Elise Valmorbida's Madonna of the Mountains was released on the 29th of March and is a marvellous Historical Fiction novel that as captured the minds of our Expert Reviewers and Consumer Reader Review Panel. Our Editorial Expert Sarah Broadhurst has 'highly recommended' this book which she describes as 'stylish and beautifully archaic in its writing'.

A Bit About the Book

The novel is set in 1923 and centres around Maria Vittoria, who is preparing to be married, working on the embroidery of a sheet for her dowry trunk. A photograph of Maria has been taken by her father as well as the mule and a pack of supplies as he goes out to find her a suitable husband. Maria is slightly older that the usual prospective bride, but she is more than capable of being the ideal wife. However, Fascism is blooming in the country at the same rate as the ripening crops and the story follows her through the war and in to the 1950s. The beautifully descriptive novel will have you tasting the bigoli co l'arna as you read of a woman struggling to keep her family safe in very dangerous times.

What Our Reviewers Thought of Madonna of the Mountains

Sarah Broadhurst, our Editorial Expert who reviewed the book and said that 'it is a very fine novel indeed' and 'difficult to draw yourself away from'. The historical story tells of a family's struggle that and a Mother's love for her family. This book has also been reviewed by some of our Consumer Reader Review Panel. Here is what a few of them thought:
Lynette McCann - 'An inspiring novel about survival during hard times in Italy during the war and one woman's determination to raise her family as well as she could. A totally riveting novel.' Pauline Braisher - 'A lovely, well-written book, set in rural Italy, beginning just after the first world war. It's Maria's story but it's also the story of Italy and how, in the end, there is hope for both.' Rachel Aygin - 'The moment I read the first paragraph, I knew I was going to enjoy reading this book.'
To see more reviews from our consumer panel, visit the Madonna of the Mountains Book Page. Here you can also find the extended reviews from our panel.