In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of Italy, focusing on Mussolini’s rise to power, the impact of World War II on Naples, and the resilience of Italian families during wartime. Guest author Diana Giovanazzo shares insights from her latest historical fiction book, ‘Daughters of Naples,’ and discusses the importance of understanding Italy’s complex past.
Key Topics
- Mussolini’s rise to power and fascist ideology
- The Four Days of Naples and Italian resistance
- Impact of WWII on Italian families and archives
- Italy’s cultural and historical landmarks during fascism
- The role of women and children in wartime resistance
Diana Giovinazzo returns to the historical genre in a lush and thrilling novel, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah and Elena Ferrante.
Set in Naples, Italy, during World War II, three sisters must survive in the face of danger.
Naples, 1940. The three Cozzolino sisters, Leta, Marcella, and Bianca, live together in their small home during Mussolini’s domination. Leta runs the De Rosa dress shop, where she takes care of her mother-in-law while her husband is at war. Marcella is an apprentice to a midwife, bringing up the next generation of Italian soldiers, much to the pride of her boyfriend, who is inspired by Mussolini’s rule. But when their youngest sister, Bianca, decides to join the partigiani—the Italian resistance—after her childhood sweetheart is sent to war, familial tensions are brought to light.
The sisters are soon at odds, questioning where they stand in the war effort. When Leta’s old flame, Pasquale, asks if he can use the dress shop to send messages for the partigiani, she refuses. But when Naples is bombed, the sisters are forced to reevaluate their stances and how far they are willing to go for each other and their country. With the threat of Nazism looming over the city after Mussolini is ousted, the Cozzolino sisters will have to confront what they are willing to sacrifice and their loyalties to each other and to their country.
This inspiring novel examines the true nature of sisterly bonds and what one will do to survive.
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