A Bell for Adano

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A Bell for Adano is a novel by John Hershey. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1945.

The novel is the story of the Italian-American U.S. Army Major Joppolo, who is placed in charge of the town of Adano during the invasion of Sicily. The title refers to Major Joppolo's attempts to replace the 700 year old bell that was taken from the town by the Fascists at the start of the war to be melted down for ammunition. Other than finding a bell for Adano, Joppolo also wins the trust and love of the people. He transforms Adano into a democratic town.

Some of the changes Joppolo brings in to the town include:

Democracy
Free fishing privilege
The freedom of mule carts
A bell from the American Navy

The short-tempered American commander, General Marvin, fires Major Joppolo from his command post in the end.

The character of Joppolo was based on the real life experiences of Frank Toscani, who was military governor of the town of Licato, Sicily after the Allied invasion.