A powerful and formidable read! For many of us, war is a phenomenon seen through the lens of a television camera or a journalist's account of fighting in distant parts of the world. Our closest physical and emotional experience may be the discovery of wartime memorabilia in a family attic. But even items such as photographs, uniform badges, medals, and diaries can seem vague and unconnected to the life of their owner. For those of us born during peacetime, all wars seem far removed from our daily lives. Dr Buck, in her book, gives us an opportunity to feel the pain, the grief, the anguish and the sorrow of the Sorianese on that day. War causes large-scale destruction to life and property. War causes innocent people to die. War causes severe damage to the economic, political and educational institutions of the country. It has never been proven to be a permanent solution to the world’s problems. Dr Buck’s painstaking research to translate, authenticate, verify these testimonials and publish them in a book is a remarkable achievement. Not only does it help us to understand significant historical events such as the bombing of Soriano, but it preserves, treasures and honours the memories of all those affected. If we do not, then the sacrifice of the people who died will be meaningless. Her book shows us that the effect of war continues long after any armistice, impacting people physically and emotionally, individually and collectively.

BH

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful stories of resilience

Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2022

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What a beautiful heart wrenching collection of stories of what was likely the worst day of many peoples lives. The resilience of the town, the honesty and vulnerability of these men and women, many of which still live in the same area, is a testament to the character and determination of the Italian spirit. Their sharing of the truth that happened to what now is an idyllic beautiful place Is grounding and made me look more into the past and learn more about what I didn’t know that I didn’t know. If you love history read it. If you love stories of courage read it. If you need to know that there is beauty after hardship read it. To the people of Soriano nel Cimino thank you for sharing your history with us!!!

Jim Buntin

Ordinary people, who seemingly wanted nothing to do with the regime that brought on the war, were the ones who suffered. It was fascinating to learn of the underground activity in Soriano and other towns: the activities of communist party members and anti-fascists, and citizens hiding Allied pilots in homes. This book opens one’s eyes to what ordinary citizens must endure during a war, and how resourceful they can be.

My long-time business partner’s father only spoke of his role In the war as his life was coming to a close, about 15 years ago. He flew B-26 bombers in Italy, from a base south of Rome. He may well have been one of the pilots involved in the bombings in that area of Italy. I suspect my friend’s father was deeply saddened and regretful. What may seem exciting to us as a means of attacking the enemy was actually damaging to so much more than the enemy; the real victims were the people who lived in the contested countryside. This book brings that message to all who read it.

Bob Williams

I have spent time in Soriano and enjoyed that hilltop town and it's wonderful people. I remember hearing the sirens every day. I knew the town had been hard hit by air raids. What I didn't know was that the Allies did the bombing....not the Germans. War is ugly and unfair in every aspect. The bombing in WWII of this beautiful town placed a heavy burden on the town's people in their effort to protect themselves and survive. Their heroism in the days following when food and other life affirming resources were limited or completely unavailable was a testament to the human spirit. I understand the need to move the German military north and eventually out of Italy......but I also recognize the tremendous sacrifice Soriano nel Cimino made as well.