The Italian Ballerina - by Kristy Cambron (Paperback)

About the Book

At the height of the Nazi occupation of Rome, an unlikely band of heroes comes together to save innocent lives in this breathtaking World War II novel based on real historical events.

Book Synopsis

At the height of the Nazi occupation of Rome, an unlikely band of heroes comes together to save innocent lives in this breathtaking World War II novel based on real historical events.

Rome, 1943. With the fall of Italy's Fascist government and the Nazi regime occupying the streets of Rome, British ballerina Julia Bradbury is stranded and forced to take refuge at a hospital on Tiber Island. But when she learns of a deadly sickness sweeping through the quarantine wards--a fake disease known only as Syndrome K--she is drawn into one of the greatest cons in history. Alongside hospital staff, friars of the adjoining church, and two Allied medics, Julia risks everything to rescue Jewish Italians from the deadly clutches of the Holocaust. Soon a little girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina arrives at their door, and Julia is determined to reunite the young dancer with her family--if only she would reveal one crucial secret: her name.

Present Day. Delaney Coleman recently lost her grandfather--a beloved small-town doctor and World War II veteran, so she returns home to help her aging parents. When a mysterious Italian woman reaches out claiming to own one of the family's precious heirlooms, Delaney is compelled to travel to Italy and uncover the truth of her grandfather's hidden past. With the help of the woman's skeptical but charming grandson, Delaney learns of a Roman hospital that saved hundreds of Jewish people during the war. Soon, everything Delaney thought she knew about her grandfather comes into question.

Based on true accounts of the invented Syndrome K sickness, The Italian Ballerina journeys from the Allied storming of the beaches at Salerno to the London ballet stage and the war-torn streets of World War II Rome, exploring the sometimes heart-wrenching choices we must make to find faith and forgiveness, and how saving a single life can impact countless others.

• Split timeline: WWII and present day
• Stand-alone novel
• Book length: approximately 107,000 words
• Includes discussion questions for book clubs

Review Quotes

'This is a compelling story of the Nazi invasion of Rome, the fake Syndrome K sickness, and the courageous people who used it to save others . . . the characters are inspiring and easy to connect with, and the plot is fascinating, with touches of romance that fit well into the story . . . Fans of wartime fiction and inspirational fiction will enjoy this look at World War II Italy.'--Historical Novel Society

Gripping and atmospheric, The Italian Ballerina explores the collective, intercontinental strength and struggle of those brave men and women who stood up against injustice to end the horrors of World War II. Cambron centers her story on civilians transformed to heroes--the prima ballerina turned nurse, the farmer turned medic, the small child turned pillar of strength, the soccer star turned caretaker--and readers are reminded that there are no small parts in this life. Though Cambron shines a spotlight on the vileness of hatred and war, she equally illuminates and emphasizes the way an 'ordinary' gift, if used, can be a lifeline to hope for generations. Awash with vivid characters and exceptionally well-researched, The Italian Ballerina is an outstanding work of historical fiction.--Joy Callaway, international bestselling author of The Grand Design

Impeccably researched and highly inspirational, The Italian Ballerina shows the complex political and human plight of those fighting for freedom in World War II Italy and how personal sacrifice and daring can have an impact on generations to come. Cambron uses her considerable talents as a writer of historical fiction to bring to life a large cast of characters scattered across the globe in several different time periods, each of the 'good guys' someone we would be honoured to call a friend. An uplifting tale that educates, energizes, and comforts the reader. I was captivated from its enigmatic, action-packed beginning to its most wonderfully satisfying end.--Natalie Jenner, author of the international bestseller The Jane Austen Society and The Bloomsbury Girls

Incredibly researched and emotionally evocative, Cambron--once again--takes us into the depths of war as well as to the heights of love, bravery, sacrifice, and devotion. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment within this story and must warn readers--you'll completely lose your heart to young Calla. Enjoy!--Katherine Reay, bestselling author of The London House

Poignant and inspirational, The Italian Ballerina captured my heart and wouldn't let go. Told in a non-linear style, the stories of Court and Julia in the past and Delaney in the present are woven into the life of Calla, a little Jewish girl caught in the horrors of World War II. Cambron's extensive research is evident, but it is the individual journeys of the characters that make this book special.--Robin Lee Hatcher, Christy Award-winning author of I'll Be Seeing You

With rare insight and remarkable finesse, Cambron excavates the forgotten fragments of history and crafts them into a sweeping masterpiece. Encompassing decades and inspired by a true story of extraordinary audacity, The Italian Ballerina explores how the ripples of the past merge with the present and reminds us of the capacity of ordinary individuals to rise against darkness and leave a legacy that outlasts their generation. Intricate and transportive, soaring and deeply resonant, this is Cambron at her finest.--Amanda Barratt, Christy Award-winning author of The White Rose Resists

This poignant WWII historical from Cambron (The Paris Dressmaker) follows a Jewish Italian girl and her American protector as they try to survive Mussolini's fall from power . . . The convincingly rendered characters humanize the horrors of war, and the girl's insistence that God sent Court to save her testifies to the power of faith in dire times. Readers will want to keep some tissues handy.--Publishers Weekly