Books matching: bravery of italians
3 result(s)
- #1
Set in Northern Italy during World War II, 'A Thread of Grace' by Mary Doria Russell follows the stories of Jewish refugees fleeing occupied France and seeking shelter in Italy. The novel delves into the Italian Resistance's efforts to protect and hide the Jews from the Nazis, showcasing the courage and sacrifices made by ordinary Italian citizens. Through a wide array of characters and intricate plot lines, Russell skillfully weaves a gripping narrative that captures the complexities of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
The writing style in 'A Thread of Grace' is praised for its historical accuracy and compassionate storytelling. Russell's meticulous research and attention to detail bring authenticity to the characters' experiences, allowing readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. The book offers a poignant portrayal of love, hope, separation, horror, and redemption amidst the backdrop of wartime Italy, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of World War II history.
A small crowd gathers to appreciate the spectacle: a Waffen-SS officer, thin, fortyish, and liquored up. He props his hands against his knees, coughing harder. “La basilica!” he gasps, remembering the... - #2
'No Picnic on Mount Kenya' by Felice Benuzzi is a captivating tale of hope, resilience, and heroism. It narrates the incredible journey of three Italian POWs who break out of a prison camp in Kenya during WW2 to climb Mount Kenya. Despite facing numerous challenges like scarcity of resources, inaccuracies in tribal names, and the discomfort of discovering what their ancestors already knew, the men embark on a daring adventure with a strong desire to conquer the mountain. The author's writing style, although at times described as tedious due to translation from Italian, manages to convey the awe-inspiring journey of the climbers and their determination to achieve the impossible.
From the Polar Diary of Umberto Cagni, referring to life during the long Arctic night: “The spirit gets blunted more and more and the mind of everybody is invaded by an odd indifference for everything... - #3
'The Black Hand: The Epic War Between a Brilliant Detective and the Deadliest Secret Society in American History' by Stephan Talty tells the story of one NYPD detective, Joseph Petrosino, and his relentless fight against the Black Hand, a little remembered criminal organization that terrorized Italian immigrants in America during the early 1900s. The narrative focuses on Petrosino's courage and determination in facing the challenges posed by the Black Hand, portraying him as a true American hero who took on this dangerous group mostly by himself. Through vintage photographs and detailed storytelling, the book sheds light on the struggles of Italian immigrants in New York City and the harsh realities they faced due to the Black Hand's reign of terror.
The writing style of the book is captivating, with the author skillfully blending historical facts with engaging storytelling, making it feel more like a novel than a nonfiction account. Readers are drawn into the world of early 20th-century New York City, experiencing the prejudice and oppression faced by Italian immigrants, as well as the bravery and perseverance of Detective Joseph Petrosino in his quest to eliminate the Black Hand and protect his community.
On the afternoon of September 21, 1906, a high-spirited boy named Willie Labarbera was playing in front of his family’s fruit store, two blocks from the glint of the East River in New York City. Five-...