When Artemio Battaglia joins the Regia Aeronautica to become a fighter pilot at the beginning of World War II, he’s inspired by the romanticized patriotism of the Fascists. His idealism is challenged when he witnesses atrocities committed against indigenous populations in North Africa, shattered after the officials he informs do nothing to stop the murderers. Their response is to transfer him to the most dangerous front in the war.
A disillusioned Artemio returns to Piacenza only to find his city occupied by ruthless German soldiers. He enlists in the war again, this time as a member of the Red Brigades. With a renewed sense of purpose, Artemio repeatedly places himself in peril, sabotaging German supply lines and giving aid to the Allies. But when his comrades capture a downed Italian pilot and schedule a hasty execution, Artemio recoils at the senseless violence. Once again, he is called to act in accordance with his conscience and embarks on a bold plan to set things right.
Based on the experiences of the author’s great uncle, Heaven Cries is a story of a young man who confronts the brutalities of war armed only with a courageous heart and an unshakable faith in moral decency.
