Those who witnessed that “great downpour” now tell the story through the eyes of three extraordinary witnesses: a sixteen year old boy who did not yet know what a natural disaster was; Enrico Mattei, editor of La Nazione, whose powerful writing shook the halls of power and forced Rome to understand what had happened in Florence and come to the city’s aid; and Piero Bargellini, the mayor, who was on the verge of losing his majority in the City Council, but instead took responsibility for confronting the emergency and leading the reconstruction.
Three stories, three points of view, three different states of mind. But one common thread: hearts devastated by the apocalyptic event that had struck Florence. And the commitment, each according to their own possibilities and role, to offer hope and give the city the strength to begin again.
The result is a story told through six hands and six eyes. Unique, true and deeply moving. At its heart is the portrait of a Florence that does not give in to tears, but reacts.
The witnesses at the centre of this story do more than recount history. They reveal the secret, perhaps even the miracle, of the Florentines: their ability to face an emergency, overcome it and bring Florence back to life.
