The next IHSI Book Club meeting is at noon on March 23 at Catello’s. The selected book is Vita a Novel by Melania G. Mazzucco.

Synopsis: 

After arriving at Ellis Island, two poor children from Southern Italy–Diamante, age twelve, and Vita, age nine–struggle to survive in New York City amid the poverty, opportunity, and crime of Little Italy.

In April 1903, the steamship Republic spills more than two thousand immigrants onto Ellis Island. Among them are Diamante, age twelve, and Vita, nine, sent by their poor families in southern Italy to make their way in America. Amid the chaos and splendor of New York, the misery and criminality of Little Italy, and the shady tenants of Vita’s father’s decrepit Prince Street boarding house, Diamante and Vita struggle to survive, to create a new life, and to become American. From journeys west in search of work to journeys back to Italy in search of their roots, to Vita’s son’s encounter with his mother’s hometown while serving as an army captain in World War II, Vita touches on every aspect of the heartbreaking and inspiring immigrant story.

The award-winning Italian author Melania G. Mazzucco weaves her own family history into a great American novel of the immigrant experience. A sweeping tale of discovery, love, and loss, Vita is a passionate blend of biography and autobiography, of fantasy and fiction

Please RSVP by Tuesday March 22 (link below), so we can get a head count for Catello’s. 

You’re invited to attend even if you haven’t read the book, it’s a great opportunity to meet other members, mingle, and share a meal. Don’t be shy!