Any romantic notions of pastoral idylls and exquisite cities are quickly dispelled by the author whose epic journey begins in the bleak estuary as the river debouches into the Adriatic. Through history, the Po has been a vital trading route, an aquatic defence against invaders and finally a major centre for industry and agriculture. Alas the ruined farms, factories and power stations that now disfigure the landscape are now merely epitaphs to happier times.
(Jeremy Miller - bwl 111 Autumn 2024 ) |
