Marella’s Job

In spring 1945, the Second World War was nearing its end. For Italy, the war ended in the north, on Lake Como. As the front drew closer, the people of Lecco became uncertain about their future. The city of Lecco possessed few treasures. The most important was the original manuscripts of the famous writer Alessandro Manzoni. The city council decided to hide these works from the approaching troops. It was agreed that they should be hidden by the most honourable person in town. The choice fell on a young fisherman named Mario Marella. Mario Marella accepted the job and hid the manuscripts well. Unfortunately, he died in a storm a year later. The original scripts have not been found since. Yet Mario must have left some clues to find them.