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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.
| ISBN: | 9780571279463 |
| Publication date: | 2nd July 2015 |
| Author: | Alex Preston |
| Publisher: | Faber & Faber Fiction an imprint of Faber & Faber |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 368 pages |
| Primary Genre | Romantic Fiction |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
In addition to our Lovereading expert opinion some of our Reader Review Panel were also lucky enough to read and review this title.
In 1937, disgraced by a scandalous love affair and sent down from Cambridge, Esmond Lowndes is despatched to Florence to redeem himself; his father, a senior member of the British Union of Fascists, charges him with establishing a B.U.F. wireless station and forging links with Mussolini’s government. But with the coming of war, Esmond questions his allegiance and joins the Resistance, falling in love with a fellow freedom fighter, and always keeping in his sights the despicable head of the Fascist secret police. A stylish compelling story of passion and conflict.
ISBN: 9780571279463
Publication date: 02/07/2015
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780571279456
Publication date: 03/07/2014
Format: Hardback
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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