Reading these stories about the little world between the Great River and the Mountains, is to travel to the Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy in the incomparable company of a cast of characters who testify to the exquisite humour and humanity of their creator.

The year is 1953. The Soviet Union is the No. 1 enemy of the West, and the Vatican has issued its famous decree which makes voting communist a mortal sin.

No.6 in the Don Camillo series provides the sharpest real-life context yet for the often hilarious feud between the battling village priest and the communist Mayor, Peppone. But, as ever, Guareschi is writing for all times and all places.

SOME READER REVIEWS

'An outstanding selection of the author's best writing on Don Camillo.' James P. Lisante, February 6, 2017

'Sometimes laugh out loud funny, sometimes tearful - wonderful.' Helen P, 24 November 2015