Naples '44: An intelligence officer in the Italian labyrinth

Having just finished a factual account from World War II regarding the Italian Campaign it seemed a good choice to dig out this book that I have had for a couple of years.I am so pleased I did. I had no pre-conceived ideas about this author or knowledge of his literary value.I am not surprised to learn that he was a contemporary of Graham Greene having read and listened to his voice through the words recorded here.Naples ‘44 is a diary set in the aftermath of the Allied liberation of Southern Italy. Lewis had a great affinity for Italy which enhances his account of the struggle of a people in abject poverty.The author recounts the story, shares the facts as he understood them and like a modern day animal behaviourist, an Attenborough, commentates on the antics and realities of life on our planet.This though isn’t a view of the Serengeti but a proud European nation and the city of Naples.But in just everyday reflections, like sharing a personal conversation the author recounts and reveals the past. As fascinating as being with an archeologist in Egypt gently peaking back layers lost over time. Nuanced observation through events recorded in his diary, not by his own commentary or analysis, but a leisurely stroll and keen eye of life surviving, somehow around him. Above all where he needed lacked knowledge, providing clarity by allowing the people and their actions to speak for themselves.A passage through time and space; like any great travel book, journal or documentary - without leaving your own chair.A scratch and sniff book that arouses all your senses.Especially your sense of horror at the impact of war. Please note, by default, this must be similar to postwar life in Iraq, Afghanistan and The Sudan today.There seems no victors in any war just casualties and enduring misery. There are spoils of war; black market racketeers and mainly Allied officers and their own command complicit to carry off all that can be contained in crates for safe homeward passage.This isn’t the message of this book.It is just a faithful record of an eye witness that is so powerful it evokes such passion in his readers.I feel for these people, their poverty and marvel at their resilience and humanity.I loved the journey this book takes you on. The clear and easy going sense of a story told by a firsthand observer. Using a rich language and with a clear love of a people and their history and heritage. I hung on his every word and enjoyed each page.As stated some of the realities and lack of justice appalled me. It has left me more compassionate, less judgemental. I see dignity amid poverty, life where there is nothing but hunger, disease and death.I think back to stories told to me by others visiting Southern Italy in the 70s and 80s bemoaning the lack of tourist facilities and the threat of crime and the constant fear on the street of robbery.I understand now why rich people, perhaps with no language to share or appreciation of culture and shared history should not travel unprepared. They should not just tick off destinations. Etna, Pompeii and the Amalfi coast as seen.Books like this would enhance anyone’s travel and perhaps, if we need such knowledge, to understand more than reading a guide book alone.The publication by Eland of such lost literary treasures is a good one. But books are only as good as a read item. Mine lay unread for a couple of years.I will research more now, before I travel, try to be less arrogant in my attitude and with any opinions on a country and its people. In this author I have found a writer I trust and want to read more of his work.

Fascinating insight into life in Italy during the allied invasion. Really well written. Love Norman Lewis ‘ s style.

I listened to great lives on Radio 4 on Norman Lewis. This was recommend as one of his books. Informative, easy flowing writing style. Gives an brilliant insight to the war in Italy in 1944. Norman Lewis is a fascinating person and his description is wonderful.

This is a book written by someone who was there, and saw the absolute chaos after the American landings in Italy. Talk about the fog of war.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, a very good informative account of the ravages of Naples following the cities liberation in WW2. No flossy cover up of how 'good we were' but a straight forward account of how the residents made do and what they had to do to do so.It didn't take long for the usual's to come out of the woods and make money off others in a poor situation.Great read, Covid isnt much fun, but reading this through isolation made it a lot more bearable.

A first hand account of an overlooked element of the second war, it is not of a general, or anyone of any influence or someone who was particularly brave with accounts of daring do. It is the account of an ordinary man, with an interesting assignment at a pivotal moment in history. It discusses the realities of occupation, of starvation, of determination to survive. It paints no glorious picture of war and victory, this is a warts and all account of daily life.I urge anyone with an interest in history, Italy, war or currant affairs to read. The realities discussed are as relevant in 1940's Italy as they were in the occupation of Afghanistan.

This book offers a fascinating, authentic and historically significant insight into Naples (and a lot of Italy) around this time. It is also extremely gripping and hard to put down! I felt relieved that it was written at all, when life was so hard, and by such a beautiful writer. An observant, empathetic and brave man. This is any social war historian's absolute must have.

An eye-opening story about the war in Naples and how the criminal element were allowed to do their own thing and not to be punished by the law. The Americans must have been very proud of themselves.