The Lanzis I, is the story of a courageous family. It takes you from the period that followed WWI, during the time of the rise of Fascism, up to and including WWII and the liberation of Italy by the Americans. This litterary novel bursts with reality; it is beautiful, painful and remorseless. Well known events are seen through new eyes, in an original and refreshingly appealing way. The story portrays 'real' people as they are seldom characterized in North American litterature. The Lanzis, chronicles a proud family who resist the pressure of an autocratic Regime. It also depicts the poignant story of a young boy, sexually coming of age; his innocence set against the backdrop of the war.
Now that Roberto Lanzi’s family has finally reunited in Winnipeg, his ambition to succeed makes him long for a business of his own. With his wife Silvia’s support, Roberto borrows money to build a large complex near the city center. He hurls himself into the project, working day and night to oversee the design and fill their new shop handcrafted items, luxury goods, and his own sculptures. Other galleries and shops quickly snap up space in the new complex, and Roberto’s rapidly profile in the community earns respect as well as jealousy. The birth of a daughter propels Roberto take on more debt, and by 1969, Roberto has become a well-known figure in the community. But change is on the horizon. When interest rates increase exponentially, the nervous local banks in Winnipeg demand their money back. Betrayals force Roberto into a corner, and he realizes he must sacrifice his dreams, repay his loans and go into exile once more.
This is the second chapter of the Lanzis saga. A saga with a true historical setting. A live path begun at the end of the Great War and continued, thought the fascist period, until WWII and the difficult period of reconstruction. Following the interesting dynamics of the first book, Giancarlo Gabbrielli narrates in very realistic terms, the developments which followed it. Here we find again Luisa, Patriza, Riccardo, Lorenzo and Roberto, bearing columns of intense and captivating events. We will also meet new protagonists, who will entwine their destiny with that of the Lanzis. Roberto, adolescent and then young man, develops his innate qualities, realizing that growing, sometimes entails the abandonment of past relationships. He falls in love with an adult woman. It could not last. Patrizia, strong and determined, put to task by fate, she must, once again, show courage and understanding. Luisa, loving but severe grandmother, still the heart of the family, must face some harsh, unforeseen circumstances. This book keeps the promises of the first volume and ably creates the premises for the next. A wonderful way to follow and remember the background of our recent History, from the daily events facing a courageous family. As Riccardo Lanzi had feared, in May 1943, after the collapse of the African front, the war theater extended to the Italian peninsula. During the spring and summer 1944, as Armies drove north, the fighting reached the region of Tuscany. The Arno River became the first line, with German and American troops fighting each other from the opposite banks. The Lanzis, who lived close to the northern banks of the river held by the retreating German troops found themselves at the center of the conflict. Bombarded by the Americans from the air, and on the ground, constantly harassed by the Germans and under threat of reprisals. Needing to escape the impossible situation, the family reluctantly decided to abandon their small villa, too close to the bridge over the Arno River, which had become a strategic target. Fortunately, they found refuge with a family of farmers who lived in the countryside. Around the middle of September, after months of dangers and near fatal blows, the Germans finally retreated towards the mountains, towards another line of defense. For the people who lived around the Arno valley, the nightmare was finally over. Thirteen year old Roberto Lanzi, his mother Patrizia and his grandmother Luisa, were about to leave their country haven and return home.
Book V: With the family finally reunited in Winnipeg, Roberto leaves his job at Bristol to start a business of his own. With his wife’s support he hurls himself into the adventure, borrows money from a bank and builds a small complex where he intend to move his Atelier and also rent the extra spaces to quality shops. By 1969, he has become a well known figure in the community. But changes soon occurs and the ever growing interest rates and the nervousness of the bank cause him to sell his ‘dream house’. Now, nothing can keep him in Winnipeg. But not all is lost as he now knows he’ll succeed in Toronto. Book VI: Roberto moves to Toronto determined to succeed on his own terms. With some local financing he opens a warehouse and showroom for finely crafted items. His new venture quickly takes off. When his Italian product is copied and underpriced by Chinese factories, he goes to China to combine Italian designs with less expensive Chinese manufacturing. Once again betrayal lurks in the shadows but this time Roberto knows how to foil his adversaries. He discovers his dear friend is dying, he meets him and reminisces about the shared past. After several, profound and honest conversations Roberto returns to the Arno River to reflect where he began his life journey. He finds peace.
This is the story of a man and a woman who knew each other as adolescents and meet again after many years. At their fortuitous encounter, they realize they still love each other, but they must fight destiny and distance to be together again in the face of personal differences and social expectations. The writing has a particular stylistic flare and romantic sense. The flowing narrative and poetic language make this novel a most enjoyable read.
This is the story of a man and a woman who knew each other as adolescents and meet again after many years. At their fortuitous encounter, they realize they still love each other, but they must fight destiny and distance to be together again in the face of personal differences and social expectations. The writing has a particular stylistic flare and romantic sense. The flowing narrative and poetic language make this novel a most enjoyable read.
The Lanzis I, is the story of a courageous family. It takes you from the period that followed WWI, during the time of the rise of Fascism, up to and including WWII and the liberation of Italy by the Americans. This litterary novel bursts with reality; it is beautiful, painful and remorseless. Well known events are seen through new eyes, in an original and refreshingly appealing way. The story portrays 'real' people as they are seldom characterized in North American litterature. The Lanzis, chronicles a proud family who resist the pressure of an autocratic Regime. It also depicts the poignant story of a young boy, sexually coming of age; his innocence set against the backdrop of the war.
Book V: With the family finally reunited in Winnipeg, Roberto leaves his job at Bristol to start a business of his own. With his wife’s support he hurls himself into the adventure, borrows money from a bank and builds a small complex where he intend to move his Atelier and also rent the extra spaces to quality shops. By 1969, he has become a well known figure in the community. But changes soon occurs and the ever growing interest rates and the nervousness of the bank cause him to sell his ‘dream house’. Now, nothing can keep him in Winnipeg. But not all is lost as he now knows he’ll succeed in Toronto. Book VI: Roberto moves to Toronto determined to succeed on his own terms. With some local financing he opens a warehouse and showroom for finely crafted items. His new venture quickly takes off. When his Italian product is copied and underpriced by Chinese factories, he goes to China to combine Italian designs with less expensive Chinese manufacturing. Once again betrayal lurks in the shadows but this time Roberto knows how to foil his adversaries. He discovers his dear friend is dying, he meets him and reminisces about the shared past. After several, profound and honest conversations Roberto returns to the Arno River to reflect where he began his life journey. He finds peace.
Assouline presents the autobiography of Giancarlo Giammetti, Valentino's trusted business partner for fifty years. Beginning with his childhood in Rome under Nazi occupation and his chance meeting at a café with a certain rising fashion designer, Giammetti shares stories from his remarkable life. This beautiful collector's volume features in-depth interviews, recollections from his personal journals, and a curated selection of exclusive images from Giammetti's archive of 50,000 photos, vividly portraying the exciting world of fashion.
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