Innocent War: Behind an Immigrant’s Past, Book 1

Susan Violante
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432770471
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (5/11)

“Innocent War” is Book 1 in the “Behind an Immigrant’s Past Series” and covers the period 1940 - 1945. The story is transcribed from the taped memoirs of author Susan Violante’s Italian immigrant father, Nino Assenza. The account is written as a first person narrative revealing a boy’s point of view from childhood through his adolescence. Nino’s experiences combine the innocence of youth and the confusion of coming of age. Nino becomes a man as he learns to discern truth through the drama, conflict, and reality of war.

Great Britain and France have just declared war on the country of Italy. Tripoli is being bombed by the French. Nino is ten-years-old at the beginning of his narrative. Salvatore, his father, is called to serve his country in the Army. Mama, Nino and little Gina are left behind to begin a new uncertain life style in the midst the hardships, dangers, and tragedies resulting from war.

Nino describes the impact of the propagation of Mussolini’s government lies, the imposed regulations, and the atrocities committed against the Jews by the Nazis, and Fascists. He relates how the German army took control in Italy. Nino tells how the first exhilaration of war turns to an unrelenting fear and a pursuit for survival. He describes daily bombings, the horror, the hardships, hunger, near starvation, and of losing childhood friends through death brought on by war. Nino tells of his mother’s faith, perseverance, stamina and desperation in her effort to keep the family together and safe from harm. In the midst of these trials Nino’s humor comes through as he tells of how his practical jokes, curiosity, pranks, and mischief frequently get him into trouble.

Susan Violante delivers an accurate historical account of Italy’s involvement in WWII. Her writing is creative. Her characters are authentic, warm, and three dimensional.  “Innocent War” adds intense drama and the adventure of fiction providing a unique point of view within the context of important era of world history. Susan’s writing is compelling, entertaining, and informative.  She weaves a pointed message of patriotism, perseverance, integrity, and an awakening as well as a heartwarming glimpse into humanity at its worst and at its best.

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Innocent War: Behind an Immigrant’s Past, Book 1

Susan Violante
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432770471
Reviewed by Ben Weldon (age 12) for Reader Views (05/11)

“Innocent War” by Susan Violante is the story of her father’s childhood experiences growing up in Italy during World War II.  Up until the war, Nino led a relatively ordinary life for a kid growing up in Europe.  When World War II broke out he went to school and tried to live as ordinary a life as he could.  But then the bombing started.  Life became intolerable and food became scarce.  Nino thought it couldn’t get worse, but when his father was drafted and one of his best friends killed, he knew he was wrong.  How will his life change?

After a long time of wandering, and trying to find a safe place to stay, Nino and his family settled down in the mountain town of Modica Alta.  Life there was pretty quiet until the American bombing raids.  Several American planes were shot down and the pilots taken prisoner but only after the soccer field was completely obliterated.  Soon after this incident the Germans left and the Americans came in. 

For a kid, Nino faced the dangers of World War II pretty well.  I am not sure I could have done the same.  At times Nino did some things he probably shouldn’t have; such as disassembling different weapons like mines and selling the detonators as firecrackers.  All in all he held up pretty well to stress and constant danger.  But life just wasn’t as good without his father.  Will he ever see his father again?

One interesting aspect of this book was that it was written from an Axis perspective.  One of Mussolini’s speeches praised war, guns, and fire.  During his time in Modica Alta everyone was scared of the Americans, especially after some had been imprisoned.  Some of the character’’ experiences helped me to understand why some of the Italians hated the Americans so much.  It was fun to try and place myself in Nino’s shoes and see how I would react if faced with his same choices. 

I would recommend “Innocent War” by Susan Violante to people who like adventure and non-fiction.  This was a true story and it was interesting to see what Nino had to live through.  It was a fun read, and I will recommend it to my friends who are interested in history.