Publisher: Atlantic Books

Publication Date: August 28, 2025

Length: 416 pages

I received this ARC from Simon & Schuster. After reading the marketing promo, it interested me. I am a big fan of historical fiction, the friendship of a man with dwarfism and a woman with an amazing memory during the onset of WWII in Italy interested me. I have read so many WWII books set in France, Germany, and England. The Italian view of war interested me. I finished reading this book last night, and I appreciated the new perspective on WWII.

Growing up wasn’t easy for Mimo. As a dwarf, he was bullied, teased, and always misunderstood. His father was a sculptor, and Mimo loved him. Mimo’s father never dismissed him because of his size. Mimo learned to sculpt with his father’s instruction. Sadly, his father died. Widows could not live alone during this era; Mimo’s mother needed to find another husband. In the town he grew up in, his future appeared bleak. He crosses paths with Viola Orsini, daughter of the wealthiest family in town. Mimo and Viola feel misunderstood by everyone, except each other. Viola wants to help Mimo learn about the world through the books in her family’s library. Mimo accepts the books and knows that reading is a way for him to spend time with the mercurial Viola.

Their friendship will endure tragedy, distance, war, and family intervention. Until Mimo becomes known as a sculptor, Viola’s family ignores their friendship. Mimo becomes a celebrated sculptor, and Viola marries. Viola’s family recognizes her friendship with Mimo. Viola is headstrong, and the family has been unsuccessful in controlling her. By helping her friend, perhaps they can manipulate Viola. Mimo recognizes the family’s deception while staunchly maintaining his loyalty to Viola.

Mimo and Viola’s lives intersect many times. Mimo longs for the Viola of their youth, reckless, impulsive, and opinionated. Viola maintains she has matured. In their later years, each meeting is bittersweet. Through everything life brings, Mimo and Viola need each other. As his life draws to a close, Mimo reflects on the moments that have impacted his life, culminating in the creation of a sculpture hidden by the Vatican.

Mimo and Viola live through turbulent times, clinging to their friendship. Viola is a frustrated, highly intelligent woman with a strong belief in women’s equality to men. Mimo has abundant talent that few people understand and accept. Their influence on each other’s lives is a touching reminder of the depth and beauty of friendship.

We should all be blessed with a friend who will challenge us, protect us, and accept us. Through the ups and downs of life, the love these characters had for each other was beautiful. I am grateful to Simon and Schuster, Danielle Prielipp, Jean-Baptiste Andrea, and Frank Wynne for the opportunity to read such a wonderful book.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻/5