Above the Walls, the sequel to The Walls of Lucca, by Steve Physioc is a beautiful blend of romance and historical events against the backdrop of an Italy ravaged by war. Alfredo Obizzi is a fascist politician and a very dangerous man, the kind not to cross. While WWII looms ahead, he sees an opportunity to exact revenge on those who have crossed him in the past and at the top of the list is the matriarch of the Martellino vineyard, Susanna Martellino, with whom he has had an affair. The vineyard is about to witness the most painful bloodshed in its history but can anything stop the ire of the fascist Obizzi and his desire for revenge?

Above the Walls begins with the conflict and the reader gets a clear idea of the political setting and Hitler's agenda. The reader is introduced to the theme of racial discrimination which is at the very heart of the Holocaust. The writing is powerful and I enjoyed the way the author navigates the bonds of family and explores relationships. The subplot is used to create suspense, exploring the relationship between DeAngelo and Lily who have been best friends for a long time. Readers will want to know what happens to their relationship. Author Steve Physioc gives the narrative deep psychological and emotional depths, plunging readers into the very hearts of the characters. Above the Walls is a skillfully written novel with an irresistible appeal to fans of historical novels with strong political themes.

Above the Walls: The Sequel to The Walls of Lucca by Steve Physioc is a historical novel with a compelling setting against the backdrop of Italy during WWII. A fascist politician, Alfredo Obizzi, has finally found a means to exact revenge on his enemies and those at the top of the list are Susanna Martellino, who runs the Martellino vineyard and who had an affair with him in the past, and Isabella who has provided continual counsel and played a very important part in the running of the vineyard. Coupled with the atrocities of the war, the vineyard witnesses much bloodshed. Can there be any place for forgiveness?

I loved the drama and the way the author explores the characters. Alfredo Obizzi is a well-developed character, a man consumed by the desire for revenge and who happens to have a lot of power in his hands. The reader is intrigued and becomes keen on watching this villain and what he is up to. Steve Physioc introduces the theme of romance, exploring the relationship between DeAngelo and Lily, and this beefs up the plot, creating suspense and an additional level of entertainment.

Relevant references are made to the historical elements like Hitler and his plan to exterminate the Jews. The political atmosphere is beautifully captured in this narrative, and readers find themselves navigating a world that is threatened by war. The writing in Above the Walls is excellent, punctuated by realistic dialogues. I also loved the way the author explores life in the vineyard. This is a great historical novel, a tale filled with history and appealing characters. The author creates characters who reflect the ideologies and the culture of the period and place in which the story takes place. Great plot points, strong conflict, and enough drama to keep the pages turning.