1944, Part 1 Summary and Analysis

The new year began with the region's first snowfall, rumors of Allied invasion, which later in the month turn out to be at least somewhat true, as Allied troops land near Rome, and the execution of Italian politicians who had refused to take an oath of loyalty to Mussolini. Mid-month brings an attack of scarlet fever to one of the children in the Marchesa's care, and news that the Castelluccio is to become the headquarters for a squad of German troops. The Marchesa, her family and workers hurried to move the best furniture, books, and other possessions into hiding places on the Val d'Orcia's remote farms. Mid-month also brings the beginning of a long parade of refugees - children and families, Allied prisoners of war escaped from their German captors, even elderly women traveling in high-heeled shoes and fur coats, in...