The eye-openers begin on page 1 of Son of Siena, where Roberto muses, "I could not help but think what the world would be like if I did not help Italy and Germany win World War II." Thus begins the ride of a lifetime-and what a life That life begins and ends in Siena, Italy, and winds through America and Europe at crucial moments of history during both World Wars and their pre- and post- periods, with an influence that spreads throughout the world like tentacles. Yes, those tentacles are ominous but the creature that possesses them is also blessed with great lights that pervade the entire book. Roberto is very much a man of this world, but surrounding him throughout his life are people who are devout, who would have him also take thought of the world to come. Will Roberto do that? What in this world seems more worthy of his attention, and how will he use it to achieve his grand desires? Will he be pleased with the results? In finding the answers to those questions, you will be joining Roberto and a fascinating assortment of supporting characters; and be blissfully exposed to an astonishing array of historical facts that both broaden and deepen a spiritual and intellectual odyssey undertaken by a Son of Siena. Beginning in 1896 Italy, the first half of the story flows through the history and relationships that shape Roberto's life. During these unaltered historic events, the main character eventually accumulates great wealth. After a seminal event changes Roberto fundamentally, he decides Italy needs to be the greatest of the great powers rather than the least. As Roberto begins the building of the Second Roman Empire, he attempts to remain anonymous for the safety of his family. This he believes can be accomplished by becoming Benito Mussolini's muse. Will Roberto be able to handle Mussolini? Will some parts of history not allow themselves to be altered? What will the world look like, and will it appear much different? I am a registered nurse and work in a hospital in Massachusetts. I have bachelors of science degrees in nursing and biology from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. I am married with two children. I was born in Lowell, Massachusetts and was raised in the greater Lowell area. My job is nursing but my passion has always been history. My love of history began in my early teens and has grown since. One thing about history is that it repeats itself because fundamentally most people's motives have not changed. Whether you were a farmer in Mesopotamia or a steel worker in 1930's Germany, the need to eat, clothe yourself, and provide shelter remained paramount. The fascinating thing about people is to what extent they will go to meet those needs; and how their decisions concerning the economic and social structures, military and religious matters are affected. I have studied history for over thirty years. One day in early 2006, I was doing a dressing change on a patient. We were talking about our jobs and mutual interest in books when I mentioned my idea about writing a historic novel. After listening to me, the patient encouraged me to put the story on paper because he believed people would enjoy the book. I thought he was a kind older man, but wondered whether he knew what he was talking about. When I went home that night I googled his name to see what would come up. I was greatly surprised when all sorts of literary prizes and awards were associated with his name. The next night I began writing Son of Siena. I cannot say who the person was because he was a patient of mine, and there are privacy laws involved, though I wish I could.