1944, Part 3 Summary and Analysis

As Allied bombing runs and other activities brought the release of Rome from German control closer, the Marchesa worried whether German retreat would be cut off. "If not," she comments, "our troubles are just about to begin."

Then begins an intense, detailed, virtually day-by-day narration of the experiences undergone by the Marchesa, her husband, the children in their care, and the workers with whom they share the Val d'Orcia during the German retreat. As the Allies advanced through Italy and as the Germans retreated, both sides continued attacking each other. There are also rumors, put about by the defiant Germans, that a deadly secret weapon, long suppressed, was being mobilized by Hitler against England. The Marchesa comments that she has had no word from home on what the situation is. Meanwhile, the La Foce household struggled to retain a semblance of...