After 8 September 1943, Northern Italy is occupied by the Germans. The Italian army collapses and the soldiers escape to the mountains to set up a resistance. Many civilians do the same, and Johnny, an English literature student, is among them. Johnny avoids joining the red partisans (Communists) and tries to be part of the azure bands (former regular soldiers). In both cases he is deluded by the partisan bands and discovers that the partisan war is less poetic and genuine than he thought. At one point the partisans free Alba from Germans. When the city falls again into German hands Johnny escape with Ettore and Pierre, but, one after another, the German army and Italian Fascists capture the partisans and Johnny spends the winter alone and isolated. He then finds a way to participate in one last attack on the occupiers, and the war is over two months later.—1felco