Italian Americans: The Immigrant Experience

by Leslie Carola (Editor)

The story of Italians in America is one of struggle and hope, prejudice and pride, passion and perseverance. Through the years, the Italian people have assimilated the ways of their adopted country and been transformed by its culture. The character and sensibility of Italians have left an indelible mark on America, from well-loved musicians such as Frank Sinatra to creative businessmen such as Lee Iacocca. Through lively text and 200 color and B&W photographs, Italian Americans honors the Italians who came to America and their descendants who keep the traditions and spirit alive.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift from work one Christmas. I chose it because my ancestors came here from Italy and I wanted to learn about them. It took me forever to read, though, because it was unwieldy--impossible to carry around and read in the places that I'd normally read a book (the gym, in line at the DMV, etc).
The last couple of chapters were a couple of long lists, disguised as paragraphs. But I loved the first chapters. I learned a lot about Italy in the 1800s which helped me empathize with immigrants then and now. There are so many things that make people refugees. It isn't just wartime or prejudice, but governments, weather, and other hard times.

[Maria Zieno Aebi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was able to relate to do much of the immigrant experience described in this book, because of witnessing my Italian ancestors journey.