Love and War in the Apennines

Love and War in the Apennines is Eric Newby's 1971 World War II memoir chronicling his experiences as an escaped British prisoner of war in Italy. The narrative begins after the 1943 Italian Armistice, when Newby flees his prison camp and seeks refuge in the Apennine Mountains. The book details Newby's survival in the Italian countryside, where he relies on a network of local farmers and villagers who risk their lives to shelter him from German forces. During this period, he meets a young Slovene woman named Wanda, who teaches him Italian while he teaches her English. Through his account of life in the mountains, Newby documents the harsh realities of wartime existence and the daily routines of the Italian peasants who protected him. His story includes encounters with fellow escaped prisoners, Italian partisans, and German patrols. The memoir stands as a testament to human kindness in times of conflict, exploring themes of survival, cultural connection, and unexpected romance against the backdrop of war-torn Italy.

Readers describe this WWII memoir as an honest account of survival and humanity during wartime. Many note how Newby balances serious moments with humor and wit. Readers appreciate: - Vivid descriptions of the Italian countryside and villages - The kindness of Italian families who risked their lives to help - The developing romance between Newby and his future wife - Matter-of-fact tone without self-pity or melodrama Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in parts - Geographic details can be excessive - Some find the writing style dry - Maps could be better quality Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (200+ ratings) Reader quote: "Shows the best of human nature in the worst of times. His descriptions put you right there in the mountains." - Goodreads reviewer "The endless details about paths and villages became tedious. Still worth reading for the incredible true story." - Amazon reviewer

A Bell for Adano by John Hersey A U.S. Army officer in occupied Italy works with local villagers to rebuild their town during WWII, capturing the intersection of military duty and human connections in wartime Italy.

The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa Set in Sicily during Italian unification, this work presents life in rural Italy through the eyes of an aristocrat, depicting the same mountain landscapes and village life that Newby encountered.

A Thread of Grace by Mary Doria Russell Italian villagers risk their lives to protect Jewish refugees in Northern Italy during WWII, mirroring the network of helpers who sheltered Newby.

Christ Stopped at Eboli by Carlo Levi A political exile's memoir of life among peasants in Southern Italy during the Fascist period presents the same rural Italian culture that supported Newby.

The Path to Rome by Hilaire Belloc A walking journey through Italian mountains and villages reveals the geography, people, and customs of rural Italy that Newby came to know during his wartime hiding.

🌟 The book began as a series of letters Newby wrote to his future wife Wanda while recovering from war injuries in London, before being expanded into a full memoir. 🌟 Eric Newby was captured in 1942 during a failed Special Boat Service raid on a German airfield in Sicily, spending a year in prison camps before his escape. 🌟 The Italian peasants who sheltered Newby faced execution if caught helping Allied soldiers, yet over 80,000 escaped POWs received assistance from Italian civilians during WWII. 🌟 Newby returned to the Apennines in 1981 with his wife Wanda to film a BBC documentary revisiting the people and places from his wartime experiences. 🌟 The Fontanellato prison camp where Newby was held before his escape was unique because its Italian commandant deliberately allowed all 600 Allied prisoners to escape ahead of the German takeover.