This anti-fascist and anti-Stalinist novel was written in the late 1930s by Ignazio Silone, who, just like the main character in his story, was in exile from Italy at the time.

On its surface, the story is about the dangers of fascism and how it is detrimental to society. On another level, though, the story has very strong religious undertones based on the bible. Many of the episodes in the novel, such as the protagonist, Pietro Spina, taking shelter in a barn and seemingly bringing a woman back from the dead are reminiscent of some of the most well-read bible stories in history. Pietro himself can be seen as a kind of Jesus Christ, crusading for his cause and never wavering in his faith, no matter what it costs him.

The story is about the importance of sacrifice and the fact that all it takes is one person willing to give their entire life to a cause to inspire others and save them from evil.