Customer Reviews

The Italian American Experience in New Haven (SUNY Series in Italian/American Culture)

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The Italian American Experience In New Haven: Images And Oral Histories by Anthony Riccio (Stacks Manager at the Sterling Memorial Library at Yale University) draws upon personal interviews as well as family and archival photographs to present a richly complex and fully realized history of the life and experiences of Italian immigrants who settled in New Haven, Connecticut in the 19th and 20th centuries. Not only is the daily pulse of life in the Italian-American community revealed in the life stories of ordinary men and women, the reader will discover how this immigrant community was affected by such landmark events as the Spanish Flu pandemic, the Great Depression, and World War II. Also revealed are the hardships of Italian immigrant women who labored under terrible (and often hazardous) conditions in New Haven's shirt factories. The integrations of historic photographs with the reported interviews transform The Italian American Experience In New Haven from just another ethnic American history into a compelling social history showcasing a vibrant, vigorous, colorful community. The result is a brilliantly written and highly recommended work that is as entertaining as it is informative.

Anthony Riccio captures the love , the sorrows, the hardships and the industrial and political life of New Haven in a way that no one before him has. How and why the Italians left the old world of a cruel Italy , an Italy only for the wealthy, is made patently clear in this book. The advantages and opportunities offered by a New America were varied and plentiful. Fortunately the Italian immigrant came here with an important work ethic and a desire for a family life which was rich in expectations and ambitions. Life was not easy for the first generation, but they 'made it' as we say in America. Their children achieved in the 1st 100 years in America what others took generations to do. Anthony allows the storytellers to say things in their own words so that the full flavor of their New Haven experience would be felt and understood by the readers. Anthony Riccio adds his own scholarly touch to the preface and to the beginnings of each and every chapter. The book is both a scholarly and authentic documentary of the Italian people who made a significant contribution to the growth and development of New Haven. They are an inspiration to all of what it takes to be successful . Read the book. If you read nothing else all year, this is the book to read.

I bought the book Italian American Experience in New Haven for my cousin who was born and raised there and is now elderly. As a child I spent many happy days at my Aunt and Uncles home, with my cousin.When the book arrived I flipped through it and found myself enjoying immensely the stories of people I didn't even know, but also finding it brought back many long forgotten memories of my own. I gave it to my cousin and he was so happy to read of and see photos of places that were from his own youth.
My only wish is that more families could have been included----my family lived on 29 Chapel street and I remember the pushcart man with the clams on the half shell and the little bakery at the corner. I would love another book that covers that end of town and includes more stories---maybe a contributory book where all the older Italians could send in their stories and photos to be made into another book.
The book is an escape to a happy, warm, loving, safe time of life. Pure pleasure for any Italian to read because it is like sitting at the kitchen table talking over a cup of coffee.
I highly recommend the book.

I lost my Dad 2 years ago and my mom now at 82 is living alone for the first time ever. She is struggling and hasn`t really laughed or smiled since then. Upon visiting my inlaws(who had purchased the book..The Italian American Experience in New Haven) My Mom picked up the book and could not put it down. She laughed and hollored at all the wonderful memories she had about growing up in New Haven. She recognized many faces and names in the book and it brought sure joy to her heart. Growing up next door to Grandma Riccio as we called her on Fairmont Ave, a flood of memories rushed back to my mom and laughter and joy was once again in her heart. I just purchased her the book today and can`t wait for her to take her time, take it all in, let the memories come back and see that smile on her face...again....Thank you Anthony Riccio.....

Lynda Dell`Aquila-Montesi
Former Fairmont Ave Neighbor

Unique format and of personal interest since my family is of Italian descent and we lived in New Haven. The author's interviews bring back many memories of growing up Italian.

i borrowed this book from the library. found it facinating, brought tears to my eyes at times. i found myself sharing many stories from the book with friends and family. i then purchased one for myself and four more for christmas presents.

This book is definately the best to come out in a very long time detailing New Haven's past. The pictures are incredible as well.

A classic to be for sure.