The Cielo: A Novel of Wartime Tuscany

During World War II, the beautiful hills of Tuscany are transformed into horrific battlefields as Italian partisans sabotage the Germans. When Hitler’s SS begins to commit ghastly atrocities, terrified villagers flee to farmhouses in the hills for refuge. The villagers initially cower as the war rages around them, but they overcome petty differences, confront betrayal by one villager, fearlessly house an escaped prisoner and survive a raid by the Nazis. As the brutal war continues, a young girl finds love, two boys become heroes, and secrets are revealed. Then an unthinkable event changes their lives forever. Inspired by the experiences of author Paul Salsini’s relatives,The Cielo: A Novel of Wartime Tuscanyis a riveting story of courage, endurance, and the power of the human spirit in the cruelest of times. Paul Salsini has the gift of thoroughly knowing and deeply understanding the people and the region in which his drama is set, and so the sky literally is the limit for this moving debut novel of a luscious country too often forgotten when we consider the ravages of the ‘Good War.’” —Jacquelyn Mitchard, author ofThe Deep End of the OceanandCage of Stars. Salsini’s style is plain, his choice of detail unerring, his scenes vivid, his control of the narrative superb.The Cielois a memorable novel.” —Donald Pfarrer, author ofNeverlightandThe Fearless Man. Salsini’s beautiful novel of Italy during World War II, peopled with a wide range of characters, deepens our knowledge of both Tuscan hill towns and the terrible effects of war on civilians.” —Martha Bergland, author ofA Farm Under a LakeandIdle Curiosity. www.thecielobook.comSalsini, Paul is the author of 'The Cielo: A Novel of Wartime Tuscany', published 2006 under ISBN 9780595406975 and ISBN 0595406971.