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The Garden of Angels

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The Garden of Angels

By: David Hewson
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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At his beloved Nonno Paolo's deathbed, 15-year-old Nico receives a gift that will change his life forever: a yellowing manuscript which tells the haunting, twisty tale of what really happened to his grandfather in Nazi-occupied Venice in 1943.

The Palazzo Colombina is home to the Uccello family: three generations of men, trapped together in the dusty palace on Venice's Grand Canal. Awkward 15-year-old Nico. His distant, business-focused father. And his beloved grandfather, Paolo. Paolo is dying. But before he passes, he has secrets he's waited his whole life to share.

When a Jewish classmate is attacked by bullies, Nico just watches - earning him a week's suspension and a typed, yellowing manuscript from his frail Nonno Paolo. A history lesson, his grandfather says. A secret he must keep from his father. A tale of blood and madness.... 

Nico is transported back to the Venice of 1943, an occupied city seething under its Nazi overlords and to the defining moment of his grandfather's life: when Paolo's support for a murdered Jewish woman brings him into the sights of the city's underground resistance. Hooked and unsettled, Nico can't stop reading - but he soon wonders if he ever knew his beloved grandfather at all.

©2021 David Hewson (P)2021 W. F. Howes 20th Century Action & Adventure Historical Historical Fiction Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Heartfelt Emotionally Gripping
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Critic reviews

"Gripping and powerful, The Garden of Angels richly evokes the tension and threat of Nazi-occupied Venice. A moving and important novel.” (Tess Gerritsen, author of The Shape of Night)

"Vivid and compelling. A richly wrought thriller, a love story and a warning that spans decades. I was thinking about this book for days." (Sarah Pinborough, author of Behind Her Eyes)

All stars
Most relevant
Gosh, what a page turner. I had read it in a few days, the story told by 15 year old Nico through the documents shared with him by his beloved grandfather unfolds gradually, taking the reader to Venice in WW2.
So often on my visits to Venice I have considered what must have life been like during the occupation, this story was so enlightening! Although a work of fiction there is so much research and fact in its pages setting the backdrop that is an insight into that time and its people. Thank you David Hewson.

Excellent, may we never forget

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Absolutely enthralled, I could hardly bring myself to stop listening. I ended up watching the sun rise as I finished the final few chapters. Would definitely recommend especially if you enjoy history and LGBTQ+ content.

pulled an all nighter

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This is a wonderful, completely absorbing story with beautifully realised characters, a narrative that moves from fast paced action, through heart-felt and believable dialogue to reflection and description. One of my favourite ‘characters’ - and this sounds a bit of a cheesy cliche I suppose - is Venice itself. David Hewson has brought her to life so vividly you can see, hear, smell, touch and taste the beauty and darkness of this incredible ancient city. I absolutely loved this book! Read it or listen to the fabulous Richard Armitage read it for you - either or both will transport you, at a time when we can’t really go anywhere other than our own doorsteps!

Captivating

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Fab book. Great read. Full of depth, kept on your toes even to last page ... a classic!

Wonderful story telling

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A truly compelling story narrated expertly by Richard Armitage. David Hewson is an extraordinary writer.

A tour de force of a book

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