The Age of Consciousness — Giancarlo Gabbrielli

This is the second chapter of the Lanzis saga. A saga with a true historical setting. A live path begun at the end of the Great War and continued, thought the fascist period, until WWII and the difficult period of reconstruction.
Following the interesting dynamics of the first book, Giancarlo Gabbrielli narrates in very realistic terms, the developments which followed it. Here we find again Luisa, Patriza, Riccardo, Lorenzo and Roberto, bearing columns of intense and captivating events. We will also meet new protagonists, who will entwine their destiny with that of the Lanzis.
Roberto, adolescent and then young man, develops his innate qualities, realizing that growing, sometimes entails the abandonment of past relationships. He falls in love with an adult woman. It could not last. Patrizia, strong and determined, put to task by fate, she must, once again, show courage and understanding. Luisa, loving but severe grandmother, still the heart of the family, must face some harsh, unforeseen circumstances.
This book keeps the promises of the first volume and ably creates the premises for the next. A wonderful way to follow and remember the background of our recent History, from the daily events facing a courageous family.

As Riccardo Lanzi had feared, in May 1943, after the collapse of the African front, the war theater extended to the Italian peninsula. During the spring and summer 1944, as Armies drove north, the fighting reached the region of Tuscany. The Arno River became the first line, with German and American troops fighting each other from the opposite banks. The Lanzis, who lived close to the northern banks of the river held by the retreating German troops found themselves at the center of the conflict. Bombarded by the Americans from the air, and on the ground, constantly harassed by the Germans and under threat of reprisals. Needing to escape the impossible situation, the family reluctantly decided to abandon their small villa, too close to the bridge over the Arno River, which had become a strategic target.
Fortunately, they found refuge with a family of farmers who lived in the countryside.
Around the middle of September, after months of dangers and near fatal blows, the Germans finally retreated towards the mountains, towards another line of defense. For the people who lived around the Arno valley, the nightmare was finally over.
Thirteen year old Roberto Lanzi, his mother Patrizia and his grandmother Luisa, were about to leave their country haven and return home.