Beyond the Godfather

In the New York Times Book Review, Gay Talese raised the question, "Where are all the Italian American writers?" Two years later, editors Ciongoli and Parini respond convincingly with this anthology of essays by 23 Italian American writers. Memoirs in the first section reveal the truths of the people and relationships behind the stereotypes. Whether reflecting on rosary beads, the aroma of garlic sauteed in olive oil, a bigotry that labels a child "the smelly Italian," or the art of perfect ironing, these writers share abiding love and respect for their cultural heritage and engage readers with their poignant accounts. Some consider how these experiences shaped them as writers: Talese himself credits time spent in his family's dress shop as the source of his nonfiction writing style.

The next section provides analyses of Italian American literature, and a third traces some Italian American political struggles. Essential for Italian American readers and students, Beyond "The Godfather" is also a must for anyone who would know more of what it is to be Italian in our society and for those wishing to learn about the struggle between assimilation and the preservation of one's cultural birthright.

CONTIBUTORS: John Agresto, Michael Barone, Regina Barreca, Mary Cappello, Matilda Cuomo, Louise DeSalvo, Richard Gambino, Fred L. Gardaphe, Claire Gaudiani, Sandra Gilbert, Dana Gioia, Edvige Giunta, Linda Hutcheon, Maria Laurino, Frank Lentricchia, Alane Salierno Mason, Joseph V. Scelsa, Gay Talese, Anthony J. Tamburri, Marianna De Marco Torgovnick, Rudolph J. Vecoli, and the editors

A. Kenneth Ciongoli is president of the National Italian American Foundation and Professor of Neurology at University of Vermont Medical School. Jay Parini is Axinn Professor of English at Middlebury College, editor of many books, including The Columbia History of American Poetry (1993), and author of John Steinbeck: A Biography (1995), and several books of fiction and poetry.