8/14/2019 My Father Il Duce Memoir by Mussolini's Son

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My Father IL Duce: A Memoir by Mussolini's Son

Author: ROMANO MUSSOLINIISBN: 978-0-9670076-8-7 Pages: 180, $26.95, Publication Date: Oct 2006

When looking back through portrayals of historical figures that were quite sinister; it is

necessary to keep them in perspective of how horrendous they were. Benito Mussoliniwas one of those people who used his power for evil. The introductory essay byAlexander Stille sets the record straight before the memoir is presented by RomanoMussolini, Benito’s son.

History is embellished to show that this horrific character was a family man. Loving,endearing, and quite captivating is the image discussed by Romano. However, analliance with Hitler, the slaughter of Italian Jews, and sending thousands of soldiers to theRussian front are only a few of the real deeds laid upon the father by Stille in hisintroduction.

The family history from strictly a biographical standpoint is quite fascinating. Attemptson the life of Mussolini starting in 1925, are described in a manner which indicates theson believed his father had led a charmed life. Before the end of World War II the people in Italy caught up with Mussolini. They ended his life by firing squad, and thenstrung him up by his heels along with his mistress, displaying them in a public square.Yes, this portrait of a family man is smudged with the dalliances he had with manywomen during the course of his marriage.

Romano was a musician of some renown in Italy and throughout the jazz world. He played piano with many well known artists including Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie,and Tony Scott. He lived in Rome and died in February 2006.

If you are a history buff, this would be a unique perspective into Benito Mussolini and hisfamily’s life. The book is well edited and presented by Romano, one of his sons.

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