Wolf’s Mouth

Wolf’s Mouth by John Smolens, published by Michigan State University Press on February 1, 2016, is a gripping narrative set against the backdrop of World War II and its aftermath. The story follows Italian officer Captain Francesco Verdi, who is captured by Allied forces and sent to a POW camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As he navigates the harsh realities imposed by the camp’s ruthless Kommandant Vogel, Verdi’s life is threatened, prompting his daring escape with the help of an American woman, Chiara Frangiapani. Together, they seek refuge in the Lower Peninsula, ultimately reinventing themselves as Frank and Claire Green in postwar Detroit.

Readers will find a complex exploration of identity and survival as Frank grapples with his past while trying to build a new life. The narrative delves into themes of war, military conflict, and the haunting repercussions of history, as Frank faces the relentless pursuit of justice from an INS agent and the looming threat of Vogel’s vengeance. With 267 pages, this edition presents a detailed account of Frank’s journey, offering insights into the struggles of those caught between two worlds in a time of turmoil.