The Fox and The Camellias is by Ignazio Silone, whom the NY Times called "Italy's most distinguished writer". His most important work, Bread and Wine, was written in exile after he was forced to flee in the 1930's because of anti-fascist activities. This novel also has the tense undercurrent of peasants caught between political forces, but disguised within a story of honour and love.
Daniele has returned to the Locarno region after his headstrong father passes away, leaving him the family orchard. A city man, the villagers in the Ticanese colony of Shaffhausen are unwelcoming and mistrust his abilities. Young athletic Agostino works with Daniele and has an unspoken relationship with Daniele's daughter Silvia, whose beautiful smile and carefree nature light up the whole farm. Old Signorina Nunziatina approaches Daniele after many farmers turned her away - a fox has encroached the village in the form of an Italian official asking what she knows of the community - she must hear everything, people tell her things, he will pay. Who is a dissident, speaking out the usual horror stories and lies denouncing Italy? Daniele calms her fears, and enacts a plan with Agostino and a silent encoded network of anti-fascist fighters, including men within the Italian police force itself. Nunziatina unknowing sets in motion a trap for the Italian, leaving him beaten. As the festival of the camellias approaches, Silvia becomes secretive, helping nurse the victim of a car accident near the farm. Days spent with the man, whose bandaged face needs tending turns her heart and they fall in love, showing a more human side to the Italian neighbours.
Not knowing anything about this author or novel, this was a nice surprise. It could be called a thriller as Daniele, a man of peace, instigates a spy network of unexpected villagers, people who have been housing and helping Italian refugees to flee oppressive rule. It is quiet but deadly accurate, producing results. The other side of the story is emotional, as his relationship with his daughter wanes, her attentions diverted to the young man, avoiding her father as the man is Italian. This all comes to an unforeseen climax for the reader. I haven't read much with the theme of anti-fascism but this was understandable and very satisfying.
1961 / Paperback / 125 pages
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