Gianfranco Menghini

Over the Borders Gianfranco Menghini

It thus begins a close and dramatic story that will cross the whole of World War II until it reaches liberation, whose subtitle is OVER THE BORDERS. The two friends will know during their escape from the clutches of the communists and the fascists themselves, Menico, a lieutenant of the Italian Expeditionary Corps, demotivated by a useless and cruel war, which he "deserted," so that all three plans to escape to the France. Gabriele, however, prefers to stop halfway. André an Menico continue a perilous journey, studded with adventurous events, escaping death several times. Thanks to a mountain guide, they manage to overcome the passage of the Pico de la Maladeta in the Pyrenees and flow into France but, before doing so, they are again assaulted and robbed of almost all their money and, worse still, their guide is killed. With the end of the Civil War in Spain, the Italians returned to their homeland where they were acclaimed by the fascist regime and Captain Menico promoted to major and sent to Rome alongside Gabriele, who, having left his girls friend, joined the Italian combatant unit. With the flight of the King and Badoglio and the change of front of Italy, the army comes to disintegrate itself, consequently the major Menico with Lieutenant Gabriele, begin a new escape towards the north, the rich Menico towards Switzerland and Gabriele to enlist in the Republic of Salò. Meanwhile André, who remained in France, enlisted in the Maquis, in whose ranks he became a brave and capable leader, author of clever coups against the occupying Germans. He will also bring incredible guerrilla actions against the invading German and, during Gabriele's search for lakes, will suffer a heavy defeat. André is also looking for Gabriele and will find him only after unspeakable adventures and coups. With an unexpected ending that will conclude this novel of action and true European history.