Living in the Mouth of the Wolf

by Salvatore DiVita

It was World War Two, He was just a kid armed with a submachine gun and a desire to rid his country of Nazis and Fascists. His hope for survival, tenuous at best, was outweighed only by his tenacity. The youngster, who became a Partisan, was, in many ways, the personification of Italy and of the many Italians who suffered and died under the tyranny of a dictator. When others all around him were meeting their ultimate fate, Antonio seemed, somehow, to be living in the mouth of the wolf and in the embrace of good fortune. Living in the Mouth of the Wolf is a novel based on a true story. It provides authentic accounts of events as experienced by ordinary people in Fascist Italy during the Second World War.

Genres: Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2011

Reviews

[Luisa Mesones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has a soft, gentle tone as he becomes the storyteller. He is precise as he guides us our feelings with the descriptions and explanations of each character. The detailed explanations of the various events of coming of age for Antonio are vivid and enthralling. The information shared of the war, Fascism, treaties, brotherhood bonds, and near death experiences kept me in suspense. The research Mr DiVita invested in this book jumps out at every turn of the page. This book is bountiful with history, dated events, descriptions of famous figures, military personnel, and most of all, culture. Mr. DiVita is generous in his characterization and portrayals of Antonio's family. I have never visited Italy, but would love to visit the places mentioned in this book. I was transfixed with the adoration Antonio had for his mother and sisters, and how at the turn of the page, I became engrossed with worry and fear for Antonio's life as he fulfilled his military commitment to his country. This is one book I will read again, and I know it will delight me every single time I chose to do so.

[Elvio Angeloni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have ever read--and I have spent a lifetime reading. There is not a word wasted, a scene without context, an emotion without reason, a loose end that doesn't get resolved by the end. It is written with such literary skill, with such heart and with such an orderly development the reader may easily forget that it is based on a true story. Did I love it? Absolutely!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was great the way Divita shows the development of Mussolini coming to power and how his dictatorship directly affected Antonio's life. There's just enough info about characters and events without being overwhelming and the story truly becomes a page turner as the details of Antonio's journey continues. I brought the book on vacation and was done in a few days. An enjoyable read.

[Mhd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story. I had no idea of everything that went on in World War II for families in Italy or what the Partisans faced. Teenagers fighting in wars is obviously not a new concept. The Epilogue (and what happened to many of the people later) was especially interesting.

[Lnares · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read. Excellent story telling mixed with a good historical perspective of WW II through the perspective of the Italian people. I felt like I was with Antonio during all of his ordeals.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and interesting read. Thanks for the giveaway.