The Keeper of Lost Art

This finely drawn historical novel by Morelli (The Last Masterpiece) is based on a true incident: the discovery during World War II of priceless Italian masterpieces, which were stored in a tiny village to shield them from Nazi pillagers. It is woven around the story of a young girl sent from home in 1942 to live with relatives and the orphaned boy she befriends. Stella Costa begins life with her extended family feeling lost and out of place; gradually, she finds her niche. One day, she comes across Sandro and marvels at his detailed drawings. She shares a secret, telling him of the priceless paintings hidden within her family’s villa. Sandro is overcome by all the magnificent art. Soon, Stella risks the wrath of her uncle by bringing Sandro to visit the hidden paintings. The family at the villa and their neighbors in the village are besieged by German soldiers. They take in and care for war refugees, all while being forced to billet the German troops, and await the day when Europe will be at peace and the masterpieces can be returned to their rightful homes.