One of the best writers of this genre? Definitely!
I have read all of his books and, as the heading says, they are ALL excellent.He gives you romance, actual factual detail and adventure, all rolled into one!
This one is so descriptive of Italy and the way that the 'ordinary' people of Italy felt during the reign of Mussolini and his cohorts that it makes you feel that you are actually there taking part in their misery and sometimes, laughter.
If you have never read any of Barber's books this would be a good place to start. I guarantee you'll want to read all of them.