In AD79, Gaius Justinius Aquila is drenched in grey ash, trying desperately to help the citizens of Herculaneum as Vesuvius erupts around them. In 1943, German paratrooper Peter Schafer finds himself in Naples. Peter has a secret he's underage, having run away to sign up. Within the year, Peter will find himself defending Monte Cassino against a huge Allied bombardment. Throughout his time in Italy, Peter will have many encounters with Vittoria, an impoverished Neapolitan who steals to keep herself and a ragbag bunch of orphans alive. And today, Denise and Craig are home alone, waiting for news of their soldier brother who is on a tour in Afghanistan, while their neighbours, the Shepherds, struggle with ill health, encroaching dementia and a story they feel a desperate need to tell. First person recount. Suggested level: secondary.