The grape growers of Santa Vittoria find their town occupied by a small German force during World War II. They attempt to go about their lives and traditions, but when the intruders threaten their way of life and demand their precious wine, the villagers unite to outwit the Germans at all costs.
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Their secret is kept safe as the townspeople follow an unlikely leader to accomplish the greatest thing ever done in their town. The novel bubbles with underlying humor as the Italians bring their ingenuity, sacrifice and uncommon bravery to the task at hand.
The review of this Book prepared by Sharon
Santa Vittoria has a secret. And they're not telling anybody. Especially the
occupying Nazis! The setting is World War II and this remote village in Italy has decided
to defy the Nazis, who have come to loot the village of its extensive wine cellars. To thwart
them, the villagers, led by the irascible Bambolini, decide to hide their precious wine, and
hide it they do. This is a story of wills--that of the villagers and that of the Nazi officer who
knows full well there is a treasurse of wine here, but he can't get anyone to admit it.
Crichton uses this plot line to support other avenues as well, the relationships between
the Italian citizens there, the unholy occupation of the Germans, the character of
Bambolini and his wife. It is a funny story, yet filled with touching scenes, that
complement the overriding story of injustice by a tyrannical power.
The review of this Book prepared by Bill Hobbs