Embers of War


When opera clashes with the Battle for Italy in the dying days of WWII ... who can stay alive, sane and in love? 


Embers of War will be published in summer 2020, the 75th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe.


Summer 1944. War-torn Naples teems with Allied troops but the inhabitants struggle with lack of food and work. Prostitution is rife.

As the Italian campaign enters its second year, Frank, a British officer, knows he has been lucky. Since reopening an abandoned theatre, he has entertained thousands of Tommies by staging operas.

Vermillion, an ATS officer, feels fulfilled working at the theatre. And with Frank falling for her, she begins to return his feelings.

But firebombs from an air raid fan the flames of Frank’s memories of war. Nightmares threaten to engulf him. Should he hang on in Naples, or confront his fears by rejoining his former comrades as they fight their way north?

And if Frank returns to the front, what will Vermillion do? She won’t stay in Naples just waiting for his return. 

Click on the image of the book cover and you will be taken to the publisher's website where soon you will be able to purchase the paperback or the ebook. Or click on Amazon.co.uk to be taken to the relevant page of their UK site.

The cover image of the book is a detail from View of Orvieto by JMW Turner, courtesy of the Tate.

 © rjjhall 2020