IN COLLABORATION WITH
THE BRITISH ITALIAN SOCIETY
‘Nobody knows how much I owe that man,’ Primo Levi said ofthe bricklayer who saved his life at Auschwitz. ‘I could never repay him.’ Levi was referring to Lorenzo Perrone, who for six months risked his own life to smuggle food, letters and clothing to Levi, providing him with the sustenance he needed to survive. In his latest book, A Man of Few Words, Carlo Greppi pieces together the life of Perrone, a near destitute labourer with little formal education. Despite their stark differences, Levi and Perrone’s friendship survived the Holocaust and continued until Perrone’s tragic death. As Perrone withdrew from the world, Levi tried persistently to preserve the memory of this man of few words who had saved his life, but who left few traces of his own behind. This is a universal story about an individual who kept hope alive in one of the darkest times and places known to man.
Carlo Greppi is an award-winning historian and author specialising in WWII and the Italian Resistance. He holds a PhD from the University of Turin and has published several acclaimed works, including L’ultimo treno, Uomini in grigio, and Il buon tedesco. He co-founded the Deina Association, collaborates with schools on educational projects, and is part of the Ferruccio Parri Institute’s scientific committee. He also curates historical fact-checking series for Laterza and contributes to Rai Storia and Radio 3. His work has earned prestigious awards like the FiuggiStoria and Giacomo Matteotti prizes. His latest book, A Man of Few Words (Un Uomo di Poche Parole) has been translated into six languages and sold more than 20,000 copies in Italy.
A drinks reception will follow the talk
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Attendees will benfit of 20% discount when purchasing Dr Greppi’s book.
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Dr Carlo Greppi
