Eternal - Book Summary (2024)

This narrative unfolds in World War II Rome, under German occupation, and revolves around three Roman families - the D'Orfeos, the Simones, and the Terrizzis. The D'Orfeos, a Catholic family, reside in Trastevere, with Ludovico and Serafina raising their daughter, Elisabetta. The Simones, a Jewish family, live in the Ghetto, where Massimo and Gemma are parents to Rosa and Sandro. The Terrizzis, another Catholic family, make their home on Tiber Island, where Giuseppe and Maria raise their three sons - Emedio, Aldo, and Marco.

As the Nazis seize control of Rome, the Jewish Simones find themselves facing escalating persecution. Rosa's boyfriend, David, is taken into custody, leaving the family living in constant fear. The Catholic D'Orfeos and Terrizzis react differently to the situation. Ludovico chooses to turn a blind eye, while Emedio, a priest, and Marco, the youngest Terrizzi son, join the resistance. Marco develops feelings for Rosa and takes steps to conceal the Simones' whereabouts.

In the face of adversity, the two families unite, risking their own lives to safeguard their Jewish friends. They manage to outsmart the ruthless Nazi leaders, such as Herbert Kappler. The narrative highlights how ordinary Romans, despite their diverse backgrounds, stood united against fascism and anti-Semitism during the war. Their bravery in providing shelter and protection to their Jewish compatriots, despite the imminent danger, serves as a beacon of inspiration.

"Eternal" by Lisa Scottoline is a historical fiction novel that explores the rise and fall of Fascism in Italy, focusing on the lives of three main characters: Elisabetta, Marco, and Sandro. The story is set against the backdrop of the horrific rastrellamento of the Ghetto in Rome in 1943, where Jewish men, women, and children were forced from their homes and sent to Auschwitz. The novel is a poignant exploration of love, family, justice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

1. Embrace Diversity: The book highlights the importance of embracing diversity and standing against discrimination, as seen in the rise of Fascism and its devastating impact on the Jewish community in Italy.

2. Value Education: The author's extensive research underscores the importance of education and understanding history to avoid repeating past mistakes.

3. Show Empathy: The characters' experiences teach us to empathize with those who have different experiences and backgrounds.

4. Stand Against Injustice: The book encourages readers to stand against injustice, even when it is difficult or dangerous.

5. Cherish Family and Friends: The relationships between the characters emphasize the importance of cherishing loved ones and the support they provide during challenging times.

6. Be Resilient: The characters' ability to endure and overcome adversity serves as a reminder of the power of resilience.

7. Seek Truth: The book underscores the importance of seeking the truth, even when it is uncomfortable or difficult to accept.

8. Preserve Memories: The author's dedication to preserving the memory of the Holocaust victims teaches us the importance of remembering and honoring the past.

9. Practice Forgiveness: The characters' journeys highlight the power of forgiveness and its role in healing and moving forward.

10. Value Life: The book's exploration of the Holocaust serves as a stark reminder of the value of life and the importance of defending human rights.