War in Val d'Orcia: An Italian War Diary, 1943-1944
By Iris Origo
Why this book?
This one has a permanent place on my nightstand because with the madness of war once again enveloping Europe, Iris Origo is the sane, witty, pragmatic voice we all need to help us navigate the times ahead. An Anglo-American married to an Italian, Iris had the foresight to keep a diary of her life in 1943-1944, as Italy was occupied by the Germans and the Allies moved north, putting her farm on the front lines. She manages to hide escaped POWs, feed partisans, and educate refugee children while Fascists and Nazis take over her house. I wish I could call her up, but this is the next best thing.
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