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Marisa Parker
a book bubble about
Goodbye to Italia
Biographies & Memoirs
Author Insight
Technology = Communication and Other Stuff
Love it or hate it, technology means we can do so much more; and conversely, that means, we also do less. Yes, it can be less personable and means that we, as humans become less active and even anti-social. But, let’s be real … all those advances in the medical field, the corporate world and, how cool is it to have all that information at your fingertips? As humans, we seek knowledge. We want to resonate with something that is outside of us, bigger than us – good or bad; hopefully, more of the former. In World War 2, an incarceration of six years in prisoner of war camps in Africa, almost did my Italian father’s head in. But, he fought that mental enemy, by teaching himself to speak French and English and a smattering of Afrikaans. This ultimately led to him being a translator not just for his compatriots but also for the 'head honchos' in the camps.
Book Excerpt
Goodbye to Italia
I have begun to feel more comfortable conversing in English, French, and Italian with anyone who wants to talk with me, whether it is a fellow POW, a sentry, or someone in charge. I stop second-guessing myself and laugh at any mistakes or mispronunciations. I have also managed to obtain some more exercise books and a pen. I cut the exercise books in half horizontally and hide them with my North African diaries in a bit of waterproof canvas.
As I get back into the habit of jotting down what has happened through the day, English words that I am acquiring during my daily conversation start to pepper my writing. The English language is very contrary and word positioning in the sentence is back to front compared to Italian. All the same, it is thrilling to be one of the first to hear news and then pass it onto my compatriots. As I pass by, a whistle or a pat on the back stops me. ‘Cosa succede? What’s happening? Any news?’ I won’t lie, it makes me feel important.
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