Amid Immigration Tensions in the U.S., Author and Playwright Details Italian Immigration Experience Through New Historical Fiction
VINELAND, N.J. (PRWEB) June 24, 2019 -- After 10 years of research, recording stories passed down by family members and gleaning much that was chronicled in his 2004 documentary, “Prisoners Among Us,” writer, lyricist, playwright and documentarian Joseph M. Orazi has released his captivating novel of historical fiction, L’America. This powerful series will remind readers of the impact immigrants made in America and the importance of strong family bonds during times of great change.
This book follows the story of three early 20th-century Italian families fighting for survival as they traveled in steerage for a chance at life in the New World. This impactful story paints a vivid picture of the realities these true-to-life families faced fleeing poverty and a lack of opportunities for the American Dream.
“While the actual book has been ten years in the making, I’ve come to understand that the true origins came as I listened to stories and anecdotes at the feet of my grandparents and great aunts and uncles,” Orazi said. “I came to realize that the true story of Italian immigration and assimilation has never really been told and in today’s world, they desperately need to be.”
One Amazon reviewer describes “L’America”: “Orazi has brought perspective and earned respect to the plight of his ancestors in L’America. It’s a story of family love and devotion. A story of mere survival. A story of sadness, determination, heartbreak, and pride. A story that needed to be told.”
Recounting the hardships and challenges assimilation presented during this turbulent time in history, “L’America” is a celebration of Italian heritage as it reminds readers of the rich culture that also made its way across the sea. Readers can expect the story to be continued in a second book set to be released in 2020.
“L’America”
By Joseph M. Orazi
ISBN: 978-1546236414 (softcover); 978-1546236412 (hardcover)
Available at the AuthorHouse Online Bookstore, Amazon and Barnes & Noble
About the author
Joseph M. Orazi is an alum of Villanova University whose plays have been produced in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Chicago. His work, “The Lion and the Lamb”, won him a Pennsylvania Playwright Fellowship. In addition to writing numerous TV and radio commercials and industrial films throughout his career, Orazi was a staff writer for the ABC daytime drama, “Ryan’s Hope”. An accomplished lyricist, his song, “Rescue You, Rescue Me”, received a 2016 nomination for an American Songwriting Award. His documentary film which also discusses Italian immigrants beginning new life in America, “Prisoners Among Us”, won the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at the New York Independent Film Festival. He works to raise funds for needy cancer patients and their families as President of the charitable organization, Toast Pink. To learn more, visit http://www.lamericabook.com
Contact:
LAVIDGE – Phoenix
Courtney Vasquez
480-306-7065
cvasquez(at)lavidge(dot)com
Courtney Vasquez, LAVIDGE, 480-306-7065, [email protected]
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