Donna Giovanna Oreste was fond saying, “I know that I was young once, but I cannot remember
that long ago.” When she celebrated her 107th birthday in 1933 as the last remaining member
of her generation, the 1820s in the small, southern Italian city of Teano had drifted
exceedingly far away. Giovanna’s father, Cosimo, owned a small restaurant and bar that served
as a popular gathering place in the town, especially during the evening passeggiata. He was
passionate about all things political, being especially disdainful of the Bourbon King of
Naples, although he also railed against the oppression of the Pope in Rome. Therefore, it would
not be surprising that he was suspected by some of being the leader of the local cell of the
secret society of the Carbonari.