by Lorenzo Carcaterra

A Historical Fiction, 2003 by Ballentine Books, 352 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

I really struggled to connect with any of the characters in this one. This may be due to the fact that we jump locations and groups a lot or it could be because the focus is really the action. Either way, a lack of connection to anyone made it tough to get into the story.
Repetitive. A lot of the scenes are very similar, which makes it hard to keep track of exactly what’s happening or if progress is being made.
This is historical fiction but it reads heavy on the fiction and light on the historical, if that makes sense. I would’ve preferred it to read a bit more grounded in history. This became especially true as I did a little more research into the events described and found what are either plot holes or inaccuracies.

Children are the focus here, as intended. The adult characters who enter the story do so to “assist” more than “take over” or “lead”. That works for this story.
Detailed action scenes. If you’re looking for a war book with action you can clearly picture, this delivers.
It will intrigue you to research the events further, which I believe may have been the point. This book tiptoes around some big events that will leave you curious for more.

Fans of action driven books about war may appreciate this fictionalised take on the Four Days of Naples.