The Boston Italians: A Story of Pride, Perseverance, and Paesani, from the Years of the Great Immigration to the Present Day

by Stephen Puleo

Book Overview

In this lively and engaging history, Stephen Puleo tells the story of the Boston Italians from their earliest years, when a largely illiterate and impoverished people in a strange land recreated the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0807050369
• ISBN13: 9780807050361
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: Beacon Press (MA)
• Length: 323 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A well researched, well written book.

Puleo effectively weaves personal accounts with historical fact to create a cultural tapestry which honors the Italian-American experience. The strengths and weaknesses of these immigrants are explored as well as their achievements and disappointments. The adversity of discrimination, shared by many new immigrants, is discussed and includes some shocking little known facts. The reader will learn how stereotypes, some of which persist today, have impacted this group.

I follow this author

I follow this author from his first book on the Boston Molases flood, to his second book on the sinking of a US Navy patrol ship off Portland ME, by a German U-Boat that itself was sunk off Block Island. This book takes the reader through a comprehensive, yet enjoyable and readable history of the Italians in the North End of Boston. From Ellis Island and their push North to the docks of Boston itself, they came. They came, stayed and made their neighborhoods. They rebuilt geographic bonds in Boston as they were back in the old country. Mr. Puleo makes this all seem to makes sense. What brings the North End to life and to the headlines is World War II. The War seemed to be the great neutralizer as the boys started coming home with war wounds. Mr. Puleo's grasp of the events of WWII in and its affects on the homefront are gripping. Also noted were pre-war rising political leaders and its populace voting, the North End was being heard at city hall. Great book for any history reader. Great book for any general interest reader.

The Boston Italians, From the Years of the Great Immigration to the Present Day

Having grown up in Boston's Italian North End in the 40's, 50's. and 60's, I found this book to be both informative as well as nostalgic. Many times it brought me back to memories of my youth by describing scenes that I remembered clearly myself. Most fun of all was all the talk about North Square, my family home from the age of 9 until my marriage at age 23. My grandparents owned the building next door to Sacred Heart Church's rectory and across the street from Paul Revere's House.Thank you to Stephen Puleo for a wonderful book!The Boston Italians: A Story of Pride, Perseverance, and Paesani, from the Years of the Great Immigration to the Present Day

A solid and entertaining ethnic history

This is a great read even if you're not of Italian ancestry! This book does a fantastic job of recounting the obstacles that many ethnic minorities had to overcome to build a better life for themselves and their families. The author does a great job of providing not only historic context but a personalization level that is often missing or when included seems out of context or innnapropriate. I think the author's commitment to defending the Italian people against Hollywood and Madison Avenue sterotyping presents a unique perspective, often times not heard. He does not deny that the Mafia exists but is strongly, and rightfully, offended that the only portrayls of Italians in the media are of thugs or mobsters. All in all a great read and hugely enjoyable.

An insde look at history for Italians.

I really enjoy the book...It appears to be everything they forget to teach you about the Italian History in school...It's a real eye opener on what our country expected from new citizens. Being Italian and German I had Italian Grandparents who arrive durning the turn of the century. Had no idea what they had gone though to become citizens...I consider the book a very well writen book...