Book Review: Leaving Stra by L.J. Simmonds

Leaving Stra
By L.J. Simmonds

Publication Date: 18th January 2025

Publisher: Independently Published

Page Length: 316

Genre: Historical Fiction

In 1927, the Italian village of Stra is charged with tension for Maria Zola and her family. Is their home, the renowned Villa Pisani, truly the sanctuary they believe it is? As the encroaching tide of nationalism seeps into their lives and through the walls of their Palladian home, Maria and her three brothers confront the realities behind the imposing oak doors of their father’s study. With each passing year, their childhood joy is replaced by the sinister, industrial clouds of Venetian Lagoon Fascism. How will the Zola family navigate their relationships with one another and their place in a changing Italy?

Maria Zola is not interested in the politics her father immerses himself in. Instead, she prefers to explore the grounds of her beautiful Villa Pisani, which has been her home for her entire life. She enjoys playing, with or without her brothers, and creating her own stories as she wanders around. Hidden within the walls of the Villa, Maria has no reason to believe that anything is wrong in the world outside. La Grande Guerra is over, and Venice can begin to rebuild itself as the magnificent city it once was.

But restoring Venice to its former glory is proving to be more challenging than expected. Maria’s father, Andrea, is struggling to attract tourism to the city. He wants to showcase the rich culture hidden within Venice and demonstrate to the Regime that he and the Venetian Alliance are capable of developing and implementing their plans.

In an era of uncertainty, where the future hangs in the balance and the present is fraught with tension and peril, “Leaving Stra” by L.J. Simmonds captivates readers with the gripping tale of a family manoeuvring through the treacherous politics of post-war Italy, while attempting to stay on the outskirts of the limelight to protect themselves.

This novel is narrated from the perspectives of all the members of the Zola family, with the youngest daughter, Maria, taking the lead for most of the story. Throughout her early years, Maria’s naivety about various topics creates a profound sense of uncertainty and fear for the reader. Although Maria may not grasp the conversations taking place around her, the reader is fully aware that not everything is as peaceful as she believes. In the streets, the squadristi, or Blackshirts, patrol with a cold indifference toward those around them, making it easy for them to target innocent people. The fear that envelops those walking the cherished streets of Venice instils unease in the reader. While La Grande Guerra has ended, peace has not truly been restored, and life cannot simply return to what it once was.

Viewing the events through the eyes of a young girl offers a compelling perspective in this novel. Instead of focusing on the individuals directly involved in the political movements in Italy and Germany or the alliances that marked the beginning of the Second World War, the narrative centres on a young child who is unfortunately born into a family entangled in Italian politics during a tumultuous period of history. Readers can easily relate to Maria on a personal level, and her youth makes them want to protect her. With a contemporary viewpoint and the awareness that La Grande Guerra was not the only World War to come, readers experience a sense of anticipation as they follow the evolving story. 

The characters in this novel are carefully crafted, making them feel incredibly real. The bickering between Maria and her brothers, reminiscent of children with no worries, adds life to the story. Joining them as they learn and grow toward an uncertain future is both heartwarming and unnerving. Their innocent games in the garden are fleeting, overshadowed by the harsh reality of time pressing down on them. Additionally, their parents, Andrea and Giovanna, play crucial roles as they try to shield their children from the world around them. Giovanna, in particular, frequently reveals her anxiety regarding the unfolding events. The contrast between the children’s carefree games and her worries brings a stark contrast to the narrative. She does an excellent job of protecting them from the horrors of daily life, keeping them innocent and naïve about the issues surrounding Italian politics until the moment comes when they must confront the changing landscape and the sanctions imposed. The emotional depth surrounding the Zola family is remarkable, with their personalities shining through alongside their aspirations and fears.

The uncertainty in the air is almost palpable. None of the characters are fully aware of what awaits them, and with the reader holding a modern perspective over the characters, many will find themselves fearing for the characters they have grown to love. The words in this novel transcend simple text; they resurrect a snippet of history, if only for a brief moment. While deep feelings of hope and fear run throughout this story, there are also many elements on the surface that breathe life into its pages. The bustling streets of Venice, the smells and sounds of people mingling, the aroma of coffee, and the excitement of tourists as the Film Festival approaches all come alive in this novel. The reader truly feels as though they have stepped back in time.

The novel ends rather abruptly, leaving the conclusion open for readers to consider their own interpretations of what happens next. Whether this was done intentionally to set the stage for a sequel or not, the ending highlights the characters’ shared anxieties about the future—what will unfold after this? Another war is looming, and it promises to be deadly. Alongside the characters, readers are left uncertain about which beloved figures will survive the conflict. This thought alone is enough to keep this book lingering in your mind long after you have finished reading.

“Leaving Stra” by L. J. Simmonds is a captivating novel that immerses readers in the lives of its richly drawn characters against the backdrop of the City of Venice striving to rebuild itself in the aftermath of World War I and before the onset of World War II. The narrative is infused with a sense of mystery and uncertainty, gripping readers and prompting deep reflection. The emotional ties formed with the characters make the farewell at the book’s conclusion all the more poignant and heartbreaking, leaving an indelible mark long after the final page is turned. This book comes highly recommended.

Review by Ellie Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

Pick up your copy of

Leaving Stra

HERE!

L.J. Simmonds

Lucinda Jane Simmonds was born in Chester, England, in 1995. After studying French and German at the University of Southampton, she moved to Germany where she has lived since 2017. Alongside her work as an English lecturer in Ludwigsburg, she is a keen writer. This is her debut novel.