The Garden of Letters by Alyson Richman

World War II, Portofino, Italy is the setting for this poignant novel.

Elodie, an only child has the gift of music.  An accomplished cello player, she is enlisted by the Resistance to transmit coded messages through musical scores which are then played to an audience capable of understanding the code.

She loses her father at the hands of the Gestapo who beat him so badly he never recovers.  Her mother and Elodie escape to find safety in the home of a friend.  Eloidie then finds passage to the port of Potorfino where she is rescued by a doctor.

A vulnerable young woman, she is profoundly affected by the effects of war but is able to look forward with hope through the generosity of a stranger.

A well-written account which is based on a true story, The Garden of Letters is yet another perspective of a difficult time in the history of the world.

Ladybookbug!