SAVING THE MUSIC Bellafortuna, Book 2

Bob Neufeld exquisitely narrates this WWII story set in Vatican City, Rome, and Sicily. After 15 Jewish musicians and their families miraculously escape from a train and make their way to Vatican City, they are protected by church officials. Listeners will follow them to Bellafortuna, Sicily, where they live and work with the villagers. Neufeld skillfully portrays the many personalities and diverse accents. His best creations are Pope Pius XII, who quietly orders his staff to hide and save countless Jews, and Father O'Flaherty, whose Irish charm belies his steely determination. A common love of music by the Bellafortunians and Jewish musicians makes a beautiful addition to the somber undercurrent. Finally, Neufeld presents a fascinating epilogue and author's notes, which add further depth. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2020]