60 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
496
Novel • Fiction
Rome, Italy • 1930s-1940s
2021
Adult
18+ years
In Lisa Scottoline’s Eternal, friends Elisabetta, Marco, and Sandro navigate love and friendship amid the rise of Fascist rule in Rome before and during World War II, facing personal and societal challenges as Mussolini's alliance with Hitler brings increasing antisemitism and war-related turmoil to their lives. The novel includes antisemitism, war-related violence, and murder, including infant death and genocide.
Emotional
Romantic
Melancholic
Inspirational
Hopeful
53,179 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lisa Scottoline's Eternal poignantly captures love and resilience amidst WWII's horrors, drawing praise for its well-researched history and emotive storytelling. Readers appreciate its vibrant characters and evocative setting, though some find the pacing slow. Overall, it's a deeply affecting tale with minor pacing issues that may deter some.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction set against the backdrop of World War II and appreciate strong character-driven narratives will find Eternal by Lisa Scottoline captivating. Fans of Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See and Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale will also be drawn to this emotional and immersive story.
53,179 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sandro Simone
A talented mathematician and one of the three protagonists, Sandro is part of a Jewish family and faces the hardships imposed by race laws. As a childhood friend of Elisabetta and Marco, he plays a significant role in their shared history and personal dilemmas.
Marco Terrizzi
A skilled cyclist and one of the three protagonists, Marco is influenced by Fascist ideology due to his pride in his Roman identity. He is a childhood friend of Elisabetta and Sandro and is involved in a love triangle with them.
Giuseppina “Nonna” Servano
The owner of Casa Servano in Trastevere, Nonna is a significant maternal figure to Elisabetta. Known for her night-time pasta-making, she provides support and guidance to Elisabetta through challenging times.
Giuseppe “Beppe” Terrizzi
Father to Marco, Aldo, and Emedio, Beppe is a small business owner who initially supported the Fascist Party but becomes disillusioned over time. Despite his past infidelities, he is committed to his family and friends.
Massimo Simone
A prominent tax lawyer and member of the Jewish community, Massimo is Sandro and Rosa’s father. He navigates the complexities of maintaining his Jewish and Italian identities amidst the political upheaval in Rome.
496
Novel • Fiction
Rome, Italy • 1930s-1940s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.