Review of "Out of Calabria" by Peter Chiarella

"Out of Calabria" is the story of a prominent family in the Calabria area of Italy (the toe of the penninsula), several of whom emigrated to the United States to escape the social and familial structures of that embattled region. Set in the early twentieth century, the story moves back and forth between the United States and Calabria as the family slowly splits apart. It's a charming and very human look at these incredible people and the many obstacles they faced in moving to America, where they often found only poverty and discrimination. In a time when illegal immigration is such an important topic, it's important to understand people like this whose only goal is to want a better life for themselves and their children. The stories of the men and women is told with great warmth and affection. It's a historical novel that will enrich your sense of how this country evolved during a fascinating era of social and technological upheaval as the Industrial Age came into full flower.