Front cover says "A Novel of the Elemental Passions". Back cover says, in part, "Only Love Was Allowed -- Luxuries were few on the little dead-end street in Florence, living was tough and the police and the fascists were always checking up on any spontaneous expressions of enthusiasm... Nevertheless, life went on, people fell in love, got married, had babies, were unfaithful to their wives and husbands. Love was the only thing not rationed..."