A novel of family dynamics set in MAINE
Historical novel set on MONTECASSINO (Italy)
2nd September 2024
The Curse of Pietro Houdini by Derek B Miller, historical novel set on Montecassino.
Shortlisted for the 2024 Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize
Fourteen year old Massimo is fleeing the bombing of Rome in 1943, his parents are dead and he is heading for Naples where he understands family members might be available to offer him accommodation and succour. But he has hardly set off when he is befriended by Pietro Houdini (no relation to THE Houdini) who is heading to the abbey at Montecassino, the first house of the Benedictine Order. “This monastery is, right now, is one of the greatest repositories of culture on earth” states Pietro, an open house where it is only a matter of time before the Nazis, who are in the process of overrunning Italy, descend on the building and help themselves to unique and priceless treasures. They will keep them safe from the ravages of the war they themselves unleashed, but clearly they are intent upon looting.
And thus art connoisseur Pietro devises a plan to secretly remove some artworks by Titian. He is deft at creative over-painting and the Germans can seemingly be easily fooled. As he and Massimo live and work together in the Abbey, surrounded by the wonderful history and prodigious art and documents, their relationship changes as the boy blossoms and begins to truly understand the reality of their situation. They adapt to the way of the monks, friendships and alliances grow and then in 1944 the strategic battles, initiated by the Allies to unseat the Germans, commence. The four assaults on and around the Abbey were some of the bloodiest battles of the Italian campaign.
The building itself was destroyed – having survived 1400 years – but was rebuilt and that is what visitors can see today.
The two main characters, who are amassing fellow fugitives from the war, eventually head off on their travels, forming an almost Chaucerian coterie of colourful characters.
This novel has a wonderfully textured backdrop and some inventive twists, overlayed with dark humour and added interest of painting details which enhances the rich atmosphere. The historic detail seems so well researched. Some readers may well find the pace a little ponderous, especially at the beginning, but there is a richness of detail and dialogue that ultimately wins out.
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