Critical Praise

"Kinman proves a competent scribe whose writing gets better and better as Franca’s charming and compelling personal history unfolds. Born the youngest of seven children to a wealthy, aristocratic Italian family, Franca sees her life turned upside down when one brother is killed in the war, another is captured, and yet another is wounded. Forced to flee their home in Florence, Franca and her family settle in their summer home on the coast, only to have it destroyed by bombs. By the end of the war, Franca is dodging Nazis and scavenging for food. The book, self-published by Kinman, is filled with wonderful artwork by Martin, and with some photographs of places that pepper the tale. All of the drawings and photographs are in sepia, giving the book an appropriate vintage feel."

——Breck Longstreth, Mercer Island Reporter

"A Seattle area woman, who is an artist, recalls her difficult youth in Italy during World War II in a fine memoir co-written by a neighbor; this book recently won two national awards for independent publications."

——John Marshall, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

"This true story of wartime Italy will touch the very deepest part of your heart. Franca is only fourteen when World War II begins, but she is brave in ways that most people can only imagine. Whether she is rescuing a downed British pilot, personally visiting the Pope’s quarters, or risking her life to bring food to her starving family, Franca’s courage rings through this entire book. Her memories will become yours, enriching and uplifting your life."

——Peggy King Anderson, author of The Fall of the Red Star

"Franca's Story is a must for school librarians who recommend books to students, second- and third-generation Italian Americans who want to know about life in Italy from 1937 to 1945, and anyone drawn to the stories of unsung heroes of World War II. Kinman shines a light on Franca's journey of determination to save her family in this gripping riches-to-rags tale."

——Mary Willix, author, professor, and founder of Hypno-Spanish

"[Franca’s] story make for interesting reading and one wants to read every chapter before putting down the book to complete one’s daily chores.... Chapter by chapter, history will be relived as the tragic events of the war unfold."

——Dottie Wienecke, Waco Citizen

"What I loved and admired most about this well-written, fascinating memoir of World War II Italy was Franca’s steadfast faith that ultimately carried her through to survival. The war presented many dangerous situations that tested her character and out of which she got to know herself as a heroic figure. In the end, through Franca’s resilient spirit, what was a devastating experience turned out to be a blessing. Through it Franca learned what her purpose was and how best she could serve her loved ones. Her paintings positioned throughout the story are a delight to the soul."

——Rosemary Broccoli, Host/Producer, “Being in Seattle” television show

"An inspiring tale of quiet heroism during wartime. In an Author’s Note, first-time biographer Kinman begins the story of her neighbor with the assertion that “writing a memoir means: what happened happened, there is no fantasy in reality.” However, what results here is a real story, as she seamlessly relates Franca’s experiences in war-torn northern Italy during the years 1937-45. In fact, some of the more captivating moments in the narrative contradict Kinman’s avowal of the real --- Franca’s experiences demonstrate the need for fantasy in reality, particularly when that reality is shattered by war. She and her aged parents end up virtually imprisoned in Villa Pianore, near Capezzano, where hundreds of elderly Italians seek refuge from the occupying Germans. Young Franca shows great bravery and ingenuity as she scavenges nearby fields for food for the villa’s refugees, but an even more poignant scene occurs in the kitchen, where the starving Franca and a friend retreat to read recipes to one another. Reciting the ingredients engages the girls’ imaginations and momentarily staves off their hunger. Ample yet unassuming, and illustrated with period photos and evocative paintings by Franca, this touching memoir is an enjoyable journey for lovers of Italy and those interested in tales of courage."

——Kirkus

"Thank you so much for sending me 'Franca's Story.’ I loved it - your writing has caught absolutely the flavour of real Italian life, and a real person's life story, so that one absolutely believes in, and trusts, the authenticity of what you are saying. I know that sounds obvious and easy as you are telling a true story, but so many biographies try to read like fiction, and as a result end up sounding contrived and untrue. Your great skill is to let the story tell itself, and not to let any authorial tricks or ego get in the way. Franca herself comes across as a wonderful character --- absolutely indomitable, but also completely of her time and place. I hope very much that she (and you) likes The Wedding Officer, and that I am able to make my own storytelling match up to the reality of lives like hers. Please give her my best regards, and accept my congratulations to you. "

——Anthony Capella, author of The Food of Love and The Wedding Officer