Rewritten Title: The Story to Remake: From the Grand Council to Gran Sasso (Italian Edition)

On July 25, 1943, the Grand Council of Fascism effectively deposed Benito Mussolini, and King Vittorio Emanuele III entrusted Marshal of Italy Pietro Badoglio with forming a new government. The Duce was arrested and transferred to various locations before being taken to Campo Imperatore, on the Gran Sasso, a place considered impregnable. Wrongly so: in a spectacular raid codenamed "Operation Oak," a commando of German paratroopers liberated Mussolini on September 12, after fifty days of imprisonment.

The compelling reconstruction by Petacco and Zavoli accounts for those convulsive weeks: a series of events that reflect the drama of one man, but above all, of an entire country. From the investigation of the two authors, based on the direct testimony of those who participated in those events, emerges a comprehensive re-examination that allows the debunking of some common misconceptions, such as the role of SS Captain Otto Skorzeny, and above all, to provide a historical judgment of that "imprisonment" that goes beyond mere chronicles and the often passively accepted versions of historiography.

The dramatic events that unfolded in the summer of 1943 were a true turning point in the history of Italy and the Second World War. The deposition of Mussolini by the Fascist Grand Council and the subsequent formation of a new government under Badoglio marked the beginning of Italy's transition from a Fascist dictatorship to a more democratic political system. However, the dramatic rescue of Mussolini by German forces demonstrated the complexity and volatility of the situation, as the Duce was quickly reinstated as the leader of a German-backed puppet government in northern Italy.

The account provided by Petacco and Zavoli sheds light on the intricate web of political and military maneuvers that characterized this pivotal moment. By drawing on the firsthand testimonies of those involved, the authors are able to offer a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the events, moving beyond the often-simplistic narratives that have dominated the historical record.

One of the key aspects highlighted by the authors is the role of Otto Skorzeny, the renowned SS officer who led the daring rescue operation. The book challenges the prevalent view of Skorzeny as the sole architect of the operation, presenting a more complex picture of the various actors and forces at play. This reexamination allows the reader to gain a deeper appreciation of the political and military dynamics that shaped the outcome of these events.

Moreover, the authors' analysis delves into the broader implications of Mussolini's imprisonment and rescue, examining the impact on the Italian people and the course of the war. The drama of the individual is intertwined with the larger tragedy of a nation grappling with the consequences of its Fascist past and the uncertainty of its future.

In conclusion, the work of Petacco and Zavoli offers a compelling and nuanced account of a pivotal moment in Italian and European history. By drawing on a wealth of primary sources and challenging established narratives, the book provides a fresh perspective on the complexities and contradictions that defined the final years of Mussolini's rule and the dramatic events that followed. Through this work, readers gain a deeper understanding of the intricate web of political, military, and personal factors that shaped the fate of Italy and its people during this tumultuous period.

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