Beyond This World There Is A World I Want by Steve Physioc is a gripping historical novel that immerses the reader in the turmoil of World War II Italy. The story follows Nina Caruso, a strong-willed woman who finds herself at the heart of the resistance against the Nazi occupation. As her husband and father are taken by the Germans, she is forced to navigate the dangerous waters of war, morality, and survival. With a blend of romance, espionage, and political intrigue, the novel captures the harrowing choices faced by those who resisted tyranny.

The setting is so richly described that I felt the dirt roads under my feet and smelled the chestnuts roasting in the town square. The author does not shy away from the brutality of war, particularly in scenes where Nina is confronted by SS Major Karl Richter. The tension in these moments is palpable, making it impossible to look away. Nina’s defiance, especially in her interactions with Richter, showcases her resilience and depth as a character. The moment when she carefully pushes his riding crop away from her chest, refusing to cower, is a testament to her quiet strength.

Nina is not just a heroine; she is flawed, determined, and heartbreakingly real. Her relationship with her husband, Paolo, is particularly complex. One moment, they are passionately in love, and the next, she is furious at him for siding with fascists to keep their lives stable. The betrayal she feels when she learns he secretly agreed to suspend her teaching job is gut-wrenching. Meanwhile, her aunt Josephine steals the show with her sharp wit and fearless opposition to oppression. Their conversations about women’s rights and education add an important layer to the story, making it not just about war but also about the fight for equality.

The novel also masterfully explores the moral gray areas of war. Not everyone who collaborates with the Nazis does so out of ideology; some do it to survive, others out of fear. The same goes for resistance fighters; some are noble, while others are ruthless. Physioc does an excellent job of showing these nuances, particularly through Vincenzo, a reluctant monk who must decide whether to follow his faith or fight against fascism. His internal conflict adds a deeply human element to the story, making his journey as compelling as Nina’s.

Beyond This World There Is A World I Want is a beautifully written, emotionally charged novel that I would highly recommend to fans of historical fiction. If you enjoy stories with strong female leads, high-stakes drama, and a richly detailed setting, this book is for you. It is a tale of love and loss, courage and fear, survival and sacrifice. Most importantly, it is a reminder of the power of resistance, even in the darkest of times.

Pages: 446