Stone is not Forever
Stone is not Forever is my first published novel, and I'm very proud of it. It's the story of a young man, Dominico Rossa, living in the Mezzogiorno region of Italy at the turn of the 20th century. Dominico comes from a once renown family of stone carvers that has been ruined by the economic realities of their time and place. While he and his father struggle to rebuild the family name Dom falls in love with a woman who was betrothed to the son of the tyrannical, local Padrone.
Facing ruin, the destruction of his family, and the prospect of losing the woman he loves, the desperate young man decides to seek his fortunes in America. He hopes to return to his village as a man of respect and wealth, restore his family name and marry the beautiful Pratalina.
The roads of America, however, are not paved in gold. Wealth is hard won in the New World and Dom finds himself alone and homeless in a bustling New York City. He's taken in by a family headed by a radical, even revolutionary, labor organizer. Thus, Dominico finds himself thrust into the turmoil of the turn of the century labor movement.
From the feudal paesera of Italy to the turbulent streets of New York and eventually the deadly trenches of World War I, Dominico's journey takes him full circle, back to his depressed Italian village. There Dominico looks back on a life of struggle--a life in which nothing turns out as planned. Yet, through all of the struggles, Dominico perseveres...and becomes an American.
Stone is not Forever is a historical novel with very powerful themes. In many ways Dominico is, like us, a reluctant hero. Often it seems that he's swept along on a tide of history. Yet it's his devotion, strength and character that motivates the plot. The novel raises questions about justice, inequality, love and anger. The plot is intertwined with real historical events and statements that help us understand the motives of our immigrant ancestors. It may also illustrate the dreams and motivations of millions of people today who leave their homes out of desperation for the hope of opportunity in America.
Stone is not Forever is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. However, if you prefer to save a few dollars, Stone is not Forever is available for purchase directly through me. Go to the Shopping Cart to order Stone is not Forever for almost half off the retail price. The novel is also available directly through the publish, Publish America.
You can also get Stone is not Forever in paperback for less than $9.95!
Facing ruin, the destruction of his family, and the prospect of losing the woman he loves, the desperate young man decides to seek his fortunes in America. He hopes to return to his village as a man of respect and wealth, restore his family name and marry the beautiful Pratalina.
The roads of America, however, are not paved in gold. Wealth is hard won in the New World and Dom finds himself alone and homeless in a bustling New York City. He's taken in by a family headed by a radical, even revolutionary, labor organizer. Thus, Dominico finds himself thrust into the turmoil of the turn of the century labor movement.
From the feudal paesera of Italy to the turbulent streets of New York and eventually the deadly trenches of World War I, Dominico's journey takes him full circle, back to his depressed Italian village. There Dominico looks back on a life of struggle--a life in which nothing turns out as planned. Yet, through all of the struggles, Dominico perseveres...and becomes an American.
Stone is not Forever is a historical novel with very powerful themes. In many ways Dominico is, like us, a reluctant hero. Often it seems that he's swept along on a tide of history. Yet it's his devotion, strength and character that motivates the plot. The novel raises questions about justice, inequality, love and anger. The plot is intertwined with real historical events and statements that help us understand the motives of our immigrant ancestors. It may also illustrate the dreams and motivations of millions of people today who leave their homes out of desperation for the hope of opportunity in America.
Stone is not Forever is available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com. However, if you prefer to save a few dollars, Stone is not Forever is available for purchase directly through me. Go to the Shopping Cart to order Stone is not Forever for almost half off the retail price. The novel is also available directly through the publish, Publish America.
You can also get Stone is not Forever in paperback for less than $9.95!