After Laughing Comes Crying: Sicilians on Louisiana Plantations

by Joseph L. Cacibauda, Gaetano Cipolla (Editor)

The material in this book was collected over a number of years while searching for my Sicilian roots. It is a fictionized account of Sicilian farmers trying to deal with the unification and poor conditions in a small town in Sicily, finally deciding to immigrate to New Orleans to work on the plantations. The book includes a bibliography of the sources on which the story is based.

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Faye]

I read this book to get a better picture of what it was like for my great grandparents immigrating to America from Sicily in the mid to late 1800s. Cacibauda did a reasonable job with the writing and the story moved along, but this book worked for me because of the personal connection.

[Alice Verberne]

I recently read two novels by Joseph L. Cacibauda—After Laughing Comes Crying and Einstein’s Formula—and was impressed by how different they are while both being thoroughly enjoyable.

After Laughing Comes Crying is a fascinating historical novel inspired by the experiences of Sicilian immigrants in Louisiana. As someone with Louisiana roots, I especially appreciated the glimpse into a part of history that isn’t often told. The story offers a rich sense of Sicilian culture, family, resilience, and the immigrant experience, particularly in Plaquemines Parish.

Einstein’s Formula is something entirely different. Don’t let the title fool you—it isn’t just about Einstein or physics. It’s a clever, entertaining novel that follows a college student through a series of unexpected twists and discoveries. The story is funny, imaginative, and full of memorable moments. About halfway through, I found myself completely hooked and eager to see what would happen next. I could easily imagine it being adapted into a film.

Joseph Cacibauda has a gift for storytelling. His characters are engaging, his dialogue feels natural, and his writing is filled with thoughtful observations and vivid descriptions. Both books are enjoyable, easy reads that leave you thinking long after you’ve finished.

If you enjoy historical fiction with authentic cultural roots or contemporary novels with humor, mystery, and surprising plot twists, I highly recommend giving his work a try.