Guardians of the Gate - Softcover

Parrillo, Vincent N.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1462029310 ISBN 13: 9781462029310

Publisher: iUniverse Publishing, 2011

Synopsis

It is August of 1895 as Dr. Matt Stafford's ferry nears Ellis Island. His spirits soar as he approaches the island filled with immigrants pursuing their dreams. Seeking a change from the routine of his hospital surgical practice, he decides to take a temporary leave to provide medical care to those who left their homelands in pursuit of the American Dream. Eager to interact with the newcomers, Dr. Stafford is quickly intrigued by their personal stories of struggles, courage, and determination. Soon though, everything is about to change on the island; major conflicts unfold, immigrants are exploited, and a riot takes place. Becoming entangled in a secret passionate relationship, Dr. Stafford witnesses President McKinley's assassination and a societal backlash against the rising tide of immigration. As he valiantly struggles to find emotional fulfillment, a series of events will lead to dramatic changes-both at Ellis Island and in his own life. Based on actual events, Guardians of the Gate shares the intriguing tale of the people and provocative occurrences that occurred at Ellis Island during the 1890s and 1900s-through the eyes of a dedicated physician on a compelling quest for fulfillment.

About this title

About the Author:

VINCENT N. PARRILLO is a professor of sociology at William Paterson University of New Jersey. An internationally recognized expert on immigration, he is the executive producer, writer, and narrator of the award-winning PBS television documentary, Ellis Island: Gateway to America (1991). He currently lives in northern New Jersey.

Review:

"Guardians of the Gate packs a one-two punch -- a love story combined with the riveting but little known story of the hospital at Ellis Island. A compelling novel that is sure to warm your heart." --Lorie Conway, author of Forgotten Ellis Island

"Vincent Parrillo's Guardians of the Gate weaves together the stories of immigrants, doctors, and government officials associated with Ellis Island. It's a lively and fun read, as well as a compelling historical novel that brings to life New York in the late nineteenth century." --Vincent J. Cannato, author of American Passage: The History of Ellis Island

"A careful blend of fact and fiction. This novel sheds light on a pivotal period in American history." --Philip Cioffari, author of Jesusville, A History of Things Lost or Broken, and Catholic Boys

About this edition

• Publisher: iUniverse Publishing
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1462029310
• ISBN 13: 9781462029310
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 364