So, picture this: Naples in 1944, a city wracked by the aftermath of war. You're not just going to read about it, you're going to listen—really listen—as Nicholas Boulton, the narrator, takes you on a journey through the streets of this vibrant, yet ravaged, Italian city.
Norman Lewis, our guide and the author of this autobiographical masterpiece, was no ordinary man. As a British counterintelligence officer, he witnessed firsthand the chaos and devastation that unfolded after the Allies landed in Sorrento following the armistice. And let me tell you, he doesn't hold back in documenting the raw reality of life in Naples.
You won't find any sugarcoating here. Lewis shines a spotlight on the suffering and squalor that plagued the city. Criminal gangs run rampant, typhus spreads like wildfire, and the black market flourishes. But perhaps most heart-wrenching of all is the desperate plight of the female population, forced into part-time prostitution simply to put food on the table. It's a devastating sight to behold, but Lewis presents it to us with brutal honesty.
But it's not all doom and gloom. Oh no, there's room for humor and absurdity amidst the chaos. Just imagine a Roman uncle being paid handsomely to attend funerals and add an air of gravitas—pure comedic gold. And Lewis himself finds himself in some bizarre situations, like having to vet potential marriages between British soldiers and local women. It's a farce, a tragicomic dance played out against the backdrop of war.
But amidst the tragedy and comedy, Lewis's voice remains unwavering. His observations cut deep, revealing the corruption that runs through the veins of post-war Naples. A Genovese crime family member infiltrates the US army administration, while local hospitals, desperate for supplies, buy back stolen equipment. It's a web of deceit and desperation, and Lewis isn't afraid to expose it all.
In just 6 hours and 40 minutes, this audiobook will transport you to a world unlike any other. Haunting and powerful, "Naples '44" shines a light on the true cost of war. It's a testament to the resilience of a society pushed to its limits, and it's a story you won't soon forget.
Now, before you dive in and hit that play button, let me lay it out for you. This audiobook oozes authenticity, thanks to Nicholas Boulton's skillful narration. Yet, it falls a bit short in keeping you captivated from start to finish. That's why I'm giving it a 2.5 out of 5 audiobook rating. It deserves recognition for its stark portrayal of war's fallout, but it doesn't quite reach the heights of audio excellence.
So go ahead, my fellow listeners, and prepare yourself for a journey into the heart of Naples. It may not be perfect, but "Naples '44" is an audiobook that demands to be listened to.
