Bold and Dangerous Family: One Family's Fight Against Italian Fascism

Mussolini was ruthless and manipulative, using black-shirted thugs for his dirty work. His opponents were beaten into submission, but the tide turned in 1924 when his assassins went too far, leading to antifascist resistance. Caroline Moorehead's book explores the lives of the Rosselli family, who showed bold and uncompromising resistance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2018
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Mussolini was a complex and multifaceted individual, characterized by both his ruthlessness and his subtlety and manipulation. He employed a group of black-shirted thugs, known as his "dirty work" squad, to carry out various acts of violence, including arson, murder, destruction of homes and offices, bribery, and intimidation. These thugs were responsible for carrying out Mussolini's orders, without question or hesitation.

However, Mussolini's tactics were not limited to physical violence. He also employed a range of psychological strategies to suppress his opponents. This included targeting editors, union representatives, lawyers, and judges, who were often subjected to beatings and intimidation in order to force them into submission.

Despite his brutal tactics, Mussolini seemed to maintain a certain level of popularity among his supporters. However, the tide began to turn in 1924, when his assassins went too far. A series of assassinations, including the murder of the Italian prime minister, Benito Mussolini, caused widespread horror and outrage across Italy. This led to the emergence of antifascist resistance, with individuals and groups across the country standing up against Mussolini's regime.

Among those who were deeply affected by the events of 1924 was a family from Florence, known as the Rossellis. Amelia, Carlo, and Nello Rosselli were three siblings who, despite their privileged upbringing, were committed to fighting against fascism. They were known for their bravery, their loyalty, and their sense of humor, and they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to oppose Mussolini's regime.

Caroline Moorehead's book, "Shortlisted for the Costa Biography Award," provides a captivating and detailed account of the Rosselli family's life and their role in the antifascist resistance movement. Through her writing, Moorehead draws readers into the lives of this remarkable family, exploring their loves, loyalties, laughter, and ultimate sacrifice.

The Rossellis were a family of artists and intellectuals, with Carlo and Nello both being accomplished musicians. Amelia, who was the oldest of the siblings, was a talented painter and a strong advocate for social justice. Despite their privileged backgrounds, the Rossellis were deeply committed to the cause of antifascism.

In 1924, the Rossellis were among the first to organize antifascist resistance in Florence. They formed a group called the "Committee for the Defense of the Republic," which was dedicated to opposing Mussolini's regime and promoting democracy and social justice. The committee was led by Carlo, who was a skilled organizer and a charismatic leader.

The Rossellis' resistance work was not without its risks. They were often targeted by Mussolini's security forces, who were determined to suppress any opposition to his regime. The Rossellis were frequently subjected to surveillance, harassment, and even physical violence. However, they remained steadfast in their commitment to the cause of antifascism.

One of the most significant events of the Rosselli family's resistance work was the kidnapping of Benito Mussolini in 1926. The Rossellis were involved in a plot to kidnap the Italian dictator and bring him to trial for his crimes against the Italian people. The plot was successful, and Mussolini was briefly imprisoned before being released on bail.

Despite the success of the kidnapping, the Rossellis' resistance work was not without its costs. Carlo and Nello were both arrested and sentenced to long prison terms. Amelia, who had been living in exile in France, was also forced to return to Italy, where she faced persecution and imprisonment.

Despite the challenges and risks they faced, the Rosselli family remained committed to the cause of antifascism. They continued to organize and participate in resistance activities, even after Carlo and Nello were released from prison. Amelia, who had been living in exile in France, was also forced to return to Italy, where she faced persecution and imprisonment.

In the end, the Rosselli family paid a heavy price for their resistance work. Carlo and Nello were both killed in prison, while Amelia spent the rest of her life in exile, unable to return to her home country. However, their legacy lives on, as they are remembered as heroes and heroines of the antifascist resistance movement.

In conclusion, Mussolini was a ruthless and manipulative leader who employed a group of black-shirted thugs to carry out his orders. However, his tactics were not limited to physical violence, and he also employed a range of psychological strategies to suppress his opponents. Despite his popularity among his supporters, the tide began to turn in 1924, when his assassins went too far, leading to the emergence of antifascist resistance. Among those who were deeply affected by the events of 1924 was a family from Florence, known as the Rossellis. Amelia, Carlo, and Nello Rosselli were three siblings who, despite their privileged upbringing, were committed to fighting against fascism. They were known for their bravery, their loyalty, and their sense of humor, and they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to oppose Mussolini's regime. Caroline Moorehead's book, "Shortlisted for the Costa Biography Award," provides a captivating and detailed account of the Rosselli family's life and their role in the antifascist resistance movement. Through her writing, Moorehead draws readers into the lives of this remarkable family, exploring their loves, loyalties, laughter, and ultimate sacrifice. The Rossellis' legacy lives on, as they are remembered as heroes and heroines of the antifascist resistance movement.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780099590156