Mussolini's Chest

During the war, Luca Morenelli, an Italian cafe owner in London, is interned by the British and escapes to Ireland. He assumes a new identity as an Englishman and works undercover for the Italian secret service. After the war, he returns home to sort out his affairs but finds that his life has been changed forever.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2019
Publisher: Book Guild Publishing Ltd

Luca Morenelli, an Italian cafe owner in London, finds himself interned by the British at the outbreak of war. Fearing deportation to Canada, he orchestrates an escape and plans to hide in Ireland until the war ends. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he discovers the liberation of starting a new life. He returns to his old career as a waiter in a prestigious restaurant, meets a new woman with no strings attached, and even undertakes undercover work for the Italian secret service. To maintain his cover, he adopts a new identity as an Englishman.

As time passes, Luca becomes a new man, willing to forget his past and embrace his new life in Ireland. He finds solace in his work and the company of his newfound love. However, at the end of the war, a sense of longing tugs at his heart. He feels compelled to return home to sort out his affairs, including his marriage, business, and the valuable chest of valuables he had stored for his wealthy aunt during the war. This chest, known as "Mussolini's Chest," holds a special place in his heart and represents his connection to his Italian heritage.

In a moment of sacrifice, Luca gives up his new career and turns his back on the woman who offers him love. He returns to England, hoping to reclaim his life and restore the chest that holds so much meaning for him. However, upon his return, he realizes that everything has changed. The chest, which he had entrusted to his aunt's care, is nowhere to be found. The once bustling streets of London are eerily quiet, and the people he once knew seem distant and unfamiliar.

Determined to find answers, Luca sets out on a quest to restore the chest and reclaim his life. He enlists the help of his old friends and contacts in the Italian community, using his knowledge of London's underworld to gather information. As he digs deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to destroy everything he has worked for.

In the end, Luca must confront his past and make difficult choices to restore the chest and reclaim his life. He learns that sometimes, the things we value the most are not material possessions, but the memories and connections we share with others. With the help of his loved ones, Luca is able to overcome the obstacles and rebuild his life, once again embracing his Italian heritage and the values that have shaped him.

In this powerful and emotional story, Luca Morenelli emerges as a hero, a man who refused to give up on his dreams and his heritage. His journey teaches us the importance of perseverance, sacrifice, and the power of love to overcome even the greatest challenges.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 140 x 218 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912575657