Last Train From Liguria

Description: In 1933, Bella Stuart leaves her quiet London life to move to Italy to tutor the child of a beautiful Jewish heiress and an elderly Italian aristocrat. Living at the family's summer home, Bella's reserve softens as she comes to love her young charge, and find friendship with Maestro Edward, his enigmatic music teacher. But as the decade draws to an end and fascism tightens its grip on Europe, the fact that Alec is Jewish places his life in grave danger. Bella and Edward take the boy on a terrifying train journey out of Italy - one they have no reason to believe any of them will survive... Review: "'A wrenchingly affecting love story' Joseph O'Connor, Guardian 'This is a big, bold, remarkably assured narrative... A powerfully accomplished work of art.' Joseph O'Connor, Guardian 'The best book of the year... Extraordinary' Glasgow Herald 'Beautiful and heartbreaking' Independent on Sunday 'A beautifully written novel...both impressive and enjoyable... sensual and accurate... You can feel the light and heat of Italy as you read... A significant achievement that confirms Hickey's status as a major talent.' Mail on Sunday (****) 'Christine Dwyer Hickey's novels know how the slings and arrows of fortune leave scars long after their initial impact... A complex tale of courage and resilience.' Irish Independent" Author Biography: Christine Dwyer Hickey is an award-winning novelist and short story writer. Twice winner of the Listowel Writers' Week short story competition, she was also a prize-winner in the prestigious Observer/Penguin short story competition. Her best-selling novel Tatty was longlisted for the Orange Prize and shortlisted for the Hughes & Hughes Irish Novel of the Year Award. She lives in Dublin.