The Italian Ballerina

A World War II Novel

By: Kristy Cambron

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

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. Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon.

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.

©2022 Kristy Cambron (P)2022 Thomas Nelson

Great story I didn’t want it to end!

What a beautiful story of love, through the ages, and a great reminder that love triumphs over evil. Fantastic job by the narrator, and I loved this story so much!

Predictable but nice short story

I wanted to like this so much more but very early on it was apparent what the outcome was. The jumping back and forth wasn’t a great add to the story- it became hard to follow several times whether that was before or after the protagonist was sent off to war or was that after he came home or ???? It didn’t add to the plot so much as it kept the confusion going

A very enjoyable read!

This is the second book I've read from the Italian perspective of WW2. The first was a true story, but this makes me want to read more WW2 Italian perspectives.

Beautiful story

This is a story of how hope and love shine even brighter in great darkness. It is probably one that is better read than listened to despite the wonderful narration because of the complexity and sheer number of timelines and separate characters and settings. I had trouble keeping them all straight in my mind. Once several converge, everything is much more straightforward. While this novel holds a great deal of sadness, it is a testament to the sacrifices many made in the war to save those they could. Worth your time.

Good mystery and descriptions of Italy, like being there.

A bit too mushy near the end, but very well plotted. 3 timelines were a bit hard to keep track of at first.

What a gorgeous read!!!

Absolutely a joy to read. So immersed in the story, I forgot what day it was. Well written with such grace and love. A must read!!!

Slightly flawed

Fantastic narrative. Loved the reader. Parts just got too heavy handed with references to religion. It just didn’t flow well.

Nicely put together

Good job keeping my attention. The story was nicely put together. It was Well preformed.

Normal people doing extraordinary things.

A great story and the narrator was exceptional. I love these historical fiction books based on true events. These people showed uncommon courage. I hope people like these heroes still exist today.

a beautiful story

Told over decades through multiple perspectives, this book braids the characters story threads into one. The narrator does a superb job with the telling, changing her voice for each character. I thoroughly enjoyed this work!