A Sicilian in East Harlem

by Salvatore Mondello

A Sicilian in East Harlem is the memoir of Dr. Salvatore Mondello, Professor Emeritus of History, Rochester Institute of Technology. This work offers a unique perspective on Sicilian life and culture in East Harlem and makes a significant contribution to our knowledge of this immigrant group. The book has two parts. In Part I Dr. Mondello introduces the reader to the family and cultural life of Sicilians growing up in East Harlem. In Part II, Professor Mondello portrays the lives and perspectives of a number of individuals. This book shatters commonly held perceptions of Sicilians in New York. It will stand forever as perhaps the only window into a past which is vanishing from our history.

184 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

Reviews

[trell · Rating 4 out of 5]

haven’t quite gotten around to finishing this one—it’s not an overly riveting read but it is an excellent firsthand account of italian harlem in the ‘40s and ‘50s, a straight personal memoir, heavy on the atmosphere. mondello wanted to capture the memory of the italian harlem that was, and if ever you needed to get a sense of this particular part of early new york’s ambiance this book would certainly serve