The Girl from Lake Maggiore: An unforgettable and heartwrenching WW2 novel of love, friendship and impossible choices in Nazi-occupied Italy from Siobhan Daiko

🇮🇹 Lake Maggiore, Northern Italy, 1943 🇮🇹

In a quiet lakeside hotel nestled in the shadow of the Italian Alps, seventeen-year-old Giulia Leone lives a life untouched by war – until the day ruthless German SS officers arrive in the village.

Her father’s hotel is no longer a place of peace, but a trap for the Jewish guests who have taken refuge there. Among them is Ester, the bright, spirited girl who has become Giulia’s closest companion.

When a daring plan to help Ester’s family escape spirals into chaos, Giulia is the only one who gets away. Heartbroken but determined, she flees into the mountains and finds shelter with a band of courageous partisan fighters, led by Raffaele Ferrero, the hotel manager’s son.

Haunting memories of her family and best friend plague Giulia’s every waking thought, and she knows she must risk everything to fight back. But as a wanted person, finding where her loved ones have been taken – let alone saving them – may be impossible...

Inspired by true events, The Girl from Lake Maggiore is a moving and powerful story of resistance, resilience and the extraordinary lengths we go to for love.

‘An absorbing wartime story so beautifully researched you’re there on every page... each chapter sparkles like sun dots on the lake at the center of the story. I so enjoyed this story, a kaleidoscope of familial loyalty, wartime tension, and a warm, sensitive romance. Highly recommended.’ Jina Bacarr

'A beautifully written novel, one that you will get swept away in!' Carly Schabowski

'Utterly moving!' Catherine Law

'A compelling story in a beautiful setting.' Ann Bennett

‘A moving story of the fierce bonds of friendship and the tender, heart wrenching emotions of first love. Well researched, the author portrays the harsh reality of partisan life in Italy in their courageous fight against the Nazis.’ Helen Parusel

Praise for Siobhan Daiko:

'...like meeting an old, dear friend after a long absence. What a poignant, emotional, thoroughly enjoyable read this was! ... such beautiful prose and such a brilliant story that completely transported me.' Renita D'Silva

'A beautiful story with a compelling historical storyline that you won’t want to put down’ Ann Bennett

’I was completely absorbed by ... all the characters and intrigue’ Angela Petch

'an exciting, impeccably-researched wartime adventure with lots of heart ... the perfect mixture of tragedy and happiness' Reader Review

'A poignant and emotionally charged novel that explores the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity and I was hooked from start to finish' Reader Review

'So much heartache but alongside this the love of the people who did so much in WWII' Reader Review

'a powerful historical novel that I just could not put down' Reader Review