Review of ONE MORE MOON by Ralph Webster

Told from the viewpoint of Elsa, the author’s grandmother, this is an absolutely fascinating look at Italy during the time of Mussolini and Hitler. Elsa leaves Germany to marry Paul (kind of an old-fashioned, arranged marriage that actually seems charming) and together they buy and operate a bed and breakfast in a small town there outside of Naples. The Pensione Alexandria is the heart and soul of the story because it is there that so many different characters touch the lives of Elsa and Paul. It is where we see the changes in life for the Jewish population once Hitler has taken an iron grip on Germany and begins to extend his influence to Mussolini. As a Jew, Elsa suffers being ousted from a local social club. This book holds a lot of wisdom and insight into what Fascism is and how it affects the lives of regular people. Jewish ostracism in Italy is not as apparent, but Elsa writes about the changes that begin subtly in Germany, in such a quiet way that hardly anyone notices how harshly the Jews are being treated. This is a story that needs to be told. It is a true story based on the accounts of what happened to Elsa as told to her grandson. I loved the way the story flowed and seemed like Elsa was stepping off the page to tell me the story herself! Of course, given the history of Italy and Germany, there are some very sad parts of the story, but it is all told in such a way that you want to be with Elsa and live that life with her all over again, and this time, maybe notice things more and be able to make changes to the way society treated an innocent group of people who just happened to be Jewish. If you love history, you will love this historical novel!

Disclaimer

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

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2 thoughts on “Review of ONE MORE MOON by Ralph Webster

  1. Thank you so much for reading my book – and for your wonderful review. I hope One More Moon touches hearts. The stories of the lives of ordinary people living in extraordinary times need to be told to remind us all that history sometimes has a way of forgetting its lessons.

    Liked by 2 people

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