The children's train

Resource Information

The work The children's train represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in Randwick City Library. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

The children's train

Statement of responsibility

Viola Ardone ; translated from the Italian by Clarissa Botsford

Creator

• Ardone, Viola, 1974-

Contributor

• Botsford, Clarissa

Author

• Ardone, Viola, 1974-

Translator

• Botsford, Clarissa

Subject

• Children -- Italy -- Fiction
• Families -- Italy -- Fiction
• Italy -- History -- 1945-1976 -- Fiction

Genre

• Fiction

Language

• eng
• ita
• eng

Summary

Based on true events, a heartbreaking story of love, family, hope, and survival set in post-Second World War Italy about poor children from the south sent to live with families in the north to survive deprivation and the harsh winters. Though Mussolini and the fascists have been defeated, the war has devastated Italy, especially the south. Seven-year-old Amerigo lives with his mother Antonietta in Naples, surviving on odd jobs and his wits like the rest of the poor in his neighbourhood. But one day, Amerigo learns that a train will take him away from the rubble-strewn streets of the city to spend the winter with a family in the north, where he will be safe and have warm clothes and food to eat. Together with thousands of other southern children, Amerigo will cross the entire peninsula to a new life. Through his curious, innocent eyes, we see a nation rising from the ashes of war, reborn. As he comes to enjoy his new surroundings and the possibilities for a better future, Amerigo will make the heartbreaking choice to leave his mother and become a member of his adoptive family. Amerigo's journey is a moving story of memory, indelible bonds, artistry, and self-exploration, and a soaring examination of what family can truly mean. Ultimately Amerigo comes to understand that sometimes we must give up everything, even a mother's love, to find our destiny

Member of

• Treno dei bambini

Cataloging source

DLC

Index

no index present

Language note

Translated from the Italian

Literary form

novels

Target audience

adult