A Chill in the Air: An Italian War Diary, 1939-1940

Set against the backdrop of Italy in the lead-up to World War II, this unpublished diary offers a poignant reflection on the nation's reluctant march toward conflict. Iris Origo, a British expatriate deeply intertwined with Italian society, captures the growing sense of unease and absurdity as Mussolini's government declares war in June 1940. Her observations reveal the disillusionment and turmoil experienced by ordinary citizens, highlighting the stark contrast between their lives and the looming horrors of war.