The Gallery

The Gallery is a World War II novel set mostly in occupied Italy. It depicts a life in Allied-occupied North Africa and Naples in 1944 from the perspective of several different characters. The narrative unfolds through a series of interconnected stories, portraying the lives of American soldiers, Italian civilians, and military personnel in the war-torn city. The central focus is on a group of American soldiers stationed in Naples, and their experiences, relationships, and interactions with the local population. As the characters navigate the challenges of war, occupation, and cultural differences, the story delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of love, loss, and the impact of war on individuals and societies. The novel offers a poignant and often darkly humorous portrayal of the wartime experience, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the human condition in the midst of conflict.

John Horne Burns (1916-1953) was an American writer, the author of three novels. During the World War II, Burns served in military intelligence in Casablanca and Algiers and then for a year and a half in Italy, and he used these experiences for writing his best known novel, The Gallery. His career was ended by early death, caused by heavy drinking.