Growing up, he heard bits and pieces about his family ordeal during World War II. He wanted to fill in the gaps.

In December 1943, the Allies and Germans fought a fierce battle in the city of Ortona, a few miles from our farm. The killing and destruction spilled over into Arielli and forced Di Carlo's 20-year-old father and his family to become refugees.

In 2002, he returned to Arielli and sat with his dad, Tommaso Di Carlo.

For a week, He listened and took notes as he recalled what he and others went through.

A work of fiction was created based on those conversations and stories Di Carlo heard from family members over the years. Most of the narrative is told through the voice of his father.

Those who've lived through war carry stories in their hearts that are difficult for the rest of us to truly comprehend.