Famiglia

As Matilda immigrates to America from Italy with her husband in the late 1880s, she has no idea what awaits her, except for the new life within her and before her. How will they adapt to life in America? How will they hang on to their Italian identity as they settle in this new land? Small in stature, but big in hopes and dreams, Matilda is the driving force of her famiglia as their Italian roots take hold in Memphis, a rapidly expanding city on the Mississippi River with growing pains of its own. Like her Italian grandmother for whom she is named, Tilda also faces a changing Memphis in the 1960s . . . and her own personal problems. How will she keep her family together in the aftermath of her careless Italian affair? How will she pursue her own dream of becoming a writer with the demands of family life? Tilda sets out on her own quest to rediscover and redefine famiglia. Famiglia loosely weaves impressions of the author's Italian heritage and research, as well as her experiences of growing up and living in Memphis in the sixties. This multigenerational fictional story will resonate with readers who value family dynamics, Memphis history, and strong women drawn taut by juggling family, career, happiness, and fulfillment.