Orkney's Italian Chapel: The True Story of an Icon

by Philip Paris

Orkney's Italian Chapel was built by Italian POWs held on the island during the Second World War. In the sixty-five years since it was built it has become an enduring symbol of peace and hope around the world. The story of who built the chapel and how it came into existence and survived against all the odds is both fascinating and inspiring. Author Philip Paris's extensive research into the creation of the Italian Chapel has uncovered many new facts, and this comprehensive new book is the definitive account of the chapel and those who built it. It is a book that has waited to be written for sixty-five years.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

328 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2010

Reviews

[Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and very well researched story of the Italian Chapel in Orkney and the construction of the Churchill barriers, with updates about the restoration of the chapel subsequently. I went to a talk by him in Kirkwal library, he is a good speaker, engaging his large audience with anecdotes and reminiscences of the process of writing this book after writing a novel based here. It is an amazing place constructed from two Nissan huts and begged borrowed and stolen artefacts, some of which involved getting out to the block ships to salvage tiles and wood.

[Gillian Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely way of telling this incredible true story

[Janet Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book absolutely fascinating, particularly as it was something I knew nothing about. Very well researched and clearly written with excellent illustrations. Recommended