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The book came in good condition (as described), and it was well packaged.
I ordered this book after visiting Italy. When in Assisi, our tour guide mentioned the underground and the book. I only wish I had read the book before going there. It's a story about a priest in Assisi, and his and others efforts to save innocent people, risking everything. Priest: "They're not even our Jews." Bishop: "They're all our Jews." After reading this book, if I were Italian, I would be proud. If I were Jewish, I would be proud. As it is, I'm humbled. If I found myself in such a dire situation, would I rise to it? I would hope so, but I don't know.

Book One of a fabulous trio lighting the fire of Italian pride and human integrity. This is a must read partnered with Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan and It Happened In Italy by Elizabeth Bettina. Walk in the footsteps of this courageous Franciscan Monk as he struggles, plans and perseveres in his faithful and dangerous strategies to save as many Jews as possible from the Nazi Reich. Undisputedly one of the richest personal memoirs to survive the German occupation of Italy. As more and more pitiful and terror-stricken refugees are directed to Assisi, the Padre Rufino's talents are stretched to the limit. As you follow his path, you and your heart will forever be enriched. .

Awesome True Story!

This book reveals the true story of what happened throughout Italy during WWII. Ordinary people putting their lives on the line to help other human beings. When we choose to help others the sky is the limit.

Wonderful, charming characters. Interesting story. Especialy since it's true. Fine actors. Presented to a multi-religious group, brought many to tears.

Wonderful book. Excellent read for everyone. I found it much better than the movie, but the movie was all right.

Not the best reading; much of it is not at all accurate

This 1978 book is a "novelization" written by Alexander Ramati based on a true-life account, told by Father Rufino Niccacci, of an effort to hide 300 Jews in the town of Assisi, Italy during World War II. It has also been made into a movie, The Assisi Underground.

The narrator says to his fellow religious, "And so that Brother Francis might set an example of brotherly love, God commanded him to find a leper, and embrace and kiss him. He ordered it, because the lepers were the poorest, the most wretched creatures, shunned, hated and chased from their homes. Once more, we live in the Dark Ages. The men and women who have come to you today to seek refuge and protection---they are the lepers of the modern world. They are Jews, who are being persecuted by the Germans and the Fascists, sent to concentration camps, then tortured and put to death." (Pg. 26)

When a Cardinal asks the local Padre to assist, he is initially hesitant. The Cardinal says, "'Calm down, Padre. No, I don't mean to turn your city into the hiding centre for Jews. But I would like to turn it into the counterfeiting centre---where you could produce identity cards for the people who need them. First of all for those hiding in private houses and are in constant danger. Those people need your help, Padre. You have done a lot, I know, but you could do so much more.' ... 'I'm not a saint, Your Eminence. I'm a Franciscan, not St. Francis... Am I on trial?' 'We all are.' the Cardinal said. 'The whole Church. God has chosen us to use these terrible times to test His own Church. Are we going to fail Him? The Lord knows of no distinction between people... Every human life is dear to Him. We must obey God rather than Man.'" (Pg. 75)

When the Cardinal was asked why Pope Pius XII didn't make a public statement condemning the Nazi persecution of Jews, he replied, "You ought to understand that the Vatican is a state and the Pope is also a politician, a head of state... Instead of making meaningless declarations that would only antagonize the Germans, perhaps even make them occupy the Vatican itself, he issued orders---to save Jewish lives... The Pontiff could not issue an express order. But we received his message loud and clear... Do you think the Pontiff does not know what we are doing? Or that in his own diocese... over a hundred convents and over fifty churches and theological seminaries are hiding four thousand Jews, half of the Jews of Rome?" (Pg. 76-77)

The narrator laments in prayer, "We Christians have the Cross. The Nazis came and turned that Cross into a swastika. Why did You let them profane you? And what about your deputy on earth? Why does he keep silent? Our Pope's condemnation of the Nazis would perhaps make every third one of the German soldiers stop killing, at last stop the killing of the innocent. Isn't his role as the spiritual leader of the Church more important than his role of politician or head of state? What comfort he could give to all those now hiding in the mountains and caves if he would only stand up for them openly and thus strengthen their will to live, hide, and survive. Has he done enough by quietly letting his subordinates help those that are being persecuted? Couldn't he have done more? And shouldn't You, Almighty, in this greatest hour of our need, have given us a leader who would have stood up to the devil who twisted Your Cross?" (Pg. 175)

This is a fascinating story, that will be of tremendous interest to all those interested in efforts to help the Jews of Europe during the Second World War.