A true story based on actual events.

Alex Lago discovered an old WWII photo amongst his dying Father's possessions and posts it to Facebook, hoping to find out more about the photo. When he starts digging into the past he begins to uncover is a terrible secret that some would rather remain hidden. This story, told across multiple timelines tells a horrifying wartime story about the terrible reality of war, the young men who lost their lives and trauma continues in post war life for those left behind to pick up the pieces. Graphically told in parts, this story is both fascinating and horrifying to read and speaks to the terrible political turmoil and manipulation that resulted in the aftermath of the war that resulted in the suffering and death of innocent people.

While the story is quite complex, the author's writing style is gripping and he does a wonderful job of portraying the horror and realities of war in such a way that it keeps you invested in the story and turning the pages to find out more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Cameron Publicity and Marketing Ltd for the opportunity to read and review this book

I received a free digital copy of Ciao, Amore, Ciao through Net Galley My thanks to author, publisher and Net Galley.

I had expected that the book would be a history of the Italian Army’s horrible war in the USSR as part of their alliance with Nazi Germany,. It was service that led to their destruction. I did note that the book was described as a personal memoir of a family , and by extension, of all the families who suffered the loss of fathers, husbands and brothers along with a historical recitation of the horrible stories the few survivors would tell. Since I love to read histories of WW2 , and am of Italian descent, I looked forward to reading the book..However it was not a book for me to read.
First off, the author’s florid writing style In the first pages was off- putting. His lurid over- describing of every chair , every table, each person’s appearance was annoying. Then there was the political sneering and condescension at the “fascism “ of everything and everybody that was not to liking. But worse than that was the lengthydescription of his mother’s death and the grueling pages describing his father’s suffering from cancer and decline into death. The author raged at the hospital, the doctor, his own brother, even, it seemed , at his father for dying. It was more than a I could take. This book is not a history book, it is a novel, and in my opinion, not a good one.

I could not bring myself to continue reading the book. I was looking forward to a historical treatment of a subject I know little about. I was disappointed.

Powerful novel but way too complicated plot! Graphic descriptions of violence during WWII while fleeing on the murdering snow of the Russian steppe. Those descriptions are not easy too digest. True, the horror experienced has directly to do with the main topic of the book. However, if I had known I would not have read the book. (I did skip some passages!)
This novel deals with strong feelings: anger when vengeance merges into justice or is it the other way round? And so many dead people. Based on real events, this story will make you think twice about the concept of justice.
The language used is more than colourful, but somehow fits the plot. Not a novel for me, but the main topics remain essential: trauma after the war, how does one deal with it, at a time when violence (even after the war) appeared the answer to many...
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

An excellent read for any and all readers! Author comes at you with both barrels and knocks you out of your shoes! Great job fleshing out all the characters. I give this book FIVE stars! Definitely recommend!