Super Short Summary

The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian follows Detective Serafina Bettini as she investigates a series of brutal murders targeting an ancient noble family, the Rosatis, in 1955 Florence. Returning to events in 1943, the novel reveals the Rosati family's attempts to live peacefully during World War II, their villa being overtaken by Nazis, and hints at complex relationships and betrayals that link past and present. The book addresses themes of war, violence, and trauma.