Early One Morning

More about the book

In 1943 Rome, two young women, strangers to each other, share a fleeting moment that alters their lives forever. Chiara Ravello, preparing to escape the occupied city for her grandparents' home, unexpectedly intervenes when she sees another woman being taken away with her husband and children. Claiming the woman's son as her own nephew, Chiara demands his return, not fully grasping the implications of her actions until it’s too late. Now responsible for a child with no papers who refuses to speak, Chiara faces a perilous journey ahead. Fast forward thirty years, Chiara is a solitary, self-sufficient translator in Rome, seemingly content with her life filled with work, friends, and the arts. Yet, the shadow of Daniele, the boy she rescued, looms over her, deeply affecting her relationships and happiness. As the story unfolds, we discover the turmoil Daniele brought into Chiara's life and how he ultimately broke her heart. When a teenage girl named Maria calls, claiming to be Daniele’s daughter, Chiara realizes it’s time to confront her past. This epic narrative weaves a powerful tale of love, loss, and the lasting impact of war, leaving a profound impression on the reader.