Once again I have found myself reading about World War II, but this time from multiple perspectives in and around Italy. Roland Merullo's Once Night Falls follows several Italian citizens, including Mussolini himself, as they navigate the tense time when Nazis occupied their country and homes, and the Allies are attempting to turn the tide of the war, slowly fighting their way up the Italian peninsula. The Situation: Born with sight in only one eye, and a near useless left arm, Luca Benedetto is doing everything he can to fight against the Germans in World War II Italy. He has plenty of reason to hate the Nazis: his father was forced to fight their war in Russia; his mother is being forced to cook for them; and he must hide Sarah, the Jewish love of his life, in a far away cabin. It is dangerous work to complete any task that would hinder the Nazis, no matter how small. But despite his physical limitations, Luca longs for bigger assignments, willing to face the danger. Though he risks being watched, followed, and ultimately caught, Luca carries out his duties with resolve, as well as a growing hatred. It is only his love for his mother, for Sarah, and for the priest that is helping him that keeps him from being reckless, allowing his thirst for revenge to dictate every decision he makes.
The Problem: While the Nazi presence is certainly an issue, it is the spies and informants that everyone must be careful of. Someone you trust could turn out to be a Nazi sympathizer, ready to turn in a coworker, close friend, or even a family member for the smallest reward. Luca has many connections, but only a few he truly trusts. Don Claudio knows that being a priest will ultimately do little to protect him. So he quietly does the job he has been called to do, drawing as little attention as possible, hoping no one discovers his part in sabotaging Nazi plans. Sarah knows that staying hidden in a remote cabin gives her a better chance of staying safe, though not a guarantee. But with her mother still in great danger, she is not sure how much longer she can stay in isolation. And when Luca's mother, Maria, is forced to cook for the German soldiers who have taken up residence in the house across the street from her, she knows everyone she loves is that much closer to danger, and she may have to commit a desperate act to keep everyone safe.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a historical fiction novel set in Italy in 1943. Mussolini has been deposed and moved to a secure location, but Hitler is still determined to maintain his hold on Italy. Any Jews have long been forced out, their homes raided and stripped of anything valuable, while some of then are occupied by Nazi soldiers. The best resources, such as food, the Nazis take themselves, leaving Italian citizens to scrounge and forage. Many Italians risk their lives fighting against the enemy, some by engaging in covert activity. Then there are others, like Maria and Luca, who hide their Jewish friends. The issue is not only discovery of those that have sequestered themselves in far away cabins or quiet attics, but also in being found out as an accomplice, as someone who disobeys the explicit rules that have been handed out by the Germans. But many are willing to take the risk. Even Don Claudio, who weighs his calling and his faith against what he is doing, what he has done, and what he has seen, knows that being a man of the cloth will not save him. Even he is followed and threatened, and in constant danger of being arrested. This close group of people do their best to play their own small part in ending the war, while Mussolini wonders if the Italy he hoped for will ever come to be.
My Verdict: Reading about the events of World War II as they occurred in Italy was a refreshing change for me. And the shifting perspectives kept the narrative interesting, while also making it somewhat confusing in places. Having the view point of Luca, Sarah, Maria, and Don Claudio would have been enough. But then there was also Mussolini, which was an interesting choice. But Merullo did not stop there, also throwing in a privileged Italian man with connections and access to information, as well as a German official who is determined to find Mussolini and bring him to Hitler. At times it was all too much. And by then end, some of it did not seem necessary. The story held my attention, and the action was engaging enough, but the shifting perspectives caused me to lose interest in some characters, while wanting to focus more on others. And unfortunately, the characters I found myself more interested in were not the main protagonists. Those who are interested in WWII Italy will enjoy this book, for the most part. There are simply certain aspects of it that I wish had received more attention.
Favorite Moment: When Don Claudio finds courage he did not know he had to face down a Nazi official.
Favorite Character: Maria is a strong woman in an impossible situation. She is smart, knows what is at risk, and is prepared to do what she has to do.
Recommended Reading: I recommend The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, a story that takes place in 1939 as the Germans invade France.
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