Eric Newby · 1971 · survival

Eric Newby's memoir of his time on the run in wartime Italy. When Italy surrenders in 1943, Newby walks out of his prison camp on the plain near Parma and, with a broken ankle, is hidden by an informal network of mountain peasants high in the Apennines - falling in love with Wanda, the Slovene girl who helps him, before he is betrayed and recaptured in the winter snows.

1. 1
   Fontanellato (PG 49)

   At the prison camp PG 49, the Italian armistice throws open the gates and Newby simply walks out.

2. 2
   Fornovo di Taro

   With a broken ankle he is sheltered and moved toward the foothills as the Germans hunt the escaped prisoners.

3. 3
   The High Apennines

   Hidden through the autumn in haylofts, caves, and remote farms, he falls in love with Wanda - until, in January, he is betrayed and taken.