<  FRANCA'S STORY

Readers' Letters

Dear Diane,

I cannot say "thank you, thank you" enough times to express my appreciation to you for the copy of Franca's Story, which arrived on Monday.  I hurried to finish the book I was currently immersed in, so that I might begin the poignant memoir so touchingly and successfully composed by you and Franca working together.

I can well imagine the realm of emotions you both experienced while recalling this horrific era so personally.

There does not seem to be much written and published about the plight of the Italian people during WWII (certainly not in the genre for young readers).

The art work and photos illustrating the volume are indeed lovely, and I think the printing in sepia renders them softly and enrichingly.

Yours in books, with hope and peace,

— Marthanne B. Norgren,
Holocaust Resource Center, Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR

Dear Ms. Martin:

I have just completed reading Franca's Story.  Your survival story has permanently touched my heart.  I felt the need to communicate my sincere respect and admiration for your willingness to share a most difficult time from your past.

I live in Union City, TN, and have retired after thirty years of public school teaching.  We have a wonderful public library here due to the generosity of local citizens.  I chose your book from the shelf of new arrivals.  Now, I will recommend it to any and all who will read!  I will also see that it is included in our local school systems' libraries as well.

The words of "thank you" seem so small, but I truly thank you for allowing Ms. Kinman to put her writing skills to such good use!

With sincerest respect,

— Glenda B. Cozart

Dear Ms. Kinman,

Congratulations on your excellent telling of a wonderfully heartfelt story of Franca's experiences during the war in Italy.  I started to read the book yesterday at the office and literally could not put it down until I was finished.  What a great way to spend the better part of the day reading a factual and well written account of one person's memories of such a devastating time in world history and how basic family values and faith (and a bit of old fashioned luck) helped her survive.  It is such a pleasure to know Franca and it is clear to me why she is such a wonderful person, high in spirit, fair minded and compassionate.  And you have now shown your excellent writing skills for the world to appreciate.  Your words make it easy to internally visualize the settings and experiences that Franca expressed to you with trust for accuracy and appropriate intensity.

I plan to recommend this book to all my friends and family.  I trust that this story will be told in other venues and media since it is such a poignant slice of personal and family life during wartime.

Best of success in this and all of your future efforts,

— Bruce Nahon

And in a charming card (click to view), one of our readers send a copy of this enthusiastic note received from her 80-year-old aunt after she gave her "Franca's Story".  Aunt Trudy is a former scool teacher and a great traveler.

Dear Kathryn,

I waited to write and thank you for this book, "Franca's Story" until I had read some.  You won't believe how much I am enjoying it and am deeply touched by it.  Having lived with Italians and also traveled through Florence, Italy, I can really relate to it.  Only allow myself to read a small amount of pages so it will last longer.  Haven't come to the hard years of their lives yet.

On page 26, it tells about "zabiglione."  I used to always make this and serve it on fresh peaches from our tree.  Liked to serve it to company.  Really yummy!

And then on page 12 - thrill of all - she tells of a favorite opera piece the family liked to sing: "Nessum Dorma" from the opera Turandot.  It is my favorite and I have been humming it since hearing it on the Olympics.

The book has been done in great style with the lady's pictures and the way the chapters are fixed.  Excellent!

You must tell Diane Kinman how much I am enjoying it and what a wonderful job she has done.  What an interesting neighbor, Franca

So I can't thank you enough for your generosity and thoughtfulness for sending it to me.

— Trudy