Presenting the eternal stuggle between--well, not exactly Good vs Evil, but Catholicism and Communism, this 4th Don Comillo book contines the delightful political tensions Guareschi created when he introduced readers to his "little world"--located in the Po River valley. In 23 mostly unrelated episodes Don Camillo squares off in passionate battles against: the equally irrascible Mayor, Peppone, as well as with stubborn peasants, gossipy villagers, his own church superiors and even himself. Yet in moments of anguish or crisis he pours out his heart to the Christ on the crucifix in his church, who listens with compasison, speaking so that only the burly priest hears and understands. Ah, but will he prove contrite or obedient to the wisdom of his Lord?
Hot-tempered, robust and occasionally self-indulgent (cigars, hunting, his dog) this village priest is as often embroiled in public debates with the representative of temporal authority (the Communist mayor) as in private attacks of conscience. But don't be fooled by the apparent enmity between these two hard-headed leaders of opposing views (the Reds vs the Whites); the two stongest men daily butt heads and seek to outdo or discredit each other--which is only to be expected. Fortunately though, when the chips are down, these two--no longer priest and mayor--demonstrate their true friendship and Christian charity, loyalty and respect. Though neither would ever admit such human weakness in public! Guareschi has created a gentle, amusing little world of his own--for children of all ages.

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