Title: Early One Morning
Author: Virginia Baily
First published September 29, 2015
400 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780316300391 (ISBN10: 031630039X)
Rating: 3.44
Overview
Two women with contrasting lifestyles. Emma is a devoted wife and mother who is struggling to keep her head above water.
Rosy is an elite and self-sufficient woman who is always in charge. When their paths cross, Rosy invites Emma into her world with open arms.
However, this isn’t the first time they’ve met. Rosy remembers Emma and what she did a long time ago.
But what does Rosy want from Emma and how far is she willing to go to get it?
About the Author
I recently released my latest novel called ‘Early One Morning’ in the UK during the summer. The story takes place in Rome during the 1940s and 1970s, and it has been described as “fearless, witty and full of flair” by The Guardian and “as gripping as any thriller” by the Daily Mail.
In August, it was selected as the ‘Book of the Month’ by Waterstones, Goldsboro Books, and Hatchards. The novel also made it to the Sunday Times bestseller list that same month and was adapted into a radio drama by BBC Radio 4 in October.
It was published in the US in September, Holland in October, and is currently being translated into ten other languages.
My first novel, ‘Africa Junction’ (written under the name Ginny Baily), which is set in Devon and West Africa, won the McKitterick prize in 2012. With the prize money, I lived in Rome for three months to conduct research for ‘Early One Morning’.
My short stories and poetry have been widely published in various anthologies. I am one of the co-founders and editors of the Riptide short story journal based in Exeter.
I am also the editor of the Africa Research Bulletin.
I am represented by Nicola Barr at the Greene & Heaton agency.
Editoral Review
Early One Morning by Virginia Baily: A Moving Portrait of Human Resilience
Virginia Baily’s Early One Morning is an evocative and emotionally charged novel that explores the themes of family, love, loss, and resilience. Published in 2015, this historical fiction takes place in Rome during war-torn Italy’s harrowing past, as the fascist regime loomed over the city, and the Nazi occupation cast an ominous cloud over the country.
In this poignant tale, we follow the lives of two women: Anna and Ida, who come from vastly different backgrounds but are brought together by fate when Anna rescues a Jewish child from a train headed to Auschwitz. What ensues is a heart-wrenching story of how their paths intertwine, leading them through unexpected twists and turns, and casting light on the power of human compassion in times of adversity.
Baily’s writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the essence of Rome’s beauty while also portraying the city’s darker side. Her portrayal of the Italian culture and the way of life is vivid, punctuated with food and wine at every turn, making the reader feel as if they are walking through the streets of the Eternal City.
The development of the characters is a particular strength of Early One Morning. Anna, a middle-aged widow who has led a quiet and uneventful life, is thrust into the role of caretaker and protector, as she tries to navigate through the challenges of raising a young child on her own.
Ida, on the other hand, is a nine-year-old Jewish girl, desperate to escape the horrors of the concentration camp and reunite with her family. Baily’s deft touch in interweaving the personal stories and the political events of the time provides the readers with a deep insight into the horrors of war and the human spirit’s resilience, showcasing people’s ability to find hope amidst the bleakest of circumstances.
Although there are some minor pacing issues in the novel, the overarching narrative is compelling, and Baily’s writing is beautiful, making Early One Morning an emotionally charged and moving tale. In conclusion, Early One Morning is a beautiful work of historical fiction that is well worth reading for its compelling storytelling and beautiful prose, highlighting the significance of human compassion and resilience in navigating through the darkest times.
It is an excellent read for those interested in world history, and particularly the Italian culture, and it shines a light on the bittersweet legacy of human resilience that still shapes us today. We give this book a 4.5/5 rating.
