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Rating: 
Summary: Disorganized but frank and readable memoir of WWII
Review: Allanbrook is on the faculty at my alma mater, so I had something of an interest in this book for that reason. It's basically a very frank recollection of his years in Italy, both as part of the Army during World War II and afterwards, when he returned to the country on a fellowship. Actually, it's a bit confusing (yet another book that could be chronological but isn't) because it starts out with the later phase of his life and only eventually gets to his first experiences in Italy. Like one's recollections, it jumps around as one is reminded of other events. He will repeatedly relate anecdotes from a different time but the same place as he is or was reminded of them.It is a very frank recollection, holding nothing back when it comes to dealing with his sex life throughout with both prostitutes and lovers. The style is a little convoluted. I wish at times that he'd chosen to be plain-spoken rather than clever in his choice of words. Still, this does provide a clear view inside his head and that, at least, makes it an interesting read.
Rating: 
Summary: Sometimes disorganized, but brilliant overall
Review: Here is an extremely talented memoirist who is particularily adept at giving us character sketches. As a civilian, this book gave me a realistic glimpse of what life as a soldier was like in WWII's European theater. I would rate this book second only to Norman Lewis' "Naples '44" if you want to get a feel for wartime Naples. That is saying a lot because Lewis is widely recognized as one of the greatest travel writers of the 20th century.
Rating:
Summary: a great 88th Division memoir of WW2
Review: This book is often overlooked as being "just a travel book." In fact it is a fine WW2 memoir (if you read past the first few chapters, of a soldier int he 88th Division in Italy. Quite well done, and
recommended for those looking for information on the war in Italy.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: This book not only takes you into wartime, but into the life of a young soldier who is now a professor, composer, and philosopher. This is an absolutely wonderful book.
Rating:
Summary: See Naples
Review: This is a wonderful book about the harsh truths of modern warfare--the constant mud, cold, and idleness, the perfidy of generals, the humble face of occasional heroism. It certainly deserves a paperback edition--should not be allowed to go out of print.
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