BAY HEAD, N.J., Sept. 27, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Precisely how did foreign immigrants adjust to America back in the late 19th century? To find out, readers must join author Jim Lacey as he leads a journey of life, struggle, and family to the past in his compelling new book La Scritorre.
La Scritorre is a story about immigration, new life and family told through the eyes of a young lady named Maria, whose family in Italy is blessed with happiness and a farm. Her bright life suddenly turned hard and sad immediately after her parents died -- and soon after taxes increased and her family farm fails to produce the crops and money needed. Knowing that they will eventually lose their land and their farm, Maria and her husband Giovanni decided to migrate to America. Giovanni went ahead to America to set the foundation of his family's future and Maria is left with their young son waiting for Giovanni's message.
While waiting, Maria became a "la Scrittore" (a writer) and went on to write and read letters for many other people incapable of communicating. She supported her son and herself this way for more than two years. Finally, Giovanni's letter arrived and the long wait ended with great news that she and her son are finally coming to America. Maria traveled with high hopes that a better life awaits her but nothing could prepare her from being shocked as she found herself overwhelmed by America's culture, mix of people and hard life. As if things were not bad enough, Maria had to live in a tight, over-crowded residence. And to her shock she learns that her husband is involved with the Mafia and has been having extra marital affairs. Disoriented, Maria realizes that she has to control herself, make the hard decision, and adjust to America's challenge in order to survive with her family.
La Scritorre's mix of romance, drama, culture, history, and cast of unforgettable characters is bound to attract a wide range of readers, especially people who have interest in their own roots and family history. With sharp precision, Jim Lacey crafted his book to help readers gain a better understanding of how America was built by immigration.
About the Author
Jim Lacey was raised in Newark, New Jersey during the Great Depression of the 1930s. His family consisted of two parents and two siblings as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He knew and loved his maternal grandparents, but his father's mother died when he was less than two years old. Since his paternal grandfather died when his father was about two years old, he never knew his father's parents. What little Lacey knew about them was whatever was told by his father, his two brothers, and sister. Still Lacey would, from time to time, ask about their parents. Invariably, whenever he asked about his paternal grandfather, he received only a quick reply that he had been killed in a coal mining accident in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Then the subject always shifted to his paternal grandmother, whom his father and his siblings adored to the point of apotheosis. Jim Lacey could not accept this explanation and five years of genealogical research resulted in his publishing the incredible story of La Scittore.
La Scrittore -- by Jim Lacey
Trade Paperback; $24.99; 408 pages; 1-4134-8575-8
Cloth Hardback; $34.99; 408 pages; 1-4134-8576-6
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