JUST A GIRL A True Story of World War II

Despite this audiobook's dark historical setting, Carlotta Brentan delivers a glowing performance. Author Lia Levi recounts her childhood in Italy during WWII. Brentan captures a child's gradual understanding of why she can't go to her hometown school anymore, why her family must move to find work, and why she must drop her Jewish identity. The more Lia learns about Mussolini and the war brewing around her, the more her eyes are opened to injustice and racism. Brentan elicits further empathy from listeners as Lia's family members put on a brave face for her safety and comfort. Scenes of rare happy moments, brightly performed, give listeners hope for Lia's future. G.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: MARCH 2023]