Review 204: Eternal

Eternal by Lisa Scottoline
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This WWII story takes place in Rome, the heart of Italy with three main characters that form a love triangle, with Elisabetta in the center of Marco and Sandro vying for her love. They grew up together and now the two boys are clamoring for Elisabetta’s love, with family drama mixed in, all in the lead up to the start of WWII. By the time the first race laws are passed and cause great heartache, we are already a quarter of the way in the book. 

The beginning of the book felt slow and detailed, too much at times, with alternating points of view. There are sections when the next chapter jumped months, and this just after an important scene and you might expect more details. 

I wasn’t fond of the writing style overall, it felt stilted to me, with the plot being forced by the author instead of feeling natural. Yet, all characters were developed and could feel the setting. I particularly enjoyed the author’s note on what was historically accurate and fiction. 

Thanks to the author and publisher G.P. Putnam’s Sons for sending me an advanced review copy.