The Winter Palace Summary

Alessandro is taken prisoner by Bulgarian soldiers fighting in the Austrian army. Because they are better fighters than farmers, the Bulgarians are always looking for something to eat. They make frequent zig-zag forays into enemy territory to confiscate food. On one occasion, the Bulgarians eat rose petals with feta cheese, olive oil, onion, salt and pepper. The 570 prisoners under Bulgarian control include Russian, Italian, French, English. Greek and Sudanese who somehow make fishing nets, cast them into a lake, and catch only a paltry few. Foraging for something to eat, Alessandro tires and falls asleep near a lake. When he awakens it is 6 p.m., and he panics because he knows that any prisoners who return during or after dusk are routinely shot by the Bulgarians. He encounters six Bulgarian horsemen who agree to give him a ride back...