In the hill country of southern Italy in the late 1800s, two families - the Grappones and D'Orlandos - were eking out an existence as their ancestors had for generations. One, tied to the land, farmed in the heat of the sun and under the oppression of a newly formed government. The other cut and carved stone, passing the skill of masonry down through the centuries. Both endured grinding poverty and rampant disease, and ultimately looked to America for a better life. This is the story of two immigrants, Rocco Grappone and Emanuela D'Orlando, who raised a family and purchased a small filling station as the automobile craze swept through New Hampshire in the 1920s. --Publisher's blurb
About the author:
Amanda Grappone Osmer is the last Grappone family member working in the daily operation of Grappone Automotive Group in its 100th year of business. She and her husband have three children and enjoy hosting international exchange students. The family includes a dog and a revolving cast of backyard livestock and poultry. Amanda deeply loves New Hampshire's natural beauty, and in 2018 she co-founded a nature-based preschool to help share that love with some of her state's youngest citizens.
Join Amanda at Gibson's Bookstore on January 21, 2025 at 6:30 pm where she will be discussing her book!
