Franca's Story: Survival in World War II Italy, The true story of Franca Mercati Martin

by Diane Kinman

Franca's Story chronicles a young girl's determination to help her family survive World War II in Italy, 1937-1945. The onset of war shatters Franca Mercati's privileged childhood in Florence, devastates her aristocratic family, and threatens the Italian way of life. The family flees their palatial home in Florence to escape Allied bombs and settles in their beach home at Viareggio. One brother is soon killed, and a second is missing in action. Franca and her father secure a private audience with the Pope... will his influence help them find her missing brother, Lt. Mercati? Franca discovers her father is helping Jewish children escape; she secretly uses his connections to rescue a wounded British pilot. She watches in horror as her school friends die in the bombing of a train station; helps when her brother-in-law is severely beaten by Fascists; and survives a harrowing ride with a deserting Nazi doctor. Franca and her family slide from wealthy aristocrats to impoverished refugees surviving hand to mouth at an old Hapsburg palace. She overcomes obstacles with courage, ingenuity, good humor, and a deep faith in God in a world filled with turbulence.

Genres: History

187 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

National award-winning author of Franca's Story: Survival in World War II Italy. Diane is a member of IBPA, SPAN, PNWA, WUC, and attended Field's End on Bainbridge Island,WA. She is currently working on her next book, Condo Divas. "

Reviews

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Franca was a wealthy young Italian girl during World War II. Living near Florence,she suffered many hardships. What I didn't like about this book was the usage of showing not telling. It turned me off. Describe the feelings to me, don't tell me the feelings!

[Dean Kephart]

The writing was pretty elementary, but it was an informative account of what it was like to be in Italy as a citizen in this terrible war.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading first hand accounts from citizens that lived through World War II. The book is short and I thought perhaps the author and subject could’ve added in a few more details of life during the war and perhaps another chapter of the years after the war. But still an enjoyable read

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Mom gave me a signed copy of this NW writer for my birthday last year. An absolutly beautiful book, from the paper and type, to the illustrations (drawn by Franca) to the stirring memoir. The beauty and feel of Italy is portrayed at the same time as the horrors of WWII as they effect a young girl and her family. I think part of the power of this book for me was that Franca's voice is heard so clearly, without literary embellishment.

[Karleen Merchant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find the stories of those who lived in the midst of the fighting in WWII are very touching. This was an interesting book from the perspective of a child in Italy. It gave me some insight to the Italians relationship with Germany. If personal stories of the home life during WWII interest you, I'd recommend this book.

[Marie Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir of a girl's survival in WWII Italy. Reminds us that war touches many places, many lives, and that people in Italy suffered through Allied bombings, privations of war, and through the ill treatment of the Germans who themselves had "invaded" Italy.

[Lu]

Survival in World War II Italy