Section 1, Pages 1-6 Summary

A Coin in Nine Hands is a collection of stories about nine people who are connected by a ten lira coin that passes into various hands. In addition to the coin, each of the lives are connected by similar themes of death, loneliness and love. As this coin passes from one person to the next, detailed stories of the character holding the coin unfold. In addition to the stories revealed, there is a greater story affecting everyone to varying degrees. There is a strong sense of politics at play with the Italians under Fascist rule. The characters have differing views on their current dictator ranging from apathetic to supportive to outright rebellious. It is this rebellious aspect that brings significant action into play as an assassination attempt on the dictator stirs up many emotions.

Paolo Farina is suffering grief...