Della and Dodi in America: A Story of Italian Immigration and Persecution - Hardcover

Born from the whispers of a long-held family secret, this novel follows Grandma Della-a woman of quiet resilience and unyielding spirit-as she confronts the harsh realities of immigration, injustice, and the heartbreaking loss of a daughter. Rooted in truth and enriched with memoir, the story spans generations: from Della's years on Delta cotton plantations and her work as a Depression-era truck farmer to the author's childhood on an Oregon farm shaped by migrant laborers and the land that sustained them. Blending memoir, fiction, genealogical research, and historical documentation, it reveals the trials of a young immigrant woman navigating a hostile legal system and profound personal loss while forging a life of meaning and dignity. A powerful tribute to love, tenacity, and the human spirit, this novel will resonate with readers who cherish historical storytelling grounded in emotional depth, courage, and truth.