aubrey is an amazing narrator [and it turns out plays a fantastic character in one of my favorite British shows], and just brings Vivian and the cast of characters that surround her to life and brings you right into the story until you almost forget that it's not 1955 and you are not in Italy. She does such a magnificent job and I can only hope that she decides to do more narration in the future [I need to say that all the narration for the three books in this series has been nothing less than freaking fantastic and it's been an a joy to listen to each one].

Thank you to NetGalley, Natalie Jenner, Juliet Aubrey - Narrator, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for providing both the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

Natalie Jenner’s "Every Time We Say Goodbye" is a poignant and richly textured novel that transports readers to the vibrant world of 1950s Rome, where personal and historical dramas intertwine against a backdrop of cinematic glamour. This engaging story earns a solid four stars for its evocative setting, compelling characters, and deft exploration of themes like trauma, hope, and renewal.

The narrative follows Vivien Lowry, a playwright whose career is abruptly halted by scathing reviews, despite the enthusiastic reception of her latest play by audiences. Faced with the demise of her dreams in London, Vivien accepts her friend Peggy Guggenheim’s advice to work as a script doctor at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios. Jenner beautifully captures Vivien’s transition from the bleak aftermath of a failed career to the dynamic, colorful world of Italian cinema.

Rome in the 1950s is brought to life with vivid detail, reflecting a country at a crossroads between its war-torn past and a future brimming with potential. Jenner’s descriptions of the film industry, with its rising stars, renowned directors, and the omnipresent influence of the Catholic Church, create a rich tapestry that adds depth to Vivien’s journey.

Vivien’s character is intricately developed, her struggles and resilience resonating deeply. As she navigates the complexities of her new role, Vivien must also confront the unresolved trauma of her fiancé’s mysterious death during World War II. This personal quest for truth adds an emotional layer to the narrative, making her story not just one of professional reinvention but also of profound personal healing.

The novel excels in its portrayal of real and fictional characters, blending historical figures like Peggy Guggenheim with Jenner’s own creations. This blend enriches the story, grounding it in reality while allowing creative liberties that enhance the plot’s intrigue and emotional impact.

However, the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the middle sections where the narrative can feel a bit meandering. Some subplots, while interesting, do not always contribute directly to the main storyline, which can momentarily divert the reader's focus.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "Every Time We Say Goodbye" is a captivating read. Jenner’s talent for creating immersive settings and emotionally resonant characters shines through, offering readers a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. This novel is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for renewal and the enduring power of hope, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction and character-driven stories.

Natalie Jenner has once again crafted a narrative that charms and moves, solidifying her reputation as a master storyteller. "Every Time We Say Goodbye" is a memorable journey through the shadows of the past into the light of new beginnings.

St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City casts a golden glow over Rome and its many visitors. Viviene Lowry may sense her script writing is more in its shadow than its glow. Natalie Jenner sinks readers into the complexities of Italian political, economic, and cultural life in the 1940s and 1950s. Her dual timeline alternates between La Scolaretta, the resistance fighter in 1943 and Viviene, the London playwright in 1954-1956.
Jenner’s novel is a standalone, laced with characters her readers will recognize from The Bloomsbury Girls, though Jenner provides excellent background and details to support them in the plot. How we atone or make reparations is a theme rooted in Viviene’s realization that she has been operating out of fear and anger. Through Viviene’s new relationships Jenner also explores mother-child dynamics. The characters, motivated by many different circumstances, experience surprising twists which provide ample topics for discussion.
Every Time We Say Goodbye shines a light on the absolute power and prevailing influence of the Vatican on the movie industry in the mid-20th century. Through Cardinal Marchetti and Viviene’s script writing experience the tangled threads of the Church, the police, the state, and movie studios are unraveled. Jenner also highlights the power of cinema to eventually create a new reality.
Discovering the true nature of friends and family, which may be heartbreaking or uplifting, is another theme. Jenner’s characters represent the invisible damages of war- using acts of goodness as a shield or as an emotional cocoon. My favorite, Sir Alfred Knox, the British industrialist, and philanthropist, is a wonderful homage to all those who risked their own lives to save others, helping hundreds of Jewish children escape.
Risk, relationships, renewal-wrapped in an Italian love story.

“Every Time We Say Goodbye,’ international bestselling author Natalie Jenner’s third novel, is set in post-World War II Rome. In 1955, Vivien Lowry, a main character from Jenner’s second novel, “Bloomsbury Girls,” is a bookseller turned playwright. But devastating reviews shut down her London play. Her friend Peggy Guggenheim suggests she go to Rome and take a job as a script doctor.

“One doesn’t go to Italy to escape the past, but to acquire one.”—Chapter 1

Once in Rome, Vivien discovers a thriving film industry with renowned directors and glamorous actors—and everyone seems to have a secret. Multi-layered characters are introduced in nearly every scene, adding more pieces to the puzzle.

“Our secrets are who we really are.”—Chapter 14

In a beautiful city with a new career and a charming lover, Vivien is determined to start fresh even as she investigates the mysterious disappearance of her fiancé, who was a soldier and vanished in Italy during the war.

Amidst the complexities of post-war cinema, a brave era of artistic liberties arises, paving the way for creative and cultural expression. However, the Catholic Church's power in Italy halts production.

“…their choices as artists, as craftsmen, would always be subject to his sensibilità and that of the church.”—Chapter 27

Jenner takes her time developing the characters and setting out the pieces, and about halfway through, the story gains traction. I adore Jenner’s well-researched, richly colored, thoughtful novels and admit that I loved “Every Time We Say Goodbye” even more on a second read, understanding how all the characters and storylines fit.

Although, as in Natalie Jenner’s previous novels, there is a satisfying happily-ever-after, the haunting last pages left me melancholy.

 “Saying goodbye is the hardest thing in the world, save for one, and that is being cheated of it.”—Chapter 40

 A nuanced and heartbreaking tale indeed.

Vivian needs a bit of a change. Her play has been panned by critics, though her friends are supportive of her. At the recommendation of one of her friends, she sets off to Italy to become a part of the film scene there. There she joins escapees of McCarthyism from Hollywood. She faces challenges of writing not because of the men she works with, but the influence of the Vatican looms large.

I loved this story that challenged everything that Vivian knew about herself and the world around her. This trip to Italy opened up opportunities for introspection and discovery of secrets that WWII was only just giving up. Through her journey, she may be able to come to peace with her past and with her future.

This story included many side characters who also had their own growth journeys, offering the perspective that not all travel the same past, but all need a sense of healing.

The writing was well done and set in the fifties. The history stayed true to what was. This book also offers a sense of the healing that Italy itself needed after WWII. Interlaced through this story was the story of young female resistance fighter who fought for her country and worked at the same studio prior to the war. The writing was strong and the perspective, unique.

I received an early copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.

This was my first Jane Austen Society book. I was a little worried about starting with #3 in the series but read that the books do a good job standing alone. I did feel like I was missing some of the parts and pieces of some of the English side characters. I could definitely follow the storylines set in 1950's Italian film industry and the historical parts of the storyline were very interesting. I am always surprised to learn more aspects of post-WWII and this was something I have never even thought about. I did struggle with some of the character development and keeping my interest in the different stories. In the end, I found it intriguing and the last 20% of the book went by quickly but the first 80% I had trouble focusing on. Vivian was an interesting character but I had trouble with the storylines about her love affair (and her lover's ex-wife) and then the switch to her missing fiancé to flashbacks of the past. Overall, I would like to pick up the first book in the series and see where that takes me. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Natalie Jenner books are always so full of history and places and beautiful people and her latest book is just as much fun.

When Vivienne moves to Italy to work in the film industry she comes across the Hollywood Elite and begins to see her life and her past in a different way.

The writing takes you to all of the fabulous places in Italy and brings the characters to life.

Thank you Netgalley and St Martin’s Press for the chance to read and review this book.

I wanted to love this story as I have love Natalie Jenner’s other two, but I was never really that invested in Vivian or her character. I hated John from the start and wasn’t surprised by his plot line at all. I wish I could have connected with this story more, but it was a slog to get through.

I have read the other two novels centered around the Jane Austen Book Club and it took me a minute to place Vivian in that world. Vivian is one of the co-owners of Sunwise Turn, the bookstore introduced in The Bloomsbury Girls. She is a writer but her latest play effort has been met with dismal reviews. On the suggestion of Peggy Guggenheim, Vivian takes off to help an American screen producer with his latest script. At the same time she receives word about her lost fiancée, who fought in WWII. Vivian's journey to Italy and all that happens as a result is rich and well described. There are many threads that are pulled together in the end and a cast of very dynamic characters.

This is not my favorite of Jenner's books but it was a solid read. Vivian didn't resonate with me and that made it hard to continue. But I wanted to know about the mysteries so I kept at it. I'll be curious to see if the JABC characters return again or if this was it....

Atmospheric and well-researched, Jenner vividly portrays two timelines with incredible detail in this immersive page-turner. It was fascinating to learn how the glamour of the era and the burgeoning Italian film-making community rubbed up against the censorship of the Vatican and other factors that shaped Italy as it was recovering from the tragedy of war. Hardship and loss are examined, but the moving story is ultimately hopeful. Vivien is a resilient and strong FMC, and reading the continuation of her journey after Bloomsbury Girls and witnessing the emotions and growth she shows was a treat. Some scandal and fun celebrity cameos round things out. Historical fiction lovers will want to add this well-written book to their tbr!

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review this ARC

This book really fell flat for me. I think it was the subject matter. I enjoyed the previous books by this author that centered around Jane Austen and book stores. McCarthy era movie making and movie stars just isn't my jam. I will definitely check out other books by this author, but this one was a miss.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy.

Every Time We Say Goodbye follows Vivien Lowery who readers first met in Bloomsbury Girls. After her latest London play receives negative reviews, Vivien travels to Rome to find both a new start and a closure for old heartbreaks. This novel is set during the film heyday that Italy enjoyed in the 1950s. American screenwriters, directors, and actors enjoyed a kind of freedom not found during the McCarthy-era witch hunts in Hollywood. But with this “freedom” comes a new kind of censorship from the Catholic church. I found this thread of the novel interesting, and real-life Hollywood stars make their appearances, giving the novel a touch of glitz and glamour. But it is the second plot line that I found the most intriguing. The reader is introduced to the Italian resistance fighters of WWII. I found the fabricated fairytale lives of those in the film making industry an insightful backdrop to the selflessness of those who sacrificed so much. There is so much contradiction — those wanting to forget or tidy up the past and those who want to expose it in all its harsh reality. In the end the novel is one of finding purpose and truth in a world that seems only to want a perfect storybook ending.

Fans of Jenner’s earlier novels and those who love historical fiction set in the mid-20th century will not want to miss this book!

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)