The Girl on the Via Flaminia

By Alfred Hayes

“An author of authentic distinction.”—The New York Times

Robert is an American soldier in occupied Rome during the final months of World War II. Lisa is a young woman obliged to work in Mamma Adele’s on the Via Flaminia. The passion they feel for one another is fueled by their separate, and equally desperate, needs. But can love between victor and vanquished ever blossom? This classic story of a poignant love affair, informed by the aftermath of war, is as relevant and moving today as when it was first published. Alfred Hayes’s screenplay for Paisan, directed by Roberto Rossellini, was nominated for an Academy Award.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Penguin Group
• Release date: Jan 1, 2007
• ISBN: 9781609459826

Alfred Hayes

Alfred Hayes (1911-1985) was born in London and grew up in New York, where he later worked as a newspaperman. After joining the army in 1943 he served with the US forces in Italy. While in Rome he met Roberto Rossellini and Federico Fellini on the film Paisà, and began his career in script-writing. He moved to Hollywood to work in the movies and was twice nominated for an Oscar for his scripts.

Reviews for The Girl on the Via Flaminia

[nycbookgirl · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's set in Rome, Italy during World War II. Robert is an American stationed in Rome during the period following the liberation of Italy from the Germans. Italy was very grateful to the Allies...at first...but now they just want them gone. They want their country back.Robert has made a deal with a local Italian girl, Lisa. She rents a room in a house, they pretend they are married. She gets some food, gifts, etc....he gets company at night. But in war, nothing is that simple.This was a fairly short novel but very powerful. The book jacket sort of gave me the impression that this was a love story. But I wouldn't call it that. It really portrayed a segment of society that may get overlooked in other war stories. What happens to people when their country is occupied whether it be by friends or foe? What happens to the women? How do they survive?I found it fascinating that Robert is an American while Alfred Hayes was a British writer. It really didn't portray Americans in a positive light...not negatively but definitely not positive either. Maybe spoiled and naive. And the title of the book, I think, references the type of girls who walk the streets who get picked up for money. And of course the ending was perfect for this type of novel. It really leaves you hanging...which is the point.