Naples '44

In a great profile in the Guardian newspaper in 2000 - when Lewis was already 93 - Nicholas Wroe writes that Lewis's career as a writer started when he was asked by the British Secret Services to go and photograph the Yemen. Strange then that after travelling around the region (he was actually denied entry to the Yemen!) he instead wrote and published his first book, "Sand and Sea In Arabia".This in-depth exposure to Arabic, despite the author's relatively lack of formal education ... he never attended college... led to his discovering an aptitude for languages, and he was a gifted linguist, speaking French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, German, and Italian. This early entry, in WWI, into a 'spying career" also led to his recall, in the second world war into the Field Security Service, rather than Secret Service - the author himself said, the difference being the FSO's actually "got their boots dirty" - and as Lewis mentions, rather smugly in the book, he was issued with a pass that bore the legend; "The bearer is entitled to be in any place, at any time and wearing any uniform he chooses" ...so he did indeed, just go wherever he liked, and this allowed him to get the material and experiences that he later used to write what is considered his masterpiece, Naples '44. After a rather logical deployment in North Africa, to use his Arabic, he was deployed - and subsequently, with his colleagues, totally ignored - to the USA Headquarters of General Clark for the invasion of Italy, landing at Salerno.Clark was subsequently criticized by British historians and General Montgomery for the near-failure of the landings at Salerno, as a result of poor planning and at one stage, the author states, the General actually planned to withdraw from the hard-won beach-head, deserting his own men and retreating to the off-shore battle fleet. Clark's conduct of operations remains controversial, particularly his later actions in ignoring orders from his Army Group Commander and rapidly advancing towards Rome to be the first to enter and thereby allowing a large number of German troops to escape. Lewis also mentions his horror at the order passed to the troops that any Germans surrendering were to be killed - by the butts of their rifles. War, of course is brutalizing and provides the evidence that all of us can become dehumanized by it and discards our morals.But not - by his own and his contemporaries accounts - not Lewis, who as rapidly as he becomes disenchanted by his peers becomes enamored of the Italians, those starving, grasping, mafia exploited "scugnizzi' of Naples he meets and treats.The author evidences his compassion and that engages ours.

Although this is based upon the author's life in Allied occupied Naples, it is told with such sincere love for it's inhabitants, and warm humor in the face of unbelievable hardship, that it creates an indelible and warm feeling in the reader's heart. One is left with a sense of wonder, rather than horror. Lewis has an easy reading style and keeps one entranced without resorting to any unecessary violence or intrigue.

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Carroll & Graf paperback edition cover captures a ball capped American GI caressing the legs of a well traveled skirt lifting Italian seductress standing on a table while others look on; the "decisive moment" in "Naples '44." One photo and a well written text can seduce the reader as well. The well known, prolific and talented English travel writer, Norman Lewis, spent from September 1943 to October 1944 in Naples as an intelligence officer for the British 5th Army. In this short, descriptive, witty diary type book, he fights gun battles with bandits, investigates the Camorra (or Mafia) and its control of the City and environs, describes the vast black market in tires, arms, blankets, penicillin, and all else, and the daily trials and rituals of the Neapolitans in surviving. Vesuvius erupts in March '45 and it is his "most majestic and terrible sight." The rapes of Italian women by "the Moors" are rampant; one victim "majestic in true Southern style, with a cataract of black hair, the eyes of a tragedienne and the innocence of expression that contemplates the armament of any outstanding harlot." He hunts fresh grass after the October rains in woods "full of chestnuts, fungi spring up out of the damp earth, and edible plants of the order of dandelions and plantains, for use of salads, sprout among the new grass." His last panoramic view of Naples as he leaves; "the great grey and red city spread below; presenting a totally fallacious aspect of dignified calm." Repeatedly cited by Rick Atkinson in his "The Day of Battle," this book is definitive and classic.

I really liked Naples ’44! I thought it was an interesting perspective on WW II, and I also really liked how most of the towns and cities mentioned in the book can still be seen today if one travels to Italy. I did, however, find it a little difficult to follow at times, and I found (at least for me), because it was written in 1940’s British English, that too at times was hard to follow. But, all in all, it was a nice read and as already mentioned it was an interesting perspective on a historical event. If you are a WW II history buff, or you really like Italy, or both perhaps, I would highly recommend this book. Even if these topics don’t strike your fancy, I would still recommend this book to others, all in all, a nice read.

For those of us who know, or, more correctly, thought they knew, Italy, this book is irresistible. I fear I devoured it in 24 hours, instead of savoring it, like a good glass of cognac, sip by delicious sip. Mr. Lewis was stationed in Naples toward the end of WWII. He served as an investigator for the British Army and hence was in an ideal position to do what he does best: observe people, places, and situations that can only arise in a certain time and culture. The result is a portrait of remarkable detail and veracity. At the end of the book, Mr. Lewis has been ordered to leave Italy for Egypt. I wonder if he ever returned and, if so, what his impressons were once the country had moved past the war. It will be delightful to read more of this books. This was my first; it will not be my last!

I very enjoyable book that ended to quickly. The descriptions of people, places and actions were amazing. Recommend them book to all.

Having just finished a factual account from World War II regarding the Italian Campaign it seemed a good choice to dig out this book that I have had for a couple of years.I am so pleased I did. I had no pre-conceived ideas about this author or knowledge of his literary value.I am not surprised to learn that he was a contemporary of Graham Greene having read and listened to his voice through the words recorded here.Naples ‘44 is a diary set in the aftermath of the Allied liberation of Southern Italy. Lewis had a great affinity for Italy which enhances his account of the struggle of a people in abject poverty.The author recounts the story, shares the facts as he understood them and like a modern day animal behaviourist, an Attenborough, commentates on the antics and realities of life on our planet.This though isn’t a view of the Serengeti but a proud European nation and the city of Naples.But in just everyday reflections, like sharing a personal conversation the author recounts and reveals the past. As fascinating as being with an archeologist in Egypt gently peaking back layers lost over time. Nuanced observation through events recorded in his diary, not by his own commentary or analysis, but a leisurely stroll and keen eye of life surviving, somehow around him. Above all where he needed lacked knowledge, providing clarity by allowing the people and their actions to speak for themselves.A passage through time and space; like any great travel book, journal or documentary - without leaving your own chair.A scratch and sniff book that arouses all your senses.Especially your sense of horror at the impact of war. Please note, by default, this must be similar to postwar life in Iraq, Afghanistan and The Sudan today.There seems no victors in any war just casualties and enduring misery. There are spoils of war; black market racketeers and mainly Allied officers and their own command complicit to carry off all that can be contained in crates for safe homeward passage.This isn’t the message of this book.It is just a faithful record of an eye witness that is so powerful it evokes such passion in his readers.I feel for these people, their poverty and marvel at their resilience and humanity.I loved the journey this book takes you on. The clear and easy going sense of a story told by a firsthand observer. Using a rich language and with a clear love of a people and their history and heritage. I hung on his every word and enjoyed each page.As stated some of the realities and lack of justice appalled me. It has left me more compassionate, less judgemental. I see dignity amid poverty, life where there is nothing but hunger, disease and death.I think back to stories told to me by others visiting Southern Italy in the 70s and 80s bemoaning the lack of tourist facilities and the threat of crime and the constant fear on the street of robbery.I understand now why rich people, perhaps with no language to share or appreciation of culture and shared history should not travel unprepared. They should not just tick off destinations. Etna, Pompeii and the Amalfi coast as seen.Books like this would enhance anyone’s travel and perhaps, if we need such knowledge, to understand more than reading a guide book alone.The publication by Eland of such lost literary treasures is a good one. But books are only as good as a read item. Mine lay unread for a couple of years.I will research more now, before I travel, try to be less arrogant in my attitude and with any opinions on a country and its people. In this author I have found a writer I trust and want to read more of his work.

Its not often you read a book that's a real eye opener but this really is one of them. It uncovers a part of WW2 history that really brings the human cost to the modern reader. The author is frank in his descriptions and while working there in Naples really is something of the objective observer to what happened to that city during allied rule there. Describing the bombing of the city that still went on, the sheer level of poverty the people were suffering under, how prostitution was rife with residents literally offering their own daughters to allied soldiers and not least allied soldiers taking advantage of the situation. The rife black market that went on (The so called trials during the theft of copper wire for example or the locals using allied blankets as jackets and coats) It doesn't make pleasant reading but it certainly makes interesting reading.

A first hand account of an overlooked element of the second war, it is not of a general, or anyone of any influence or someone who was particularly brave with accounts of daring do. It is the account of an ordinary man, with an interesting assignment at a pivotal moment in history. It discusses the realities of occupation, of starvation, of determination to survive. It paints no glorious picture of war and victory, this is a warts and all account of daily life.I urge anyone with an interest in history, Italy, war or currant affairs to read. The realities discussed are as relevant in 1940's Italy as they were in the occupation of Afghanistan.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book, a very good informative account of the ravages of Naples following the cities liberation in WW2. No flossy cover up of how 'good we were' but a straight forward account of how the residents made do and what they had to do to do so.It didn't take long for the usual's to come out of the woods and make money off others in a poor situation.Great read, Covid isnt much fun, but reading this through isolation made it a lot more bearable.

I've been reading Norman Lewis and re-reading some I've already read. He has an amazing voice when writing - clear, stood back, often amused by what he sees, and always interested. The novels somewhat less so, but he did write a novel, The Sicilian Expert, which described the mafia involvement in JFK's death well before the others. Naples '44 gives us all the background on how incompetent the Americans were when entering southern Italy in '43 - the shore being piled with typewriters while the Germans shot down on defenceless troops left without appropriate weapons and ammunition, all the generals offshore on the transport ships, etc. Then on to Naples where it was definitely Catch 22. His knowledge of Italian and his love of the people and place make this a well-rounded story. Highly recommended even if you don't like war stories - which I don't.