Synopsis

1943. Wartime Italy.

Casa Maria sits at the heart of the small Umbrian town of Amatino, famous for its food, wine and the di Luca and Capaldi families who run it. But now Italy is consumed by war and everything must change.

For talented cook Sophia di Luca, the discovery her father has left the trattoria not to her, but to the volatile and charismatic Giorgio Capaldi, is a bitter disappointment. Still grieving the sudden death of his wife, and in no mood to compromise, Giorgio’s return to Amatino threatens everything Sophia has struggled to achieve.

As Mussolini falls and the Germans march in, the two families find themselves in conflict not only with a terrifying new enemy, but also with each other.

Review

This was a stunning read. Italy is one of my favourite countries and even amidst the devastating backdrop of war, the beautiful scenery shines through.

The opening chapter of The Enemy of Love is heart-breaking, but it sets the scene for Thorpe’s beautiful prose that will continuously toy with your emotions and leave you feeling bruised. It’s a book of two halves: there may be death, brutality and betrayal, but at its heart there is courage, hope and love.

It is very much a character-driven story and there are so many wonderful people to meet. I particularly related to Sophia, who wants to be independent and run the restaurant herself; when she falls in love with Giorgio she fights, it as it goes against everything she is trying to be. The older generation were also a delight to read about – everyone loves an Italian Nonna and I just wanted to give her and Isaac a big hug. Many of the characters feel like your own family and the warmth and smells of the family restaurant are quite immersive.

Despite the strong themes of family and friendship, this book is hard hitting and emotional. There were times I had to take a pause before continuing as I was so caught up in the moment, but I couldn’t put it down and stayed up past my bedtime to finish it.

Thorpe also discusses how people change when their livelihood is threatened, showing us the anger, resignation and fear in different characters and how they respond – will they fight for their family, betray their friends or surrender to their desperation and give up. It makes you wonder how you would react in a similar situation.

We are left with a lot of unanswered questions, but I have now found out that there is a sequel, so I hope all will be revealed next year!

Thanks to Head of Zeus for my advanced copy. Opinions my own.