The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian

The Light in the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian - 309 pages

I have seen the novel reviewed on here before, so I will keep my summary short.  The story alternates between two time frames in the lives of the Italian Rosati family.  During World War II, we see the choices the family made in their dealings with the Germans.  In the 1955 storyline, we see members of the family murdered and the investigation into the crimes.  The storylines merge at the end in an unexpected twist.

I found the novel enjoyable, even if disturbing at points, and well written.  Of the storylines, I preferred the war years (history undergrad, what can I say?) and its vivid depictions of life, hardships, and harsh choices.  One theme throughout the book is how decisions made affect people and how those people react, both in the short- and long-term.