Is There Hope Beyond War? The Story of the Motor Vessel Calino, by Giovanni Di Trapani

WW2

By Giovanni Di Trapani

Is there hope beyond war? How many times have we heard this phrase? It’s not just a saying or something people repeat thoughtlessly; at times, it’s the chronicle of real events.

This is the message conveyed in Giovanni Di Trapani’s book, a compelling and well-executed work titled In the Wake of the Calino: Memories of Silence. The book captivates readers with its narrative.

The story is based on the journey of the motor vessel Calino, requisitioned shortly after Italy entered World War II. It became part of the military fleet, undertaking numerous missions.

One might think there’s nothing extraordinary about this, as such events are sadly common during wartime. However, the Calino’s story is uniquely human, intertwining the crew’s lives so closely with the ship that they develop a profound bond, living in symbiosis with it.

The connection becomes so deep that the crew identifies with the vessel, considering themselves part of a great family with the Calino as their leader and indispensable reference point.

With humility, the author describes the book as a “fictionalized historical account” of the ship’s story, which ended with its sinking during yet another voyage. However, the book is much more: it offers a vivid portrayal of the war and reflects the state of the Italian military during the conflict.

The story is gripping, immersing the reader in the lives of the ship’s crew. It evokes empathy for the sailors, prompting readers to relate to their experiences and be intrigued by the technical details skillfully woven into the narrative.

Di Trapani uses a historical event as his starting point, blending fiction with fact to make the tale more engaging. His well-structured storytelling leaves readers with a book that is, for all intents and purposes, a novel.

This hybrid format—alternating technical details with narrative elements—might seem risky, but the author handles it masterfully. The technical aspects enrich the story, lending it an unusual yet captivating authenticity.

The narrative is original, seamlessly integrating references to warships and detailed notes. These additions, far from detracting from the story’s intensity, enhance its authenticity, thanks to meticulous and well-researched details.

Giovanni Di Trapani’s background as a CNR researcher and his doctoral experience likely contribute to the book’s technical precision. Yet, it’s the writer’s heart that dominates the narrative, transforming this into a story about the human condition.

At its core, the Calino is not merely a tool of war; it becomes a vessel for saving lives and even facilitating the birth of new ones. The characters’ experiences intertwine with the ship’s history, showcasing the author’s talent in blending humanity with historical accuracy.

The relationship between the sailors and the Calino is unique—almost filial. When the ship sinks, the crew feels as though they’ve lost a family member.

The story also serves as a snapshot of what the war meant for Italians, whose lives were upended as they faced a conflict for which neither they nor the country were prepared.

How else could one explain the requisitioning of a civilian ship like the Calino, thrust into military service? The tale highlights the military’s unpreparedness, driven into a doomed war by the madness of dictatorship.

The ship’s command is shared between a civilian captain and a military officer, with a makeshift crew bearing the brunt of the war’s challenges, wielding rifles they never wanted to carry.

Di Trapani delves into the inner turmoil of these individuals, vividly portraying their fears and anxieties. This emotional depth elevates the book beyond a mere fictionalized account to a powerful narrative.

At its heart, the story emphasizes the torments and emotions of its characters, even permeating the Calino itself. Before being soldiers, the crew are human beings who retain their sensitivity and emotions despite the horrors of war.

Oreste, the protagonist, is thrust from his hometown of Chiaiano—recently annexed to Naples—onto the stage of war, having barely seen the sea. Inspired by the author’s grandfather, Oreste is not a nostalgic homage but a portrait of a young man grappling with the uncertainties of his age, maturing through the trials of war.

In the book’s final pages, the author captures the trauma of returning to normal life after the war. The narrative reflects a universal need to move forward, despite the weight of the past.

Oreste’s struggle to embrace life after the war mirrors Italy’s own journey after the darkness of dictatorship and the nightmare of war.

In the end, this book achieves its purpose: to make readers reflect, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impression. By starting from a specific event, it invites reflection on often-overlooked aspects of World War II.

Ultimately, it offers a message of hope.

To order the book:

Guida Editori https://www.guidaeditori.it/prodotto/nella-scia-della-calino-memorie-del-silenzio/

IBS   https://www.ibs.it/nella-scia-della-calino-memorie-libro-giovanni-di-trapani/e/9791255632153

www.calino.net