Winner of the Jesse H. Jones Award for Fiction

"[A] haunting novel . . . Themes of loss and the burden of history are seasoned with grace and humor."
--The Christian Science Monitor

"Veteran novelist Smith deftly weaves multiple themes of abandonment and loss throughout a compelling narrative studded with gorgeous descriptions of the Italian landscape and sharp character sketches . . . More fine work from a gifted storyteller: engrossing, well written, and affecting."
--Kirkus Reviews

"[Smith] is a master of his trade who has executed a flawless novel that satisfies on all counts. . . . A richly rewarding book that is imbued with a sense of timelessness. It's an outright pleasure to read."
--Stephenie Harrison, BookPage (starred review)

"[Smith] brings Valetto to life with a gift for symmetry and a dash of humor . . . This accomplished novel offers engaging characterization paired with echoes of the past that resound in the present."
--Bethany Latham, Booklist

"An intriguing saga of wartime promises and trauma . . . This intelligent family drama will keep readers turning the pages."
--Publishers Weekly

"[A] story about grief and renewal . . . with real revelations."
--Peter Kenneally, The Sydney Morning Herald

"An engaging story about family loyalties, and about the lasting power of long-buried secrets from World War II."
--Ann Skea, The Newtown Review of Books

"I was completely charmed and transported by Return to Valetto, Dominic Smith's smart, engaging novel about the secrets held within a dying Italian village. This terrific book, about loss and family and the weight of history, is probably as close as I'll ever get to buying one of those picturesque Italian villas, and surely a wiser investment."
--Jess Walter, author of Beautiful Ruins and The Angel of Rome

"Packed with lush details and a gripping narrative, Dominic Smith's masterful novel is about the ways in which the past echoes through generations, how the human heart is both fragile and resilient, and what it takes to stand up for justice no matter how much time has passed. Return to Valetto is a story of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope. Propulsive, heartfelt, and sneakily funny--I was transfixed from page one."
--Lara Prescott, New York Times bestselling author of The Secrets We Kept

"The revelations of this stately and majestic novel--those of history, and those of the heart--unfold with meticulous grace. With fascists breathing down our necks anew, Return to Valetto could not be more timely, but it is the fine writing and high drama that make it so memorable, and so moving."
--Joshua Ferris, author of A Calling for Charlie Barnes

"In this propulsive, lush, and haunting novel, Dominic Smith transports us to a near-abandoned town in Umbria and shows how the courage to voice unspeakable secrets of the past can give new life to crumbling bonds of family and community. Filled with enormous hope for the future and rich appreciation for history, Return to Valetto will make you want to race through to the end but also slow down to savor the beautiful writing and sharp insights. I couldn't put it down."
--Angie Kim, author of Miracle Creek