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The Italian Chapel, Orkney
£5.99
The Italian Chapel, Orkney
The remarkable chapel built by prisoners of war that became a symbol of hope
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About the Ebook
Thousands of visitors go to the Italian Chapel in Orkney every year, witnesses to a series of remarkable acts of transformation. Among these are the Churchill Barriers nearby, straddling the ocean to link a number of Orkney's southernmost islands to its mainland. Constructed to protect Britain's naval fleet in Scapa Flow during World War Two, its builders included a group of Italian soldiers imprisoned in this bleak and windswept part of Scotland. In the course of this, they not only played a part in changing Orkney's way-of-life forever but also transformed a simple Nissen Hut, constructing through their labours a place-of-worship that still stands till this day a remarkable symbol of their identity and faith.
The Italian Chapel: Orkney tells the story of the strength and tenacity, laughter and tears of the men who built the Italian Chapel, showing how spirits defeated and despondent during years of exile were lifted by its creation. It does this with its own artistry and grace, using folk-tale and myth to provide a fitting counterpart to the wonder and beauty of the building that inspired it.
Why You'll Love This Ebook
- Discover the moving story behind Orkney's most unexpected landmark
- Explore how prisoners of war created lasting beauty from adversity
- Experience a tale of faith, creativity, and reconciliation
- Read another celebrated title from Birlinn Ltd - Independent Scottish Publisher
About the Author
Donald S. Murray was born in Ness in the Isle of Lewis. A teacher, author and journalist, his poetry, prose and verse has been shortlisted for both the Saltire Award and Callum Macdonald Memorial Award. Published widely, his work has also appeared in a number of national anthologies and on BBC Radio 4 and Radio Scotland. He is the author of The Guga Hunters, also published by Birlinn. He lives and works in Shetland.Publication Details
Publisher: Birlinn Ltd
Publication Date: 05 July 2017
Print Length: 240 pages (Ebook edition)
ISBN (Ebook): 9780857909633
Format: Ebook
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