| | |  | Electronics | Home » » Elizabeth Street | | | | | | | Description: | | Based on true events, ELIZABETH STREET is a multigenerational saga that opens in an Italian village in the 1900's, and crosses the ocean to New York's Lower East Side. At the heart of the novel is Giovanna, whose family is targeted by the notorious Black Hand -the precursor to the Mafia. Elizabeth Street brings to light a period in history when Italian immigrant neighborhoods lived in fear of Black Hand extortion and violence-a reality that defies the romanticized depiction of the Mafia. Here, the author reveals the merciless terror of the Black Hand-and the impact their crimes had on her family. Giovanna is based on Fabiano's great-grandmother, and the book's heroes and villains - such as Lieutenant Petrosino, the crusading cop and "Lupo the Wolf," a cold-blooded criminal - are drawn from real life in this thrilling tale. While set in a dynamic historical context, Elizabeth Street is, above all, the dramatic story of the heroine, Giovanna, and how she triumphed over tragedy. | | | Product Details: | | | Average Customer Rating:
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 An Enthralling NovelSep 05, 2010
An enthralling novel, the book`s principal character is an Italian immigrant woman who arrives in turn-of-the-century NYC. The hardships she faces during her "greenhorn" years are heartbreaking, but she flourishes and the story becomes uplifting as the reader develops admiration for the resilience and fortitude of the heroine along with several of the other immigrant characters in the book. There are elements of romance, espionage, and adventure in the story as well as wonderful and instructive descriptions of life in NYC's lower east side in the early 20th century, including the early development and influence of the Mafia. Aficionados of historical fiction will delight in reading this book.
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Compelling readSep 01, 2010
This book grabbed me from the beginning. Clearly the author did her homework in recreating the immigrant experience. The characters were believable and well drawn. I was sorry that I could not read more about this family.
Very interestingAug 27, 2010
Once I got into this book it was hard to put down. I enjoyed the characters and the story. Somehow I have mostly read books about the Irish in New York City around that time so this gave me a different perspective from the Italian point of view. It's been a few days since I finished it and it is still on my mind. I also enjoyed learning more about the history of Italy; this added to my enjoyment of the book.
An Eye-openerAug 23, 2010
I was looking for a book for my Mom, a first generation Italian American, that my librarian Dad might not have already found for her. "Elizabeth Street" is well-written, true to life, and as entertaining as "The Godfather". I am impressed with the research behind the story of the author's family in Calabria as well as in New York at the beginning of the 20th century. Thank you Amazon Encore for recommending this book. I read it cover-to-cover in one weekend, then passed it on to Mom for her 79th birthday. I will purchase more copies for my siblings and cousins and recommend it to friends. It's that good.
Elizabeth St.Aug 20, 2010
I couldn't put the book down. Beatifully written and so insightful about the Italian imiagrants. I am sure I will read this book again! I am Italian and my mother was from Italy. I learned much more than she had ever communicated with me.
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