Beyond Cannery Row: Sicilian Women, Immigration, and Community in Monterey, California, 1915-99

Statue of Liberty -- Ellis Island Centennial Series

by Carol Lynn McKibben

Presenting a nuanced story of women, migration, community, industry, and civic life at the turn of the twentieth century, Carol Lynn McKibben's Beyond Cannery Row analyzes the processes of migration and settlement of Sicilian fishers from three villages in Western Sicily to Monterey, California--and sometimes back again. 
McKibben's analysis of gender and gender roles shows that it was the women in this community who had the insight, the power, and the purpose to respond and even prosper amid changing economic conditions. Vividly evoking the immigrants' everyday experiences through first-person accounts and detailed description, McKibben demonstrates that the cannery work done by Sicilian immigrant women was crucial in terms of the identity formation and community development. These changes allowed their families to survive the challenges of political conflicts over citizenship in World War II and intermarriage with outsiders throughout the migration experience. The women formed voluntary associations and celebrated festas that effectively linked them with each other and with their home villages in Sicily. Continuous migration created a strong sense of transnationalism among Sicilians in Monterey, which has enabled them to continue as a viable ethnic community today.
 

Genres: History

184 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2005

Reviews

[Humberto Osuna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book, "Beyond Cannery Row" by Carol Lynn McKibben delves into the history of Sicilian fishermen and their families in Monterey, California, from 1915 to 1999. I learned about how Sicilian women played a key role in keeping their community strong and when dealing with changes, especially during World War II. McKibben uses personal stories from people who lived through this time period, and she also uses historical records to explain how these women helped shape their community. The book highlights the importance of women's roles in the process of moving to a new country and building a prosperous community.

[JRA · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a find for me! The book includes interviews of family members and confirmed family stories I heard growing up. In addition to the family history appeal, I enjoyed learning the history of Monterey's fishing industry and the link to fishing villages in Sicily. The books focus is told through the stories of the Sicilian women who shaped their families, communities and ultimately the face of Monterey. This is a story that has been pushed aside, as so much of women's history has been, and is mostly unknown. I vote for this title to be included in our local high school curriculum.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative, gives you a clear picture of this history of Italian americans in this region