The article highlights the renewed interest in the fascist era of Italy, particularly in the 1950s, when Benito Mussolini, despite his infamy and the dictatorship's dark legacy, continued to capture public fascination. The narrative reflects on how magazines of that period portrayed Mussolini as a monarch-like figure, drawing a curious public's attention despite the horrors of his regime, including alliances with Nazism and the tragic racial laws. Gian Carlo Fusco's book, 'Le rose del ventennio', serves as a literary exploration of this era, depicting Mussolini's interactions with women, showcasing him as both charismatic and elusive. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the complexity of Mussolini's legacy, suggesting that even in the face of the dictatorial past, there is a persistent allure surrounding his persona. Fusco's collection of stories revisits this intriguing yet troubling narrative by capturing the essence of the fascist regime through the lens of societal fascination, raising questions about why figures like Mussolini continue to attract public intrigue. With the re-release of Fusco's work, it opens up dialogue about the impact of such historical figures on contemporary society, as well as the ongoing ramifications of revisiting fascism in Italy's cultural discourse.