Putting Down Strays

This is not purely a work of fiction.  It is, as far as possible, a truthful account of an Italian family from the year 1890, leading to a climax in the tragedies of the second world war.

The description of life in Italian villages during the pre-war and war years is drawn from personal experiences of the author and interviews with many participants.  The plight of immigrants to U.S.A. and Argentina are drawn from true stories.

Some of the events described may seem melodramatic, such as Father Vincenzo's discovery in the mulberry grove. They are absolutely accurate.  It should be remembered that this was a time of great cruelty,  turmoil and destruction,  culminating in the violent end of Mussolini and his mistress, shot, then hung by their feet on lamp posts in Piazza Loreto, in Milan.

The theme of the book is the life of Joe, American-Italian, the author's Godfather, (assistant to the late Mr.E.Parsons, expert on Renaissance Art and buyer for the Metropolitan Museum of New York) and his wife Giovanna, one time emigrant to Argentina.

The account of the career and trial of Katia is based on official documents.

The Author

She met her husband, a Major in the Royal Artillery, during the fighting in her home town, when the British Eight Army, pushing its way through Italy, freed the country from the Fascist and German occupation. At the end of the war they married and she came to live in England in 1946.

Having taught herself English, she spent many years teaching in a primary school. She has two daughters and lives in London.

By the same author:            "Traditional Italian Food"

This Book is dedicated -  

To the gallant young men who fought for my country,   so that our lives would be worth living.

  "They grow not old, as we that are left grow old; age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we will remember them."

 - donations for Italian Earthquake fund gratefully received.

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