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

What I loved and admired most about this well-written, fascinating memoir of World War II Italy was FrancaÕs steadfast faith that ultimately carried her through to survival. The war presented many dangerous situations that tested her character and out of which she got to know herself as a heroic figure. In the end, through FrancaÕs resilient spirit, what was a devastating experience turned out to be a blessing. Through it Franca learned what her purpose was and how best she could serve her loved ones. Her paintings positioned throughout the story are a delight to the soul.ÑRosemary Broccoli, Host/Producer, ÒBeing in SeattleÓ television show This true story of wartime Italy will touch the very deepest part of your heart. Franca is only fourteen when World War II begins, but she is brave in ways that most people can only imagine. Whether she is rescuing a downed British pilot, personally visiting the PopeÕs quarters, or risking her life to bring food to her starving family, FrancaÕs courage rings through this entire book. Her memories will become yours, enriching and uplifting your life.ÑPeggy King Anderson, author of THE FALL OF THE RED STAR Franca's Story is a must for school librarians who recommend books to students, second- and third-generation Italian Americans who want to know about life in Italy from 1937 to 1945, and anyone drawn to the stories of unsung heroes of World War II. Kinman shines a light on Franca's journey of determination to save her family in this gripping riches-to-rags tale.ÑMary Willix, author, professor, and founder of Hypno-Spanish

FrancaÕs Story chronicles a young girlÕs determination to help her family survive World War II in Italy, spanning the years 1937-1945. The onset of war shatters Franca MercatiÕs privileged childhood in Florence, devastates her aristocratic family, and threatens the Italian way of life. Her sistersÕ fiancŽs, then two of her brothers are sent to the front. A third brother, award-winning author Krimer, befriended by Hemingway and Picasso, volunteers as a war correspondent in Tripoli. 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 Ð 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. The familyÕs beach home and all their possessions are destroyed before their eyes. Franca and her family slide from wealthy aristocrats to impoverished refugees surviving hand to mouth at Pianore, an old Hapsburg palace on the Italian Riviera. She and her friend Lilly scavenge for food to feed 300 older citizens living there. Franca overcomes obstacles with courage, ingenuity, good humor, and a deep faith in God as her dreams of living a traditional adolescent life are shattered by a world filled with turbulence.