Whispers of Betrayal

Love Letters That Changed Everything

By: Adela Edgecombe

Narrated by: Mary Ann Nichols

On a journey of discovery into her parents history of love and fame in war torn Italy, Adela Edgecombe discovered a secret deception within love letters and from family who had been tight-lipped about the scandals for decades.

Bestselling author Jincy Willett describes the story as follows: "Since every human personality is at root mysterious, all families present us with an abundance of mysteries, the chief of which is often how marriages ever happened in the first place. In her family memoir, Adela Edgecombe tackles that mystery head-on, uncovering a web of circumstances peculiar to place and time. The place is the Province of Salerno, Italy; the time, 1944, the depths of World War II. A young American GI meets an impoverished Italian family, grows to care for them, and, as he leaves for the front, promises a nine-year-old child that one day he will return and help them. And does the man, against all odds, keep that promise? Judging from the fairy-tale wedding that took place in Passiano in 1951 and was featured in Life Magazine, it would seem so."

"Edgecombe explores that fairy tale moment, how it came to pass, and what followed after. She digs fearlessly into the mystery of an unhappy marriage that began with such photogenic joy and hope. Read Whispers of Betrayal for a well-researched, surprising, and moving tale which reminds us that the casualties of war are many and varied."

©2024 Armin Lear Press (P)2024 Armin Lear Press

The extent to which mom’s protect their children and sometimes compromise their moral judgement of a situation because of it.

I liked the story. I thought the writing was a bit repetative when covering the letters

Impressive integrity of a daughter's perspective as she uncovers a startling family history

This was a fascinating story. I listened through a sleepliness night and until I finished it over the next 2 days. I would say this was an audiobook version of " couldn't put it down." The narration was excellent. I felt bonded to this family while I came to understand the lies as well as why they were fabricated and what happened as a result. it also rendered a heart-breaking portrait of what life was like in a small Italian village in World War II.

True story of the author’s parents (and grandparents)

This is a compelling memoir based on many years of family research. Originally intended as a book to tell her Italian mother’s story of wartime struggles and a storybook wedding to an American GI, it became a journey of discovery. Edgecombe discovered a treasure trove of family letters written between 1947 and 1951 that radically changed her perception of her parents, grandparents, and her own life. Beautifully read, a virtual “page turner” of a book!

A slice of history made even more powerful by the author’s visit!

Whispers of Betrayal is a deeply moving book, but what truly brought it to life for our book club was a chance to meet Adela Edgecombe in person. She generously shared the original letters, vintage magazines, and personal photographs that inspired the story. Hearing her read from her book and seeing these real life artifacts gave us a deeper appreciation for the historical detail and emotional depth woven into her parent’s story. A unique and powerful experience – highly recommend.