The march of Garibaldi and his Garibaldini through the Apennines from Rome to Ravenna is legendary and central to the unification of Italy. In the summer of 2019, Tim Parks followed in Garibaldi's footsteps and walked through the heart of the country: a magnificent exploration of Italy's past and present.

In the summer of 1849, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Italy's legendary revolutionary, had to finally abandon the defense of Rome. He and his men had held the city for four months, but it was now clear that only surrender would prevent destruction by the superior French army. The goal was to turn defeat into a moral victory, and so Garibaldi led a small, hastily assembled army, along with his pregnant wife Anita, to continue the fight for national independence. Pursued by French and Austrian troops, the Garibaldini marched over the Apennines and arrived in Ravenna with only 250 survivors.

Tim Parks has set out on the trail of Garibaldi and followed his path through the heart of Italy: a grand travelogue that tells of Garibaldi's determination, creativity, courage, and deep faith, painting a fascinating portrait of Italy, then and now, with unforgettable observations of Italian lifestyle, the landscape, politics, and the people.