War Is Just Another Day

by Gentian A. Powell

"Genny, named Gentian Alpina de Luise, was born in Naples, Italy. Since
her parents, Vera, an English woman, and Peppino de Luise, an Italian
civil engineer, were mountain climbers, she was given the name of an
Alpine flower.
At the outbreak of WWII, her life changed dramatically. In 1940, while on
vacation, her mother was interned in the Abruzzi mountains because of her
British nationality. The family found themselves trapped with her except for
their father who had to remain in Naples.
In October, 1945, she went to England to complete her education, returning
to Naples during the summers until 1953 where she stayed and studied languages. In 1955, she worked as a translator and
secretary. She spent the year of 1957 in Lusaka, Zambia, where her half-brother, a major in the British Army, was stationed.
She met Jon, U.S. Air Force, in 1957, married a year later, and in June 1960, moved to Washington. Their family grew to include
three sons. They moved to Oregon, Ohio, and finally DeKalb, Illinois, as her husband pursued his university career. While their
sons attended high school and college, she worked for the State of Illinois Social Services overseeing the welfare of families
with dependent children."

285 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 14, 2011

Reviews

[Darla Smith]

My daughter’s grandparents wrote this book. I remember them writing it and all the heart and soul they put into it. It is a really good book and I’m not just saying because I’m bias.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with the eye of a teacher - - wondering if it would be a good addition for middle school readers who are interested in the challenges faced by youth during WWII. I rated it 5 stars and gave a resounding "yes!" to that question because of its unique perspective narrated from the point of view of a young Italian child, and the youth friendly descriptions of the place, time and events. WAR IS JUST ANOTHER DAY, would be a great addition to any classroom library or reading list, or could be used as a read-aloud book to add a new perspective about WWII for all your students.
Incidentally, I know the author personally (she is the grandmother of some of my family friends) and had a lively discussion with her about the book! This is her story and she tells it well!

[Barbara Nourse · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's story of her childhood years caught in the midst of the German occupation of Italy. Genny, her mother, sister and housekeeper had to escape, hide in the woods and run from the German soldiers who were destroying their homes and villages. For four years her mother worked tirelessly to keep them safe, reassured and find food, often going out to pick berries and dandelions to survive. Their father had been given the task to help the Germans in Naples. They never knew if he was dead or alive. Finally by 1944 they were rescued by their father and returned to live with an Uncle in Naples, retreating every night to the blasts of sirens and the bombs that came.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping account of a young Italian girl's life during WWII. Gennie, her sister and English mother are separated from their father and home in Naples and living in a small mountain town in Northern Italy. Threatened by Nazi troops, snipers, unable to find food and keeping their mother's nationality a secret. Exciting, well-written and a unique slice of WWII history.

[Connie Glasgow]

Can't wait to meet the woman who wrote this book April 8, 2015 - Uncork & Unwind - everyone invited!

She is truly a survivor! Come - even if you haven't had a chance to read the book.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

The accounts of a girl growing up in Italy during WWII. Excellent.