I'M STAYING HERE

Lauren Ezzo brings Balzano's heartbreaking historical novel to life with her exquisite narration. Trina recounts her life, including her regrets, to her long-lost daughter. In 1923, 17-year-old Trina's voice is full of eagerness as her dream of becoming a teacher is about to come true. But the Fascist government outlaws the German language, and she, her family, friends, and others in their southern Italian village see their world radically change. Ezzo's tone and pacing distinguish the characters. Trina's father's love and her mother's judgmental distance come through in caressing tones and clipped comments. Husband Erich usually speaks in anger and frustration as he sees the coming chaos but can't get the villagers to act. Historical fiction at its best brings history alive through believable characters. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2021]