Naples '44

Synopsis

Norman Lewis is Britain's greatest living travel writer, with a list of some ten travel books and several books of collection journalism to his name. Here, he provides a portrait of Naples in the depths of war - poverty-stricken, vice-ridden and riddled by corruption - yet magnificently life-affirming.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction
The book "Naples '44" begins in the early winter of 1943, with author and war correspondent Norman Lewis arriving in Naples, Italy. He is not a soldier, but rather a civilian, tasked with providing intelligence reports for the British Army. He is immediately struck by the chaos and destruction that surrounds him as he travels through the city. The chapter sets the scene for the rest of the book, illustrating the devastation and desperation of Naples during this time.

Chapter 2: First Impressions
In this chapter, Lewis describes his arrival at the headquarters of the British military in Naples. He meets with various officers who are in charge of the "advance intelligence" team, tasked with gathering information about the city and its inhabitants. Lewis is taken aback by the casual nature of the officers, who seem more focused on drinking and socializing than carrying out their duties. He is also introduced to some of the local Italian men who are working with the British, and begins to form his first impressions of the Neapolitan people.

Chapter 3: The Citizens
In this chapter, Lewis delves deeper into the lives of the Neapolitan people. He describes meeting their leader, a man named Viggiani, and learning about the complex social and cultural hierarchy of Naples. Lewis also begins to understand the realities of daily life for the citizens of the city, including their struggles with poverty and the black market. He also witnesses the uneasy relationship between the Italian population and the occupying German forces.

Chapter 4: The War Effort
As the war rages on, Lewis observes the different ways in which the people of Naples are affected. Some are actively involved in the war effort, working alongside the British and Americans to gather intelligence and support the Allied cause. Others are more focused on their own survival and finding ways to make ends meet in a city that has been ravaged by war. Lewis also learns about the role of the mafia in Naples and their involvement in both the black market and the resistance movement.

Chapter 5: The Allied Military
This chapter focuses on Lewis' interactions with the Allied military forces, particularly the Americans and the British. He observes the stark contrast between the military life and the civilian life in Naples, and begins to understand the harsh realities of war from the soldiers' perspectives. Lewis also witnesses the tensions between the two allied forces and the difficulties they face in working together.

Chapter 6: The German Retreat
As the Allied forces continue to push the Germans out of Italy, Naples becomes a key location in the conflict. Lewis describes the chaos and destruction that ensues as the Germans begin to retreat from the city, leaving behind a wake of destruction. He also witnesses the gruesome aftermath of the Battle of Monte Cassino, which had a devastating impact on both the soldiers and the civilians.

Chapter 7: Liberation Day
In this chapter, Lewis recounts the sense of relief and joy that sweeps through Naples as the city is finally liberated from German control. He describes the celebrations and the rebuilding process that begins as the citizens try to restore some sense of normalcy to their lives. However, he also witnesses the continued struggles and divisions within the city, as well as the harsh punishments inflicted by the Allies on those who collaborated with the Germans.

Chapter 8: Post-War Naples
The final chapter of the book explores the aftermath of the war in Naples and the challenges faced by the city as it tries to rebuild. Lewis discusses the impact of the war on the citizens, both physically and emotionally, and the challenges they face in trying to move on from such a traumatic experience. He also reflects on his own time in Naples and the impact it had on him personally.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Naples '44" is a powerful and poignant portrayal of a city and its people during one of the most tumultuous periods in modern history. Lewis' firsthand account provides a unique perspective on the devastation of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Through his detailed and vivid descriptions, he brings the streets of Naples to life, providing a hauntingly honest depiction of a city caught in the midst of chaos and destruction.