The Garden of Letters - by Alyson Richman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

THE NEW NOVEL FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE LOST WIFE

Set against the rich backdrop of World War II Italy, Garden of Letters captures the hope, suspense, and romance of an uncertain era, in an epic intertwining story of first love, great tragedy, and spectacular bravery.

Portofino, Italy, 1943. A young woman steps off a boat in a scenic coastal village. Although she knows how to disappear in a crowd, Elodie is too terrified to slip by the German officers while carrying her poorly forged identity papers. She is frozen until a man she's never met before claims to know her. In desperate need of shelter, Elodie follows him back to his home on the cliffs of Portofino.

Only months before, Elodie Bertolotti was a cello prodigy in Verona, unconcerned with world events. But when Mussolini's Fascist regime strikes her family, Elodie is drawn into the burgeoning resistance movement by Luca, a young and impassioned bookseller. As the occupation looms, she discovers that her unique musical talents, and her courage, have the power to save lives.

In Portofino, young doctor Angelo Rosselli gives the frightened and exhausted girl sanctuary. He is a man with painful secrets of his own, haunted by guilt and remorse. But Elodie's arrival has the power to awaken a sense of hope and joy that Angelo thought was lost to him forever.

Review Quotes

Advanced praise for THE GARDEN OF LETTERS
"Richman seamlessly weaves together the languages of music and love, reaching into the heart of the reader with artful portraits of heroism, sacrifice and redemption. Fans of The Lost Wife will again savor Richman's ability to tell a remarkable story about people who are unforgettable and real."-- Pam Jenoff, International bestselling author

"Lyrical and rich...filled with beauty and tragedy, romance and heartbreak."--Jillian Cantor, Author of Margot"Graceful, mellifluous... read this book."--Jenna Blum, New York Times bestselling author of Those Who Save Us"The Garden of Letters demonstrates artistry of the highest order. Lyrical and compelling, Alyson Richman's novel of a cellist coming of age in wartime Italy is as layered as a symphony. Exquisite."--Erika Robuck, author of Fallen Beauty

"A brilliant novel that will haunt me for years to come."--Kristina McMorris, bestselling author of The Pieces We Keep

"Alyson Richman crafts a transportive novel vivid with history and fragile with hope."--Jessica Brockmole, author of Letters from Skye

Praise for THE LOST WIFE
"A truly beautiful heartfelt story...I couldn't put it down once I started it. Ms. Richman is a very special talent."--New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah

"Staggeringly evocative, romantic, heart-rending, sensual and beautifully written, Alyson Richman's The Lost Wife may very well be the Sophie's Choice of this generation."-- New York Times bestselling author John Lescroart

"Moving, unforgettable and so expertly told, you have to wonder if the author has a gift of time travel--this is storytelling at its very best."--Sarah Jio, New York Times bestselling author

About the Author

Alyson Richman is the author of The Mask Carver's Son, The Rhythm of Memory, The Last Van Gogh, and The Lost Wife. She lives in Long Island with her husband and two children.