Saving the Music (Bellafortuna Series)

In SAVING THE MUSIC, author Chip LoCoco has written an engrossing, deeply moving, visceral novel. Fifteen top professional musicians in WWII who hold respected steady positions such as with the Vienna Philharmonic, are suddenly dismissed because they are Jews. With the Nazis hunting them everywhere to ship them off to concentration camps, Pope Pius XII arranges them to be sent to the Sicilian village of Bellafortuna, with the Catholic villagers vowing to protect them. Bellafortuna has a gifted amateur orchestra composed of vintners and farmers and craftsmen but when joined by the former top instrumentalists of Europe, the orchestra rises from very good to glorious. Because of the sound they make together, the Nazi officer in charge of the village decides to send the new musicians to Rome to play a concert...a place of great danger to them.Buy this absolutely wonderful novel...it is a jewel of storytelling and shows that even in the most horrific and brutal of times, good people will arise. And it is so alive and real, I was much more in their world than mine when reading it. As Schubert says in his great lied An Die Musik, the novel and its music lifted me to a better world.

I just completed this book after reading book 1. I really enjoyed the first book and storyline. I wasn’t aware that book 2 was based on World War II. I have read a lot of books on WW II and have learned much about a time that was evil, devastating, and endeared tremendous loss. This war effected so many people in so many countries! Save The Music is extremely well written. It brings the characters to life and you feel their pain, love and fears. The families and churches that took in the Jews were brave, loving and compassionate. The evil that devoured these years was heartbreaking. However, this book shares the stories of real people that lived and/or died. The author’s research to bring this book to life is what makes this book remarkable! Don’t pass these two books up…they will touch your life!

I enjoyed the first book in this series but this one, which will easily stand alone, was just wonderful. I learned more about WWII and how the Catholic Church saved many Jews, than I ever imagined possible. Having been born after WWII, I heard the stories about how Pope Pius XII wouldn't speak out against the Nazis and it was even whispered that he collaborated with them. This well researched book clarified the story and exposed the Pope and the Church as the heroes that they were.I realize that Bellafortuna is a fictitious town but was actually based on a real town (Author's note). The Bellafortuna reminds me of the town where my paternal grandmother was born in Sicily and the many stories she told me about growing up there. The addition of music, specifically opera, just made this book richer and more beautiful in my humble opinion. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a book full of realistic characters who walk off the page to tell their stories of life in Italy and Sicily during WWII and the liberation by the Allies. Bravo!!!

I thought the story in this book was very likeable The characters, for the most part, were well-developed and it seemed well-researched. But as a fiction author I was surprised that the book was published without a really good professional edit. There are grammatical issues, typos, overused words and repetitive words and phrases used too close together. Passive rsther than active voice. Point of view problems. Many readers may not notice or care, but for some, like me, it stopped the flow of reading. Being Italian I applaud the author’s bringing this Italian history to light and appreciate what the Church did to help the Jewish people.

About midway into the book I couldn’t put this book down. I just had to find out what happened next. And the authors notes at the end made me understand the controversial issues a lot better. The information was very well researched. I also liked how he discussed the survivors final destinations. I look forward to reading more.

I don't usually write book reviews, but I am making an exception for this book because I loved it. The story grabbed my attention from the very beginning. I couldn't wait to learn what happened next. An excellent book. I highly recommend it if you are interested in books about WWII.

This captivating story of Jewish musicians who were helped and hidden from the Nazis by good people in Italy (& other countries) was inspiring and informative. The faith, love and courage of so many people who risked everything trying to save the lives of complete strangers is a beautiful testimony of the goodness in humankind. The trials and heartbreaks of the characters delve into the terrifying experiences so many Jews encountered during this horrific time.I loved the development of relationships on so many levels. I enjoyed the love of music and dedication to preserving the beauty of it while evil raged in the world. Resilience and determination of the characters are good examples for every reader. Learning about the involvement of the Pope and the Catholic Church in protecting and aiding Jews was enlightening, and I love the extensive research that backs it up. Thank you to Chip LoCoco and his team for this.I’m glad I read Saving the Music as it renews hope in humanity reaching out to help others despite differences in background, faith or race.

I found this book to be a wonderful story! Never did I ever think about the Jews living in Italy during WW2! As a Catholic I always questioned the role of the Church during WW2...now I feel like I have some answers or a way to research Pope Pius XII's role during these dark days ! A beautiful book that I highly recommend you read!