The Good Left Undone: Book Review
Historical fiction is my jam—it’s hands-down my favorite genre. And when it comes to periods, World War II fiction reigns supreme. While there’s no shortage of WWII novels out there, one comes along every so often that blows me away. Adriana Trigiani’s The Good Left Undone is one of those rare gems—richly layered, emotionally resonant, and beautifully told. It’s historical fiction at its finest.
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Quick Look
- WWII fiction
- Scottish leading man
- intergenerational family saga
- grief and loss themes
Published April 26, 2022
Thanks to Dutton for the advanced access and gifted copy!
Publisher's Synopsis
Matelda, the Cabrelli family’s matriarch, has always been brusque and opinionated. Now, as she faces the end of her life, she is determined to share a long-held secret with her family about her own mother’s great love story: with her childhood friend, Silvio, and with dashing Scottish sea captain John Lawrie McVicars, the father Matelda never knew. . . .
In the halcyon past, Domenica Cabrelli thrives in the coastal town of Viareggio until her beloved home becomes unsafe when Italy teeters on the brink of World War II. Her journey takes her from the rocky shores of Marseille to the mystical beauty of Scotland to the dangers of wartime Liverpool—where Italian Scots are imprisoned without cause—as Domenica experiences love, loss, and grief while she longs for home. A hundred years later, her daughter, Matelda, and her granddaughter, Anina, face the same big questions about life and their family’s legacy, while Matelda contemplates what is worth fighting for. But Matelda is running out of time, and the two timelines intersect and weave together in unexpected and heartbreaking ways that lead the family to shocking revelations and, ultimately, redemption.
My Review
My friends, this book is nothing short of a masterpiece.
Truth be told, I’ve owned several Adriana Trigiani novels for years but hadn’t cracked one open—until now. After reading The Good Left Undone, her entire backlist has rocketed to the top of my TBR. This book is incredible, and I truly can’t emphasize that enough. Trigiani is a master of her craft, seamlessly weaving together timelines, characters, and storylines into a beautifully intricate tapestry. And while the synopsis barely scratches the surface, trust me—there is so much more waiting inside.
Yes, there are a lot of characters across both timelines, but each one serves a meaningful purpose in this multigenerational story. Whether connected by blood or by choice, every relationship reflects the novel’s central theme: the enduring importance of family. Some of the most moving bonds in this story come from chosen family—those connections formed not by birth, but by loyalty, love, and shared experience.
The pacing starts off a bit measured, but once Domenica arrives in France, the narrative gains momentum and doesn’t let go. I flew through the last 150 pages, completely captivated. While there weren’t major shock twists (okay, maybe one or two!), the emotional weight of the story hit me hard. One particular scene—where an elderly man gives up his place in line—had me blinking back tears. I didn’t full-on sob like I often do with Kristin Hannah books (The Four Winds, I’m looking at you), but this one pulled on every heartstring just the same.
What I loved most about Trigiani’s writing is how real her characters feel. They’re authentic, grounded, salt-of-the-earth people who remind me of folks I know and love. By the end, they felt like friends I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to. The warmth, flaws, and humanity she brings to her characters made this story linger in the best way.
Another standout element was how Trigiani sheds light on a lesser-known part of WWII history: the experience of Italian immigrants in the UK. The novel doesn’t excuse or sympathize with Fascist ideologies, but it does compassionately explore the hardships and injustices these communities faced. It stirred the same emotions I felt when I first learned about Japanese internment camps in the U.S.—a mix of shock, sorrow, and gratitude for stories that illuminate overlooked histories.
The Good Left Undone is a deeply moving, gorgeously written novel that I’ll be thinking about for a long time. It’s a must-read for fans of historical fiction, stories of family legacy, and books that balance tenderness with emotional depth. Please, don’t miss this one—it’s going on my forever shelf.
My Rating
This book was everything I hoped for—and so much more. The Good Left Undone is one of those rare novels that completely sweeps you off your feet. I found myself deeply connected to the characters, emotionally invested in their journeys, and fully immersed in a world far removed from my own. Adriana Trigiani has crafted a true work of art—rich in history, layered with emotion, and told with such warmth and grace that it lingers long after the final page. If you’re a historical fiction lover, this is a must-read. It’s not just a story—it’s an experience you won’t forget.
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If you haven’t already you should check out her new book, The View from Lake Como! Just came out a couple weeks ago. Not historical fiction but still great!