La Famiglia & Their Blind Advocate [Paperback]

Dominic Sposeto (Author), Sherry Sposeto-Jakey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 4, 2005

This is the history of an extraordinary family which begins in the early 1800s and continues through six generations to the present time. Part One begins with the first generation in 1814 when we meet Domenico Miniscarchi, Attorney General of Southern Italy. A generation later a Sicilian "Don" joins the family and plays a vital role in the immigration of numerous southern Italian families to America, including the Espositos (the original name of the Sposeto family), and the Iaquintas. Prohibition was fast approaching and it was at this time the family, while living in Des Moines, Iowa, became involved in bootlegging, which erupted into warring factions in the Italian underworld at the turn of the century. Murder and retaliation left a trail of tears and devastation. Part Two takes us to the 1940s where, with the assistance of influential Sicilian connections and the generosity of the matriarch of the family, the fourth generation left the Midwest and found a better way of life in California. Part Three brings us to the fifth generation where we meet young Dominic who became blind in his early twenties and struggled with his orientation and blindness. Through much mentoring and nurturing, he became a highly distinguished and respected attorney, extending his practice across America. Dom's ancestors' passion for returning the family to an honorable position was at last realized.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dominic became blind in his early 20s and struggled with orientation. Through mentoring, he became a successful law student and eventually a very successful attorney. Sherry, his co-author was his first wife. They remain friends and cooperated to complete this book.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

In March of 1887 the Valentis set out for the new world. It took a little more than two weeks to cross the Atlantic, and their accommodations were miserable. Money was very tight, so they were compelled to travel by steerage, which was just about the worst way to travel by ship. Surprisingly, none of the children were sick, but Giuseppina had some troubles at first. Upon landing at Ellis Island, they took their first look at the New York skyline. This first view would be emblazoned on their hearts and minds forever. With a city such as this, what kind of wonders would they discover and what opportunities awaited them?

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Outskirts Press (May 4, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932672710
• ISBN-13: 978-1932672718
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,261,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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