Wed 20 May
|68A Compton St
The Great Italian Breakout: The Most Audacious Escapes of the Second World War with Karen Farrington
Join us on May 20th for the launch of Karen Farrington’s The Great Italian Breakout — a gripping account of the Allied POWs who escaped Fascist Italy after the 1943 armistice, and the impossible odds they faced to survive.
Time & Location
20 May 2026, 18:30 – 21:30
68A Compton St, 68A Compton St, London EC1V 0BN, UK
About the event
We are very excited to welcome Karen Farrington to celebrate her remarkable new book The Great Italian Breakout: The Most Audacious Escapes of the Second World War (Out May 21st). Exploring one of the war’s most overlooked chapters, Farrington uncovers the extraordinary true stories of Allied POWs who escaped captivity in Fascist Italy following the 1943 armistice.
Drawing on unpublished memoirs and firsthand accounts, The Great Italian Breakout traces the journeys of men suddenly thrust into a deadly fight for survival behind enemy lines. Hunted by German troops, with little food, no clear route to safety, and no way of knowing who to trust, thousands attempted impossible escapes across mountains, villages, coastlines, and borders.
Some found refuge with anti-fascist families and partisans, others reached Switzerland, France, Yugoslavia, or even Spain by boat. Many never made it home.
Ahead of the anniversary of Rome’s liberation on June 4–5, this event will…
Tickets
Standard Ticket
Sale ends
20 May, 21:30
This ticket grants you entry to the event, as well as a beverage of choice (soft drink or glass of wine) to enjoy during the conversation.
£6.00
+£0.15 ticket service fee
Premium Ticket
Sale ends
20 May, 21:30
This ticket grants you entry to the event, a beverage of choice (soft drink or glass of wine) to enjoy during the conversation, as well as a signed copy of the book.
£20.00
+£0.50 ticket service fee
Total
£0.00