Courage, My Love

By: Kristin Beck

Narrated by: Carlotta Brentan

When the Nazi occupation of Rome begins, two courageous young women are plunged deep into the Italian Resistance to fight for their freedom in this captivating debut novel.

Rome, 1943

Lucia Colombo has had her doubts about fascism for years, but as a single mother in an increasingly unstable country, politics are for other people - she needs to focus on keeping herself and her son alive. Then the Italian government falls and the German occupation begins, and suddenly, Lucia finds that complacency is no longer an option.

Francesca Gallo has always been aware of injustice and suffering. A polio survivor who lost her father when he was arrested for his anti-fascist politics, she came to Rome with her fiancé to start a new life. But when the Germans invade and her fiancé is taken by the Nazis, Francesca decides she has only one option: to fight back.

As Lucia and Francesca are pulled deeper into the struggle against the Nazi occupation, both women learn to resist alongside the partisans to drive the Germans from Rome. But as winter sets in, the occupation tightens its grip on the city, and the resistance is in constant danger.

In the darkest days, Francesca and Lucia face their pasts, find the courage to love, and maintain hope for a future that is finally free.

©2021 Kristin Beck (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"A winning wartime tale set in the snakepit world of Mussolini's Rome. Single mother Lucia and polio-crippled Francesca make appealing heroines, flowering slowly from reticent bystanders to fierce resistance fighters as the Eternal City comes under German occupation. Kristin Beck's debut is a fresh, compelling read." (Kate Quinn, New York Times best-selling author of The Huntress)

“An extraordinary debut set against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Rome, Courage, My Love is historical fiction at its finest. With evocative and compulsively readable prose, Beck weaves a gripping tale of love, loss, patriotism, and courage. Powerful, poignant, and timely, Courage, My Love is a must-read.” (Chanel Cleeton, New York Times best-selling author of Next Year in Havana, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick)

“Francesca and Lucia are two magnificent women. How could anyone not admire their bravery, their strength, their compassion and their fierce determination to do whatever they could to protect both those they love and the people of Rome from the Nazis sweeping through their beloved city. Courage, My Love is a beautiful story of female friendship, and the unheralded but hugely important Resistance work the women of Rome undertook, in the face of grave danger, during WWII. It’s a fascinating, nuanced and impeccably researched tale.” (Natasha Lester, New York Times best-selling author of The Paris Orphan)

the GREATEST generation in story format

This book is enthralling. it captures a asense of right and wrong in an amazing way. I found
myself cheering on the characters. crying for them. and praying for them. the author did a great job entertaining truth and fiction from WW11. I didn't want it to end!!

Interesting and compelling

I liked this book. It kept my interest and the narration was fine. I am addicted to WW2 historical fiction or non-fiction and especially far flung areas that were affected. I have listened to many such novels and I learned more about Rome’s involvement with this one.

Heroism for women storyline

Enjoyed this read very much. I was able to read Lucia stories by two chapters at a time then Francesca's by two til halfway through the book then they finally intertwined where I had to read it chapter by chapter. I didn't want to put it down. It can relate to those who are a single parent to a marriage that is rekindled and can also relate to nurse/doctor rolls along with widow loss to finding hope when all was lost.

Women in the war

Another story well done, showing the roles of women in WWII. The stories to finally to have them recognized! Nicely done!

Page Turner

As an avid WWII historical fiction reader I have read many books. I am happy to say this one is at the top of the list. You don’t find many that take place in Italy or tell how the Italians had to deal with the Germans.
I was pleasantly surprised. The narrator was excellent and with the right inflection and pronunciation.
Worth the read and the credit. Don’t hesitate!

Superlative historical fiction

What a beautiful, moving story. These characters will stay with me for a long time! I appreciate all the research and authenticity that went into this beautiful novel. Excellent narration as well, with authentic accents.

Gripping story about the end of WWII in Rome

Knowing next to nothing about Italy I was horrified by the conditions the Italians lived through. This story is not for the weak of heart. A gripping historical novel based on extensive research. Don’t miss listening to the author’s comments at the end.

The story lines are excellent. Many unexpected things happen— at least they were not expected by me. The Nazi horrors were brought to light.

The narrator was generally very good but sometimes I found it annoying when she whisper-talked.

I did not really “enjoy” the book but I couldn’t stop listening.

Captivating

I just finished this and can’t say enough good things about it. I love historical fiction and could sense the passion and research the author put into this story. I connected with the characters right away and looked forward to my car time to hear more. I like how Kristen tied into her family history and stories from her Grandmother. I am excited to read her next book!

Excellent

Gripping historical fiction! Great reader making the story feel real. The epilogue put the whole thing in motion.

Narrator’s Voice Unappealing

The narrator used a “breathy, whispery” voice which was improbable to me, speaking for strong, brave women. It actually became annoying to me. Her Italian sounds good though.

Sorry. The story is very good - interesting and well written.