622. Part 2 of our conversation with Elisa Speranza about her novel, The Italian Prisoner. "1943. New Orleans. Rose Marino lives with
her Sicilian immigrant parents and helps in the family grocery
store. Her older brother and sister both joined the Army, and
Rose prays for their safety as World War II rages overseas.When
the parish priest organizes a goodwill mission to visit Italian
prisoners of war at a nearby military base, Rose and her
vivacious best friend, Marie, join the group. There, Rose falls
for Sal, a handsome and intelligent POW. Italy has switched
sides in the war, so the POWs are allowed out to socialize,
giving Rose and Sal a chance to grow closer.
"Elisa M. Speranza is the granddaughter
of Irish and Italian immigrants, raised Catholic, and educated
by nuns. She's been a writer and book nerd all her life. Her
first paid job was in the children's room of her town's public
library, and she was a journalist early in her career before
spending thirty-plus years in the water and critical
infrastructure business. The Italian Prisoner is her first
novel. A native Bostonian and die-hard member of Red Sox Nation,
Ms. Speranza moved to New Orleans in 2002. She is committed to
celebrating and honoring the city's fragile and fascinating
culture, environment, and history. She lives with Jon Kardon in
New Orleans and Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. Learn more at
www.elisamariesperanza.com."
Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy.
The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it
as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in
print for the first time in 221 years. Order your copy today!
This week in Louisiana history. April 19, 1682. La Salle
took formal possession of the Louisiana Territory for France
This week in New Orleans history. On April 19, 1966, the
Algiers Regional Branch library opened. It was was the
first of three regional branches built during the 1960s and
1970s.
This week in Louisiana.
La Fête du Monde
Lockport Food Festival
Apr 25-27, 2025
4484 Highway 1
Raceland, LA 70301
(985) 532-6640
Website
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