In 1964 the Australian author Donald Horne wrote a book titled The Lucky Country . Horne’s intent in writing the book was to portray Australia’s climb to power and wealth as almost entirely based on luck rather than the strength of its political or economic systems. “Be that as it may”, as my wise old grandmother would say, I was born in “The Lucky Country” in possibly the best of times. While my parents, relatives and grandparents went through “the fire, drought, flood and blood ” of pioneer days, The Great Depression and World War II my generation lucked out with sunny days, blue skies and and prosperous times . It’s when I read books, like the above, that are set in more hazardous locales and in difficult circumstances that I am humbled by my good luck and good fortune. The old saying “there but for the grace of God go I” really rings true.

These two works of fiction, set in Italy from the time of the Great War through to the conclusion of World War II re-enforce that notion. The first novel tracks a family history that begins at the onset of the great war and deals with the outcomes of that war and the rise of fascism. The second novels leaps a head a little way to the beginnings of World War II and Italy’s misadventures during the war. Both novels are a great read with interesting personalities and a plot set against the historical realities of the times. How was the rise of fascism possible? What it was like living through those times? How did it affect ordinary people? Is it possible for it happen again, say in North America. I think the answer to that question has to be yes because it is already happening. The polarization of political life; the rise of violence in political situations; The racism and current anti-immigrant rhetoric; The rise of intolerance and the almost headlong rush of the USA to get involved in foreign military (mis)adventures. All of those  and the general ineptitude of political leaders across the world in dealing with the issues of the day. There is an old saying that when we forget history we are condemned to relive it and I think that is already happening. The rise of Donal Trump is just the rise of Mussolini all over again with different players and geography and we know how that turned out last time.

The second novel is about World War II as seen from the Italian side.  The family situations and tensions continue to be explored as the characters deal with Italian politics and the battle field reversals of the war. All in all the novels are emotional and informative and well worth the time spent. That is provided you don’t mind giving up some of your much needed sleep.

Having said all that, I wonder if the writer has another novel up his sleeve. With a third volume set in Italy immediately post World War II it would tie up some loose ends and make for an interesting trilogy. One lives in hope.

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