right in the center of Budapest.
He sold ice cream and chocolate
to everyone, even to those who said
nobody would buy it.
Francesco thought to himself,
"Mothers are always right. I did
end up with an ice cream shop
growing in my tummy (and my
head), just like my mother said."
This is a quiet story of two ice cream enthusiasts, the war, and heroism. Francesco, an Italian boy, loves his Uncle Carlo's ice cream cart and all it has to offer. Once a day he finds a reason to visit and choose his favorite flavor. Francesco loves it through his childhood, his teens, and as an adult. But, when he moves to Budapest, there is nothing to compare,
Though an ice cream shop is not the norm in Hungary and many try to dissuade him, he cannot get ice cream out of his thoughts. Despite the naysayers, Francesco's Gelato opens, attracts many customers and is a huge success. A young Hungarian boy named Peter is a regular visitor, loving ice cream as much as Francesco has always loved it ... every flavor. Peter's mother tries to discourage his visits, warning him as Francesco's mother had warned her son that too much ice cream is not a good thing.
Peter grows up, and Hungary changes. War comes and everyone lives in fear. He no longer stops for ice cream. Eventually, Francesco is forced to close his shop. Such sadness for all. Francesco worries about the war, and about his neighbors even more. Peter's family makes the decision to hide, but don't know where. Francesco knows exactly how to help all who need shelter.
"Someone ... I've got it!
My ice cream shop!
I will help them.
I am that someone."
So, he does. Slowly, Jewish people gather there to hide. Francesco cares for them all. Sad to be hiding in darkness, concerned about missing Hanukkah and the celebration of the light, Peter decides he will make a difference just as his good friend has done. Ingenuity wins out, the improvised menorah is lit, and all who celebrate hope that summer will bring better times. It does.
Based on a true story, the final scenes follow Peter to Israel where he raises a family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who love ice cream as much as he and his old friend. An epilogue tells of the "Righteous among the Nations', who protected the fugitives during the war. Francesco Tirelli was one of the many. Archival photos add interest and context to this very special story told by Peter's daughter-in-law.
Moving, memorable, and illustrated with detailed, historical settings and worthy characters.
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