A Bell for Adano

By: John Hersey

Narrated by: David Green

This classic novel and winner of the Pulitzer Prize tells the story of an Italian-American major in World War II who wins the love and admiration of the local townspeople when he searches for a replacement for the 700-year-old town bell that had been melted down for bullets by the fascists. Although stituated during one of the most devastating experiences in human history, John Hersey's story speaks with unflinching patriotism and humanity.

©1944 John Hersey (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"A well-written, funny, and, at times, serious and deeply disturbing story . . . dogmatically recommended." (The New Yorker)

A sentimental story of war and a case study in leadership

Though the book has its goofy moments, with some of the Italian characters being more caricature than character, it is an excellent and easy book to read. It is the answer to the question of "What must one do to lead a people and become beloved by them." Along the way it includes wonderful color of the people and activities of a small Sicilian town liberated by the Americans from fascist control in WWII, undercurrents of romance and a seasoning of satire on the subject of bad military leadership as well as the aforementioned case study in good leadership, military or otherwise.

The book is also clear that western-style democracy is a far superior form of government to fascism, from its philosophical foundation to the people themselves who carry out these forms of government.

This book was also ably and, when necessary, humorously read.

Overall, I would recommend it to anyone curious about what it might have been like to help Italy recover from fascism or anyone looking to understand how to lead a mission, which at it's most fundamental level is about leading and caring for people.

A hero's efforts to ease the pain of war

The US Army assigned Major Victor Joppolo to administer the town of Adano, Italy after Allied forces drove out Mussolini's Fascists near the end of World War II.

The town needs many things: food, water, clean streets, affordable goods, safety, and a new bell for its tower. The Fascists removed the 700-year-old bell to melt it down for bullets, leaving the town without its most prized icon.

Joppolo does his best to treat the local citizens fairly and honestly, including trying to get a new bell. Despite bad behavior by many other American soldiers, he gradually wins the townspeople's hearts.

John Hersey's 1944 novel "A Bell for Adano" paints a plausible picture of life in a town suffering through war and occupation. He shows some of the absurdities of military bureaucracy, the selfishness of those clinging to power, the temptations of those in privilege, and the kindness of people trying to help others.

The novel focuses on the civilians affected by the war rather than the actions on the battlefield.

"A Bell for Adano" is a simple story told in a straightforward manner, as one would expect from a journalist like Hersey. And it is a touching story that warmed my heart. I grew to care about Adano and its people and to appreciate Major Joppolo. We need more men like him today.