The Stars Over Rome is set against the twilight of the Belle Époque era and the ensuing chaos of World War I. The story explores themes of love, ambition and upheaval in one of the world’s most timeless cities.
When the story begins in 1913, Rome was a city caught between its historic past and an ambitious future. It was a period of modernization, yet deeply rooted in tradition, a theme that is echoed in the role of women in Italian society. The Vatican’s influence remained strong, shaping life around St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican City, which had gained independence from Italy only a few years earlier in 1870. The historic centre of Rome reflected the architectural splendour of the early 20th century: the bustling Piazza Navona, the ancient Roman Forum, and the newly constructed Via del Corso.
Political shifts and place name changes
Italy was grappling with its newfound national identity and these power struggles are indicated in the changing names of streets and landmarks. For example, Piazza Venezia, once the site of the ancient Forum of Trajan, had become the heart of Italian nationalism, symbolized by the imposing Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, also known as Altare della Patria. This monument, completed in 1935, would later become a symbol of Italy’s Fascist regime, but in 1913, it was still under construction, representing a burgeoning sense of unity.
Roman Ruins and Their Role in Modern Rome
Throughout this period, the city made a conscious effort to preserve its ancient roots, even as it modernized. The remains of the Roman Forum, aqueducts, and ancient walls became part of the urban scenery, not simply tourist attractions, but elements woven into the city’s identity.
WWI and Mussolini’s Impact on the Modern Landscape
As the world plunged into war in 1914, Rome’s landscape began to change subtly. Streets took on a more sombre tone as Italy’s involvement grew. Mussolini’s political influence loomed on the horizon, and his vision for a grand, monumental Rome was soon to be realized. Though Mussolini’s iconic architecture and landscape projects like the Via dei Fori Imperiali and the E42 monument wouldn’t fully take shape until the 1930s, the foundations of his monumental vision were laid during this period, permanently altering the city’s skyline and landscape.
By the war’s end in 1918, Rome was a city caught between its ancient past and Mussolini’s emerging fascist ambitions. His influence would soon turn the city into a showcase of imperial grandeur. He swept away many of the slums and planned wide avenues and imposing monuments to link the past with a new, authoritarian future. The Roman remains, again, became vital symbols to project power and prestige, blending antiquity with modernity, an enduring testament to Rome’s ability to evolve while honouring its origins
Rome today
Rome is a city that still stands proudly on its ancient foundations. The ruins of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum, are not just relics of the past but integral parts of the city’s ongoing life. They’re incorporated into the urban fabric, with streets winding around centuries-old ruins, visible reminders of Rome’s imperial grandeur.
The city’s historic centre pulses with life in Piazza Navona and around the Trevi fountain. Bustling markets combine a blend of tradition and modernity. A visitor to Rome today may enjoy the smart shops, restaurants and bars but, only a step away, still immerse themselves in an historic landscape. The Eternal City continues to change, reflecting its vibrant past and its enduring spirit.
The Stars Over Rome
In a world where women are often overlooked, can Gabriella defy expectations and carve out a place for herself in a rapidly changing society?
Rome, 1913
To her mother’s dismay, Gabriella Hazelwood has no interest in marriage or a quiet domestic life – not when she has big dreams of becoming a journalist. But when she meets Marco Santorelli, a handsome newspaper heir who believes in her ambitions as much as she does, Gabriella begins to wonder if she can have both a husband and a career.
Under the magical stars of Rome, their connection deepens, and a sweeping love story begins . . . until the shadow of war casts a dark cloud over Europe.
When Marco is called to the front, and his family’s newspaper teeters on the brink of collapse, Gabriella steps in to help, only to face fierce resistance from those who believe a woman has no place in the newsroom. As she fights to prove herself, tradition and progress collide, loyalties are tested, and the devastating consequences of war jeopardises all that she holds close to her heart.
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