An Italian Girl inin Brooklyn: TheThe bookbook everyoneeveryone coolcool isis readingreading

Over the summer, one book in particular took me on a profound journey and deeply touched my heart. I knew immediately that I needed to share this book with whoever would listen. An Italian Girl in Brooklyn by Santa Montefiore is a profound and richly layered tale that explores themes of love, loss, identity, and the impact of the choices we make. It tells the story of Evelina, a young woman in 1934, whose idyllic life in her Italian village is shattered by devastating news, leading her to flee to Brooklyn to start anew.

It is a deeply moving novel that masterfully intertwines love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. With a backdrop of pre- and post-war Italy and the new beginnings found in America, the story captures the fragility of life, the power of secrets, and the choices that shape our destinies.

An Italian Girl in Brooklyn

The novel centres on Evelina, a young woman living in a picturesque Italian village with her family. Evelina is full of youth, energy, life, hope, and fire. She knows nothing of romantic love, that is all, until her meet-cute with Ezra. A feeling within her built that she had never experienced prior, though never having met each other before, it was as though their souls recognised the other immediately. Almost as if on that day, they both heard their souls whisper, “Pay attention”.

From this moment onwards, things in her life start to make sense in the best possible way. The hope is that she is now predestined for happiness. Beautiful summer days are upon them, and true love, passion, and pure joy are thriving magically between these two souls. However, suddenly, darkness approaches and shrouds the bright, blue, sunny skies of Italy. War is coming to Europe, and that’s when everything changes.

A shocking revelation about her past shatters this idyllic existence, forcing Evelina to abandon everything she knows and loves. Fleeing to Brooklyn, she carries with her the weight of her secrets, embarking on a journey to build a new life while grappling with the ghosts of her past.

A heartbreaking exploration of love and loss

At its core, An Italian Girl in Brooklyn is a story about love. Not just the romantic love that Evelina experiences, but the love of family and the sacrifices it demands. Montefiore vividly portrays the devastating consequences of secrets kept in the name of love and how they ripple through generations.

Evelina’s loss is palpable. She is forced to leave behind her family, her homeland, and the life she had envisioned for herself. Montefiore’s evocative prose brings her sorrow to life, making readers feel the pain and the deep injustice of separation, as well as the longing for what might have been. Yet, amidst the unimaginable agonising heartbreak, there is resilience, as Evelina’s story demonstrates the capacity of the human heart to endure, heal, and even find joy again.

The fragility of life and the weight of secrets

One of the novel’s most striking themes is the fragility of life. Evelina’s world changes in an instant when she learns the truth about her past. Montefiore captures how easily life can be upended by forces beyond our control, compelling readers to reflect on their own lives and the moments that have shaped them. This book is a moving reflection on the fragility of life.

It’s the fragility of things that makes them most precious. Grief is the price we pay for love. Love is something we experience because we dared to love to the fullest. Without grief, there must have been no love. It reminds readers that grief, as tormenting and painful as it is, is also proof that you loved and were loved. To experience that in a lifetime, whether it be in romantic or platonic form, is something so precious and something we should be forever grateful for.

The secrets at the heart of the story add a layer of tension and complexity. Evelina’s decision to flee Italy is driven by loss, shame and a desire to protect those she loves. Montefiore explores the moral grey areas of her choices, showing how the desire to shield loved ones from pain can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.

A journey of identity and resilience

As Evelina begins her new life in Brooklyn, she faces the challenge of forging an identity separate from her past. Montefiore beautifully portrays her journey of self-discovery. She captures the struggles and triumphs of a woman rebuilding her life from the ground up.

Brooklyn serves as a stark contrast to the sun-drenched hills of Italy, offering both challenges and opportunities. Through Evelina’s experiences, Montefiore highlights the immigrant experience—the loneliness of being far from home, the strength it takes to adapt to a new culture, and the hope of creating a better future. Evelina’s resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring, reminding us of the power of determination and the human capacity for renewal. Even when we think all hope is lost. 

A reflection on life’s beauty and complexity

What makes this book so compelling is its ability to evoke introspection. Evelina’s story reminds us of life’s fragility, urging us to cherish the moments and people we hold dear. It also underscores the complexity of human relationships and the ways in which love can both hurt and heal.

Montefiore’s writing is lyrical and immersive, transporting readers to both the charming Italian countryside and the vibrant streets of Brooklyn. Her vivid descriptions and emotional depth make Evelina’s journey feel real and relatable. It draws me into her world and makes me feel every heartbreak and triumph, through all the twists and turns. The book takes you on an emotion-filled journey, permeated with happiness, sadness, joy, anger, celebration, and shock. 

For example, there were times I was so angry for Evelina. She had been through so much, and when presented with something that was a prayer come true (the biggest twist), her decision in the end was based on her selflessness and need to protect those around her. In reality, she deserved to be as happy as everyone else; the people around her would have been just fine. It highlights the complexity of relationships and makes me think about how much people sacrifice for the sake of others. 

Many factors influence our decisions, such as selflessness, ego, societal expectations, religion, and caring more about what others think. Everyone has their own story, some are more unfair and filled with more injustices than others. However, you can still find beauty and create joyful moments within it. We all get to choose between going left or right. Sometimes elements beyond our control force us left or right, but what’s certain is that with each decision we make. It leads us to this exact moment. 

A tale that resonates long after the final page

In An Italian Girl in Brooklyn, Santa Montefiore has crafted a story that is both intimate and universal. Evelina’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the enduring power of love, and the courage it takes to face life’s uncertainties.

Through Evelina’s struggles and resilience, the novel invites readers to reflect on their own lives—the secrets they carry, the choices they’ve made, and the connections that matter most. It’s a story that lingers in the heart, reminding us of life’s fragility and its infinite beauty,  even in the face of loss. Ultimately, An Italian Girl in Brooklyn is more than just a novel. It’s an emotional journey that leaves you with a renewed appreciation for the preciousness of life and the enduring power of love.

Feature image credit: Santa Montefiore with added enhancements from the in-house design team. Other image credit: Santa Montefiore.