What an great book
I learned about the history of the arts during the war
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book early

Imagine a world where the masterpieces of Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Van Gogh were lost forever—hidden away in the shadows of war, their beauty silenced. Laura Morelli’s The Keeper of Lost Art invites you into this very world, where art, history, and survival collide in a gripping tale that will linger in your mind long after the final page.

In this dazzling novel, young Stella navigates a war-torn landscape. Her journey is not just about survival; it’s about preserving the soul of humanity, embodied in the priceless art her family is sworn to protect from the invading Germans. The tension of each page mirrors the fragility of the art itself, with every brushstroke symbolizing hope in the face of despair. As Stella grows amidst turmoil, she and her new friend, Sandro, find solace in Botticelli’s world-renowned masterpiece, Primavera. Morelli exquisitely paints a vivid picture of the art world, making every brushstroke of the narrative come alive. Her passion for Italy and art history resonates from the very beginning, threading through every enchanting scene.

What makes The Keeper of Lost Art truly stand out is its seamless blend of historical detail and modern suspense. As someone who has been obsessed with art history my entire life, Morelli’s novel struck a deep chord, revealing the often-overlooked sacrifices made to preserve masterpieces during WWII. Stella’s growing passion for art lies at the heart of the story, adding layers of complexity and tension as soldiers and refugees pass through the villa, seeking refuge. However, Stella quickly discovers that her passion for the paintings is not shared by everyone. Sandro, with his love for drawing, helps Stella see how even an ordinary sketch can transform one’s imagination and view of the world.

While many WWII stories like Anne Frank’s diary focus on survival in hiding, The Keeper of Lost Art offers a fresh perspective on the war’s impact on art and cultural preservation. For those not immersed in the art world, it’s easy to overlook the sacrifices made to save the masterpieces we now take for granted. What would our world be like if Botticelli, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Van Gogh were confined to history books, and we could no longer stand before their works and feel their emotional resonance?

Morelli’s characters are as richly developed as the paintings they seek to hide, each with their own motives and secrets. As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself rooting for Stella and Sandro, and wondering just how much the past can influence the present. As I followed Stella’s story, I felt her pain and uncertainty. A young teenager, left in the dark about her parents’ fate, Stella’s desire to continue school fades as survival takes precedence. Thankfully, Sandro, with his natural talent for art, becomes her beacon in the darkness. Sandro teaches Stella to draw, while Stella helps Sandro learn to read—both finding a measure of peace amid the war’s chaos. In their bond, forged in the crucible of war, we see the enduring power of creativity—how art always finds a way to shine through even the darkest times.

For those not as obsessed with art history as I am, the story might occasionally feel verbose, slowing the pacing. The tension of hiding priceless art is palpable, but a few more moments of near-discovery would have added even more suspense to this gripping tale. I found myself imagining how the family might have hidden the artwork in stressful situations, rolling up canvases to transport them safely around the estate. Perhaps Poggi, the conservator, could have trained Stella and others early on, setting up a scenario that would shape Stella’s life forever.

In short, The Keeper of Lost Art is a must-read for anyone captivated by mysteries that intertwine Italian history, art, and the resilience of the human spirit. Laura Morelli has truly crafted a masterpiece with this enchanting and unforgettable story.


I really, REALLY enjoyed this story. As someone who lived in Tuscany to study art history during college and am very familiar with Florence, historical places and the museum's, I immediately fell in love with the story written.

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨I would give the rating a 4.5/5, as I REALLY wanted to see a piece of action where the family needed to hide the paintings and internal struggle of how not to damage the artwork became Stella's and Sandro's main focus for a bit to keep the readers on their toes.

When Stella is sent from Torino to live in the Tuscan countryside, her mother believed she would be safer, far from the frequent bombings. At first, she struggles with the changes and her desires to leave school and move on with her life. But when the villa her uncle is protecting is used to secretly store priceless Italian art, the whole family is plunged into intrigue, especially once the Germans arrive. More than ever, the family and the refugees at the villa must work together to protect their treasure.

My initial reaction: WOW! I was absolutely hooked from the moment we are introduced to Stella and her cousins. Her aunt and uncle are a delicate balancing act to the family, two sides of a coin. Sandro broke my heart almost immediately.

The start of every chapter with the lost diaries of Botticelli and Captain Wallace brought a level of context as I was only vaguely familiar with what happened with Italian art during World War 2.

No spoilers but the ending left me in tears and full of hope. I highly recommend The Keeper of Lost Art.

The only thing keeping this from a 5 star review is the pacing - towards the middle it slowed down and felt slightly clunky.

ARC provided by William Morrow

One can never go wrong when picking up a new Laura Morelli book, so I knew I was in for a great read - but even I was blown away by how good this was! Unputdownable and lovely are the two words I would use to describe this!. Fantastic and utterly addictive would also suffice :) Either way, you are in for a treat!