Where the Mountains Burn

By Andrew R Novo

A family's journey through the dignity of resistance and the atonement of a nation shackled by dictatorship.

Cleaning out the attic of his family home in New York, Andrew finds the diary of his grandfather, Rinaldo. At first, Rinaldo lives in comfort in Biella, in the foothills of the Alps. When war begins in 1940, Rinaldo's life becomes progressively more difficult and his skepticism of Italy's Fascist regime increases daily. Approaching his 18th birthday, he faces a choice: be conscripted into Mussolini's army or join the partisans of the Resistenza.

Where the Mountains Burn is a tale of trauma, memory, family, and resistance, reminding readers that history never dies, it is carried in each of us and is realized in every decision we make.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1599542498
• ISBN13: 9781599542492
• Release Date: April 2026
• Publisher: Bordighera Press
• Length: 328 Pages
• Weight: 0.97 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A young man's fight against fascism in WWII Italy

Once again, Dr. Novo has brought history to life. This time, in a very personal way. Telling his maternal grandfather's story with perfect historical detail and context, while instilling it with the soul and consciousness of a tormented young man. It is extremely moving. It is quality work.