Vittorio Emanuele a King in Exile, Part I: Vittorio Emanuele, #1

By Alexandra Sterling

Preface:

In the annals of history, few figures have elicited as much fascination and ardor as Vittorio Emanuele III, the King of Italy whose life and reign were indelibly marked by the tumultuous events of his time. His tale of exile, recounted in this remarkable book, is a captivating journey through the trials and tribulations faced by a monarch forced to navigate the treacherous waters of political upheaval.

As an American scholar who delved into the depths of Vittorio Emanuele's exile, I found myself irresistibly drawn to his story, a compelling narrative woven with intrigue, courage, and sacrifice. With unyielding curiosity and a passion for historical truth, I embarked on a voyage to unravel the enigmatic layers of this monarch's life, whose actions and decisions were entwined with the fate of a nation.

In these pages, I aim to transport readers into the heart of Italy's tumultuous past, where the echoes of revolution and the whispers of power struggles resonate in the corridors of regal palaces. Through meticulous research and a relentless pursuit of authenticity, I present a portrait of Vittorio Emanuele III that goes beyond the surface of historical accounts, delving into the complexities of a man caught in the maelstrom of political turmoil.

His exile, a chapter shrouded in both mystery and legend, unfolds before us with vivid detail and a nuanced understanding of the human spirit. It is a tale of resilience and determination, of grappling with the consequences of choices made in moments of unprecedented upheaval. 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alexandra Sterling
• Release date: Jul 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223448655

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Disclaimer:

The following story is based on true events and real-life experiences. While every effort has been made to accurately represent the events and individuals involved, certain details may have been modified or fictionalized for the purpose of storytelling. The primary aim of this narrative is to convey the essence and essence of the actual events, and it should not be considered a wholly factual account. Names of individuals and specific locations may have been altered to protect their privacy and confidentiality. The content presented here is not intended to offend or harm anyone, and it is purely for entertainment and informational purposes. Readers are advised to exercise discretion and critical judgment while engaging with this story. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided herein. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is entirely coincidental.

Vittorio Emanuele

A King in exile,

Part I

Alexandra Sterling

Preface

In the annals of history, few figures have elicited as much fascination and ardor as Vittorio Emanuele III, the King of Italy whose life and reign were indelibly marked by the tumultuous events of his time. His tale of exile, recounted in this remarkable trilogy by the esteemed American scholar, Alexandra Sterling, is a captivating journey through the trials and tribulations faced by a monarch forced to navigate the treacherous waters of political upheaval.

As Alexandra Sterling delves into the depths of Vittorio Emanuele's exile, her compelling narrative weaves together the intricate threads of history with a keen eye for detail and an unyielding commitment to authenticity. With her unbridled curiosity and a passion for historical truth, she transports readers into the heart of Italy's tumultuous past, where the echoes of revolution and the whispers of power struggles resonate in the corridors of regal palaces.

Through meticulous research and a relentless pursuit of the truth, Alexandra Sterling presents a portrait of Vittorio Emanuele III that goes beyond the surface of historical accounts, delving into the complexities of a man caught in the maelstrom of political turmoil. Her eloquent prose breathes life into the past, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the private struggles and public challenges faced by the exiled monarch.

This novella, presented in three captivating installments, unveils the intricacies of Vittorio Emanuele III's exile, drawing readers deeper into the essence of a man grappling with the consequences of choices made in moments of unprecedented upheaval.

As the trilogy unfolds, Alexandra Sterling's literary craftsmanship shines brightly, illuminating the interconnectedness of global events and the human drama that unfolded during these critical years. Her portrayal of Vittorio Emanuele III's exile is both empathetic and enlightening, capturing the essence of a man struggling with the weight of history.

In this masterful work, Alexandra Sterling invites readers to embark on an unforgettable journey through history, to bear witness to the triumphs and tribulations of a king in exile, and to discover the timeless relevance of his story in the tapestry of human experience.

Chapter 1

JUNE 1946

You can leave your belongings here; you'll be back anyway.

On June 6, 1946, at 5:45 in the morning, I left Italian soil on the cruiser Duca degli Abruzzi bound for Portugal, but little did I know that a long and sorrowful exile was beginning for me. If I were to define it, I would say that exile is like a terrible illness that you treat, hoping to see it cured. But until you truly recover, you cannot be at peace. Exile is a demeaning state, a denied freedom. Like me, my father, Umberto, also experienced it, as he remained separated from his beloved Italy for thirty-seven years, until his death, without being able to set foot on its soil again.

We arrived in Naples on June 5, after my father, King Umberto II, had promised De Gasperi that his wife and children would immediately depart for Portugal. We spent our last Italian night at Villa Rosebery. My mother, Queen Maria José, slept little and poorly, especially because my sister Ella, Maria Gabriella, had a very high fever. I, too, stayed awake, thinking and gazing out of the window. At only nine years old, I was dismayed at having to leave Italy, the homes where I had lived through a difficult but fundamentally ours, our family's childhood. I thought about the dearest and most familiar objects I was leaving behind, various toys that I had donated just before leaving to a Roman child.

It was a Thursday, June 6, 1946, like another sad Thursday, June 13, the day my father, Umberto, would leave Rome, departing by plane from Ciampino. And like another mournful Thursday, a month earlier, on May 9, it was