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August 2014 eBook of the Month.
A remarkably captivating book that starts as a slow-burner then sparks into an absolute firecracker of a read. The introduction to Fascism in Florence just before World War Two, when we know life is on the brink of upheaval and collapse, is artfully portrayed by the author. Lazy summer days full of vibrant idealists and English eccentricity is peppered by prejudice, corruption and brutality, deliberately keeping you on edge and apprehensive. As war breaks out, we observe as Esmond the title character is influenced by others, we bear witness as he alters, changes, transforms. The author brings this time, this city, these people, their ideals vividly to life. At times this is an extremely uncomfortable read, however every word, every thought, every emotion feels completely essential. Prepare to sit on the edge of the precipice, prepare for the heartrending plummet of shock and upset, prepare for the impact that a powerful and compelling novel leaves behind. ~ Liz Robinson
Desperate to prove himself to his politician father, Esmond Lowndes is sent to Italy to forge ties between the British Union of Fascists and Mussolini's government. He is also escaping the disgrace of a scandalous love affair. In Florence, he discovers art and passion amongst eccentric expatriates and glamorous locals. But with the coming of war, he leaves his past behind and joins the Florentine resistance. He falls in love with a fellow freedom fighter and together they take on the malevolent Mario Carita, head of the Fascist secret police. Esmond is at the centre of assassination plots, shoot-outs and car chases, culminating in a final mission of extraordinary daring.
Closing date: 25/10/2018
In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion some of our Reader Review Panel were also lucky enough to read and review this title.
ISBN: 9780571279463
Publication date: 02/07/2015
Publisher: Faber & Faber Fiction an imprint of Faber & Faber
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780571279456
Publication date: 03/07/2014
Publisher: Faber & Faber Fiction an imprint of Faber & Faber
Format: Hardback
| ISBN: | 9780571279456 |
| Publication date: | 3rd July 2014 |
| Author: | Alex Preston |
| Publisher: | Faber & Faber Fiction an imprint of Faber & Faber |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Genres: | Reader Reviewed Books, eBook Favourites, Family Drama, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Reading Groups, Sagas and Romance, |
| Categories: |
Alex Preston was born in 1979 and lives with his family in London. His first novel, This Bleeding City, was an international bestseller, won the Spear's and Edinburgh first book awards and was selected as one of Waterstones New Voices 2010. His second, The Revelations, was shortlisted for the Guardian's Not the Booker Prize. In Love and War is his third novel. Preston writes and reviews for GQ, the Observer and the New Statesman and appears regularly on BBC television and radio. He is a Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Kent. Click here to read the 'Ask the ...
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