Letter to My Children: An Italian American Family’s Heritage

An inspiring story unfolds throughout this book of the rich history, culture and ties that bind and define a family of Italian descent, all written through the unique perspective of a letter to the author's children. A masterful way to educate her children about their heritage and instill in them an appreciation and understanding of what makes them unique as third and fourth generation Italian Americans, the "Letter" explores the common themes and differences between Northern and the Sicilian and Southern Italian cultures, social and economic influences, and family structure. With a particular focus on the role of the Italian woman as the heart of the entire ethnic group, as elevated rather than oppressed, as the "giver of life", the author includes a rich examination of the differing nuances in feminist ideology of the United States and that of Italy.In the end, the author artfully challenges her children, and all of us, to ask questions and to continue the journey of understanding, love and activism needed to better our world.