Pamela Allegretto's Blog - Posts Tagged "art-in-war"

"A MUST READ" Those words on the heading of a 5-Star Amazon Review of my novel, "Bridge of Sighs and Dreams," go a long way to ease my post-election blues. Here's the rest of the lovely review written by Rick Tuber/Shanghai Cuts. "Nazi's, Fascists, greed, and revenge, "Bridge of Sighs and Dreams" has it all. A suspenseful story of survival that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I really enjoyed this book that was so unpredictable. Pamela Allegretto paints a picture of one family's love and hope during occupied Italy of WW 2. A must read."
BRIDGE OF SIGHS AND DREAMS is available for purchase in paperback and eBook at: AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015...

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bridg...…

BOOKLOCKER:
http://booklocker.com/books/8228.html

ITUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/…/bridge-of-...…

KOBO:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/brid...

Many thanks to the Amazon reader for this lovely review!

"I am nor never have been a fan of history although I do enjoy historical novels. Bridge of Sighs and Dreams is no exception! I could not put it down, doing so only when I couldn't keep my eyes open and had to sleep! I hope that Pam continues to write more books - I look forward to reading anything she would write. She has a great way of expressing thoughts and painting pictures using words. I did use a dictionary for the occasional Italian phrases but soon I learned that I really didn't need to. The way the phrases were put in the context of the dialogue of her wonderful characters made it easy to determine the meanings. Thanks, Pam, for a wonderful trip through war-torn Italy. I have a much better appreciation for the Italians and all the Europeans, Jewish and non-Jews, who lived through the atrocities of WWII - God bless them!"
BRIDGE OF SIGHS AND DREAMS is available for purchase in paperback and eBook at: AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015...

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bridg...

BOOKLOCKER:
http://booklocker.com/books/8228.html

ITUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/brid...

KOBO:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/brid...

Check out this generous 5-star review on Amazon for Bridge of Sighs and Dreams from Janet Lombardi. Reviews (good reviews) not only boost sales, but they lift the author’s spirit in a way that’s difficult to explain. Thanks, Janet. I’m so happy you liked the read and grateful that you took the time to write such a lovely review. The book was like a second child for many years. In fact, I became so connected with the characters that when it was finally time to publish, I felt like I was experiencing “empty nest syndrome.” Maybe that's why it took so long to write and rewrite and rewrite, I just didn't want to let go. Tanti auguri!

“Couldn’t put the book down! From the beginning, the story gripped my attention and the detail to history was riveting. This book is for all people, men, women, history buffs, and Italians named Lombardi!”

BRIDGE OF SIGHS AND DREAMS is available for purchase in paperback and eBook at:
AMAZON:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015...

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bridg...…
BOOKLOCKER:
http://booklocker.com/books/8228.html
ITUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/brid...
KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/…/eb…/bri...

The Birth of a Novel - A thousand thanks to Jennifer S. Alderson for inviting me onto her Travel by Book group and for featuring my Birth of a Novel on her Travel Writers website. I am honored to be included alongside such gifted authors. To read about the inspiration for my novel Bridge of Sighs and Dreams and my detailed research, which was often times serendipitous, please click on this link: http://jennifersalderson.com/2017/03/...
I hope you enjoy the article, and to take the time to read articles written by other authors who share the fascination and joy of international culture.

Thank you to Jennifer S. Alderson for submitting my novel, Bridge of Sighs and Dreams, on the Listopia Best WW11 Historical Fiction list and for writing this lovely comment: “Pamela Allegretto wrote a brilliant WWII historical fiction novel set in Italy. I just added it to the 'Best WWII Historical Fiction' list on Goodreads and would appreciate it if you considered voting for her book (she's currently at #32).
It truly is one of the best in its category! (Read my 5 star review of it while you are there).”

If any of my Goodread followers and friends feel so inclined, it would be lovely if you would take a look at this list and vote for my novel. Thanks! Cheers! https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/7...

A reminder to check out my article “Birth of a Novel” on Jennifer Alderson’s website, where she features Fiction and Memoirs written by Expats and Travelers.

Birth of a Novel
http://jennifersalderson.com/2017/03/...

Festa della Liberazione

Today is one of Italy's most celebrated holidays: Festa della Liberazione (Liberation Day). It marks the fall of Mussolini's Italian Social Republic and the end of the Nazi occupation in Italy in 1945. You can read more about it at: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/...
For a deeper insight into life in Nazi-occupied Italy, I invite you to read my novel: Bridge of Sighs and Dreams, on sale at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015...

What a great way to end the month of April: with this 5-star review. Thank you, Marty, for taking the time to write such a lovely review. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the read, and that it touched your sensibilities.

Best novel I've read in a long time!
By Marty on April 27, 2017
Format: Paperback
It has been some time since I've read a book that moved me in all the ways great writing should, but Pamela Allegretto nailed it. Complex in her method of storytelling, blending historical facts and events with her well-developed characters, even from page one I was hooked. If you love Italy and history, you will love this novel. All of your senses get involved: The sights, sounds, flavors, and tactile narrative are beautiful and compelling, but it is the emotional connection with the characters that couldn't be denied. As a mature man, I'll only admit to having teared up half a dozen times; that is the level of immersion you'll discover. No spoilers here, but absolutely recommend. The author was also very thoughtful in the production of the novel: a bit larger font and cream-colored pages, so very easy to read without tiring the eyes. Thank you Ms. Allegretto!

Thank you to Emmy Award winning film editor and author, Rick Tuber, for this lovely 5-star review.

"Nazi's, Fascists, greed, and revenge, "The Bridge of Sighs and Dreams" has it all. A suspenseful story of survival that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I really enjoyed this book that was so unpredictable. Pamela Allegretto paints a picture of one family's love and hope during occupied Italy of WW 2. A must read. "

This interview was conducted a while back, and I spaced out adding it to my blog post. So here it is. Thanks again to Wayne Turmel for including my interview alongside such gifted authors.

Tales of WW2 Italy from Pamela Allegretto

Sometimes you run across people who are just so darned talented in so many ways and has such a seemingly cool life it seems quite unfair to the rest of us mere mortals. Pamela Allegretto is one of these folks.
Pamela Allegretto is the polymath author of Bridge of Sighs and Dreams

She was educated at L’Università per Gli Stranieri in Florence, Italy, lives in Connecticut and divides her time between writing, painting, and translating. In addition to the new historical novel: Bridge of Sighs and Dreams, Her published work includes dual-language poetry books, translations in Italian literary journals, articles in local newspapers and on-line websites, CD covers, and cartoons. Her original art is collected worldwide. If it wasn’t for her habit of sending emails in comic sans, I wouldn’t believe she’s mortal.

I, on the other hand, managed to feed Byron, my cockatiel, without spilling any seeds on the rug this morning. Not in the same league at all.

In a nutshell, what’s the book about?

Nazi-occupied Rome sets the stage for Bridge of Sighs and Dreams, where the lives of two women collide in an arena of deception, greed, and sacrifice.
While political cartoonist Angelina Rosini channels her creativity into the art of survival for herself and her daughter, Lidia Corsini quenches her greed by turning in Jews to the Nazis. Lidia’s spiral into immorality accelerates as swiftly as the Jewish population dwindles; and soon not even her husband, her son, nor Angelina is immune to her madness.

What is it about that period or character that intrigued you and motivated you to write about it?

While growing up, I always hated listening to jokes about the Italians going into World War 2 with their hands raised. This was not at all the case, and I wanted to point out the bravery of the Italian population during this horrific time. Although Bridge of Sighs and Dreams is fiction, It is based on real events. I felt compelled to write a war novel in which the women don’t play the role of wallpaper or objects of amusement to soldiers and politicians. The women in Bridge of Sighs and Dreams take center stage in a behind the lines battle between good and evil.

Without giving away spoilers, what’s your favorite scene or event in the book?

Oh boy, asking an author what’s her favorite scene in a book is like asking a mother to name her favorite child. I suppose writing my antagonist, Lidia, affected me most. To think that such an immoral character lurked somewhere in my psyche was more than a little unsettling. And the idea that I actually enjoyed getting into her head and writing her odious words and deeds, well…
http://wayneturmel.com/2016/07/tales-...

BOOK OF THE MONTH

I am over the moon that the Johnsonburg Library Book Club (Johnsonburg, PA) selected my novel Bridge of Sighs and Dreams as their August read. I am honored and grateful. Thank you so much to the Librarian, Melinda, for making the selection, to Pamela for the recommendation and for helping to host the event, and to the 13 members who read the book and offered such positive reviews.

BRIDGE OF SIGHS AND DREAMS is available for purchase in paperback and eBook at:
AMAZON:
ttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015JRFQE8

BARNES & NOBLE:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bridg...…
BOOKLOCKER:
http://booklocker.com/books/8228.html
ITUNES:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/brid...
KOBO:
https://store.kobobooks.com/…/eb…/bri...