The Lost Boy of Bologna: Absolutely beautiful and gripping Italian historical fiction

In 1929, a newborn baby boy named Rinaldo Scamorza is abandoned by his unmarried mother in Bologna, Italy. Despite being mistreated in an orphanage, he forms a strong bond with another orphan, Evelina. When Evelina is sold into prostitution, Rinaldo becomes determined to help her escape. Despite facing many challenges, he uses his knowledge of the city to improve his life and reunite with the women he loves.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 04 April 2022
Publisher: Silvertail Books

In the heart of Bologna, Italy, in 1929, a newborn baby boy is left abandoned by his desperate unmarried mother, who believes he is dead and that she is to blame. Overwhelmed with heartbreak, she reluctantly leaves her child, accepting that her actions will haunt her for the rest of her days. However, fate intervenes in the form of a compassionate stranger, who saves the starving baby's life. Thus, begins the extraordinary journey of Rinaldo Scamorza.

After spending several years in an orphanage, where Rinaldo clings to the hope that his mother will one day come to reclaim him, he is entrusted to a cold and heartless foster-mother, who views her charges as nothing more than financial opportunities. Despite the cruelty and violence that surround him, Rinaldo meets fellow orphan Evelina, and the two children form a bond that they believe will endure through all hardships. Rinaldo cherishes the few people who show him love and grows into a loyal, intelligent, and kind young boy. However, his world is shattered when, at the tender age of 13, Evelina is sold into prostitution by their foster-mother.

As Rinaldo matures and becomes more resourceful, he finds work as an errand boy in a brothel, where he once again encounters Evelina. Driven by a deep desire to help her escape the life of exploitation, Rinaldo embarks on a mission to protect and support her. However, another cruel misfortune separates them, and Evelina disappears from his sight.

As Italy begins to emerge from the shadows of World War II and Bologna's economy begins to recover, Rinaldo leverages his intimate knowledge of the city to transform his life for the better. He works hard, builds a successful career, and finds solace in his newfound prosperity. Yet, amidst all his achievements, the women he yearns to see again—Evelina and his mother—are always on his mind.

This captivating historical novel will resonate with fans of Angela Petch, Helen Fripp, Dinah Jeffries, Rhys Bowen, and Louise Douglas, who appreciate the depth of emotion and the intricacies of human relationships that are woven into the story. Rinaldo Scamorza's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of kindness to overcome even the most challenging circumstances.

Weight: 346g
Dimension: 133 x 202 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913727185