1945 - 1 and 2 Summary

Nino returns briefly, and gives Useppe money. The family's servant remains in awe of him, but is also intimidated by him and his reputation.

The Germans finally surrender; Hitler commits suicide. The Blitzkrieg in Italy is over with millions dead, including Italy's former leaders. The war rages on elsewhere, but in Europe, trials and settling of accounts is taking place.

Useppe sees magazine photos of the tortured bodies of those who are hanged for their beliefs, but is otherwise unable to recognize one-dimensional objects and loves newspapers because they can be made into hats. He comes across hideous photos of bodies in Nazi prison camps, secrets that are now being revealed since the war has ended. He develops an aversion to newspapers.

After the bombings, Japan surrenders unconditionally and the second world war ends. Churchill, Truman and Stalin meet to define...