Lilia: a true story of love, courage, and survival in the shadow of war.
by Linda GanziniPublish: Apr 17, 2021Historical Romance Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Biographies & Memoirs HistoryBook Overview
Winner of The 2021 International Book Awards.“The darkest day of my life came when the Nazis took my brother. I felt helpless as the war tore our family apart. His last words to my mother: ‘Mama, if I don’t go now, they will kill us all.’ I saw the pain in my mother’s eyes. I felt her heart cry words she could never speak.” ~ Lilia Ganzini
Author Linda Ganzini shares her mother’s riveting true story. Trapped under Mussolini’s reign and Hitler’s occupation, Lilia is the tale of a brave girl’s courage and a family’s bond and struggle to survive the battle between the forces of evil and the power of love.
Where there is love, hope remains.
Against the backdrop of fascist Italy during World War II and the Holocaust, Lilia sets the stage for the harrowing story of a family whose depth of heart overcomes a war tearing them apart—years marred by unfathomable tragedies, immense loss, upheaval, and countless betrayals.
Lilia resigns herself to a world crushed by misery, abject poverty, and a broken, bitter mother who suffered insurmountable grief. The burden of war, loneliness, and adult responsibilities rob her of a carefree childhood. Witnessing her parent’s challenge to stay alive during the Nazi occupation becomes Lilia’s greatest sorrow, one she makes the most heroic efforts to conceal. Ultimately, tragic loss and unanswered prayers dim the flame of her belief in the future. Her dreams shrouded beneath irreparable scars. Will a seed of love reignite Lilia’s faith leading her towards an unforgettable and inspiring triumph over tragedy? Or will the dark shadow of war plague her destiny forever?
This poignant account will transport you to a lost moment in history that irreversibly changes a quaint Northern Italian village, transforming its people for generations to come. Through the eyes and fearless spirit of a young girl, Lilia’s family story comes to life on the page and will remain in your heart for a long time coming.
Read it now.
“A powerful must-read! Get ready for an emotional rollercoaster that rides up there with The Diary of Anne Frank. The writing of this historical memoir is outstanding.”
“Poignant and moving, yet startlingly compelling. Stunning.”
“If you love WWII stories, this is one for your shelf. It is visual and cinematic. I hope it finds its way to the big screen.”
“This true story by debut novelist Linda Ganzini is a beautiful masterpiece. Bring it home to adorn your bookshelf and to live in your heart.”
