A story about love and loss - and how so much of our lives hinges on chance . . .

'A powerful story, sweetly told' – Antonio Iturbe, author of The Librarian of Auschwitz

A country torn apart by war. Two siblings divided by fate.

Italy, 1938. Mussolini is in power and war is not far away . . .

Clara and Pippo are just children: quiet, thoughtful Clara is the older sister; Pippo, the younger brother, is forever chatting. The family has only recently arrived in the city carrying their few possessions.

When Mamma goes missing early one morning, both Clara and Pippo go in search of her. Clara turns right; Pippo left.

As a result of the choices they make that morning, their lives will be changed forever.

Diana Rosie’s Pippo and Clara tells the story of a family and a country divided. But will Clara and Pippo – and their mother – find each other again?

"A heartbreaking read set against the backdrop of WWII" - S Magazine (Express)

"Deeply affecting . . . This is an enjoyable, fast-paced and emotionally engaging story that portrays the ideological divides of wartime Italy from different childhood perspectives" - Historical Novel Society

"Moving and evocative . . . Rosie has produced a tender portrayal of wartime Italy, vividly describing the previously vibrant neighbourhoods and the bravery that sometimes comes to the fore in the face of tragedy" - The Lady

"Diana Rosie’s latest novel tells the story of a family pulled apart by conflict . . . Pippo and Clara’s dad was killed when they were very young and when the family move to an Italian city, they find themselves separated from both their mother and each other. Taken in by two different families, they dream of finding each other again as they do their best to survive in Italy’s changing political climate" - OK Magazine