The Woman Who Shot Mussolini

The narrative centers on Violet Gibson, who attempted to assassinate Mussolini in 1926, believing her actions would be celebrated. Instead, she was dismissed as a "crazy Irish spinster" and forgotten. Frances Stonor Saunders intricately reconstructs Gibson's life, exploring themes of heroism, madness, and the complexities of historical memory. Through a gripping tale filled with suspense and intrigue, the book highlights Gibson's motivations and the broader political climate, ultimately shedding light on a woman who tried to prevent disaster at a significant cost.