The Village Trattoria

A family divided over the future of its famous restaurant is plunged into turmoil as Italy falls to the Germans in 1943.

A novel set in wartime Italy and following the fortunes of an Italian family under Mussolini's rule.

** PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED AS THE ENEMY OF LOVE **Italy 1943 The village trattoria, Casa Maria, is famed for its food and for Elena, the formidable matriarch who runs it. But now war has come to Umbria. Sophia di Luca cooks brilliantly and expects to take over the trattoria from Elena one day. But instead it is charismatic, unpredictable Giorgio Capaldi who has inherited it and now arrives from Rome to run it. While Sophia and Giorgio clash, the town falls under Nazi occupation. And when no one knows who to trust, it is Casa Maria that becomes the centre for secrets, dangerous passions and ultimately betrayal. ‘A wonderful, joyous book, which really spoke to me about the indomitability of the humanspirit.’ Elizabeth EnfieldPraise for Annabelle Thorpe: 'Unputdownable!' Claire Dyer, author of The Last Day 'A pacy, engaging tale of human weakness and of passion so overwhelming it can make fools of us all' Daily Express