
This anthology -- the first general-reader collection of writing by Italian American authors -- is part manifesto, part Sunday dinner. A gathering of voices old and new, some speak in the accents of another age, some completely contemporary and assured, and all together for the first time. To stand with all the other popular media images we represent, now, at last, one exists in written form, the literature of Italian American life.Inside, there are excerpts from novels, memoirs, short stories, essays, and poems -- by the living and the dead, the famous and the obscure. The excerpts are variously moving, funny, poignant, lusty, biting, reverent, witty, loving, angry, and wise, dealing in the most profound aspects of our lives no matter who we are: home, love, sex, family, food, work, God, death.Characters range from gangsters to grandmas, lovers to fighters, thinkers to doers, sinners to saints, with special appearances by Frank Sinatra and the Virgin Mary.
This anthology investigates the breadth and evolution of the Italian American experience through a curated collection of literary voices. Editor Bill Tonelli compiles a diverse array of excerpts from novels, memoirs, essays, and poetry to establish a comprehensive written record of a cultural identity. By balancing historical perspectives with contemporary narratives, the text serves as a foundational document for understanding the multifaceted nature of Italian American life.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Critics and readers recognize this work as a significant contribution to ethnic literature, often praising its accessibility and the variety of voices included. It is frequently cited as a primary resource for those seeking to understand the cultural nuances of the Italian American community.
Page Count:
576
Publication Date:
2005-01-25
Publisher:
Harper Paperbacks
ISBN-10:
0060006676
ISBN-13:
9780060006679
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!