Love your newsletter and I will follow you wherever you write them! And I too loved ER but working at a hospital, the number of times we had to explain that no, every procedure does not actually get done in the ER:)
Thanks for taking me back to Saturnia which I visited with the Italian language school I was attending about a decade ago. We didn’t go to the hotel but to the pools that are open to the public and like you say they are not the easiest to get into and out of. But so lovely once you are ensconced in one of them. Then afterwards we had the most marvellous meal in a nearby restaurant. You have made me realise I need to go back but probably to the hotel this time!
Carunchio is an historical fiction, multi-generational family novel which you will enjoy reading.
Author’s Notes
Epigram - "Do not dwell on what could have been but dream about what can be." — Charles P. Sciorra
The epigram resonates deeply with me, as it embodies the spirit of the story you’re about to read. It reflects the courage of those who, despite the heartbreak of leaving behind their homeland, dared to dream of a better future across the ocean. The journey of Italian immigrants like the Delarios and Puccinis is one of hope, resilience, and an unshakable belief that something better was possible—not just for themselves, but for future generations.
While this is a work of fiction, it’s inspired by the real struggles and triumphs of countless families who, between 1870 and 1940, left Italy in search of a better life in America. For many, it wasn’t just an escape from hardship—it was a leap of faith, driven by the hope of building a future for their children. This story is a tribute to their strength, sacrifice, and the dreams that carried them through the most uncertain of times.
The backdrop of this tale spans a tumultuous era in both Italian and American history, from Italy’s unification in 1861 to the end of World War II. It was a time of great upheaval, where poverty and political unrest in southern Italy pushed families like the Delarios and Puccinis to make the wrenching decision to leave. In America, they encountered a new set of challenges—crowded tenements, labor struggles, and, often, the harsh realities of a society that didn’t always welcome them.
For Dante and Anna Delario, the decision to leave Italy wasn’t just a matter of survival—it was a deeply emotional choice. They dreamed of a life where their son, Marco, could grow up in a place with greater opportunities, free from the economic hardships and limitations that were becoming increasingly prevalent in Southern Italy. They recognized that staying meant potentially facing a future where progress and opportunity were elusive. The dream of America, with its promise of possibility, became a beacon for their family’s aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Puccini family faced their own trials in America. Michael Puccini, tempted by the lure of quick money and power, became deeply involved in the criminal underworld that preyed on desperate immigrants. His story contrasts with Dante’s fight for reform and better conditions, showing the different paths taken by those searching for a foothold in a new world.
Utica, New York plays a central role in this story, reflecting the resilience and determination that immigrant families brought with them. They built new lives, brick by brick, even as they faced economic crises, labor exploitation, and the uncertainty of a foreign land. Through it all, their hope for a better future never wavered.
This story is a tribute to the real lives of those who came before us. It honors their struggles, their dreams, and their unwavering belief in the possibility of something better. As you journey through the lives of the Delario and Puccini families, I hope you’ll find yourself reflecting on the incredible courage it took to leave behind everything familiar in the pursuit of a new beginning.
Thank you for taking this journey with me. I hope you find inspiration in their story, just as I have.
A lot of people have mentioned Fourth Wing, so I'll definitely try that! Would love Deb, but she has small children so that would be challenging for her. We've chatted about it. And I thought of Missy too, but for some reason I think she may be collaborating with another company. But I'll check!
Thank you so much for sharing your favourite restaurants. We are coming in the spring ( April 12). You were the inspiration of our trip to Umbria. We have been to Italy many times over the last years travelling to and exploring many different regions. My husband was born in Rome and is fluent in Italian which makes it much easier. Tuscany has always my favourite as I feel it feeds the soul but I am so about Umbria thanks to your posts. Love all of your posts and newsletters.
I am doing a pantry/freezer purge too! It’s quite fun. We had N’duja/gruyere/turkey quesadillas the other night. Thank you for linking to my Verona newsletter.
Question. If we were to do a tour in Puglia or Umbria do you know any day camps for children age 5? Arts, food, swimming in mostly Italian but also English? Thank you- summer time June July?
LOVING Slow Horses... only on Season 1. So happy I have so many more seasons ahead of me. Love your newsletter and all of your suggestions/recipes. I feel the same way about TikTok/IG/all of it... the newsletter is where it's at :)
Agnes leads her own tour here in Rome and is fully booked up all the time. What I'm looking for are guest hosts who usually don't do this for a living, and who also have large enough followings to fill up a tour.
Love your newsletter and I will follow you wherever you write them! And I too loved ER but working at a hospital, the number of times we had to explain that no, every procedure does not actually get done in the ER:)
I hear ya! But evidently The Pitt is very much approved by ER workers. They say it's very realistic.
Love your recipes. Thank you for sharing
Will try to share more!
Kristin Lavransdatter is an excellent book to tuck into…very long but so good!
thanks!
any chance you're considering a tour of Calabria?
We would love to one day.
Have you read The Scribe of Siena yet???
No, do tell!
Always a pleasure reading your newsletters. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
Thank you!
Thanks for taking me back to Saturnia which I visited with the Italian language school I was attending about a decade ago. We didn’t go to the hotel but to the pools that are open to the public and like you say they are not the easiest to get into and out of. But so lovely once you are ensconced in one of them. Then afterwards we had the most marvellous meal in a nearby restaurant. You have made me realise I need to go back but probably to the hotel this time!
There are so many great restaurants in the area.
Dear Ms.. Minchilli,
Carunchio is an historical fiction, multi-generational family novel which you will enjoy reading.
Author’s Notes
Epigram - "Do not dwell on what could have been but dream about what can be." — Charles P. Sciorra
The epigram resonates deeply with me, as it embodies the spirit of the story you’re about to read. It reflects the courage of those who, despite the heartbreak of leaving behind their homeland, dared to dream of a better future across the ocean. The journey of Italian immigrants like the Delarios and Puccinis is one of hope, resilience, and an unshakable belief that something better was possible—not just for themselves, but for future generations.
While this is a work of fiction, it’s inspired by the real struggles and triumphs of countless families who, between 1870 and 1940, left Italy in search of a better life in America. For many, it wasn’t just an escape from hardship—it was a leap of faith, driven by the hope of building a future for their children. This story is a tribute to their strength, sacrifice, and the dreams that carried them through the most uncertain of times.
The backdrop of this tale spans a tumultuous era in both Italian and American history, from Italy’s unification in 1861 to the end of World War II. It was a time of great upheaval, where poverty and political unrest in southern Italy pushed families like the Delarios and Puccinis to make the wrenching decision to leave. In America, they encountered a new set of challenges—crowded tenements, labor struggles, and, often, the harsh realities of a society that didn’t always welcome them.
For Dante and Anna Delario, the decision to leave Italy wasn’t just a matter of survival—it was a deeply emotional choice. They dreamed of a life where their son, Marco, could grow up in a place with greater opportunities, free from the economic hardships and limitations that were becoming increasingly prevalent in Southern Italy. They recognized that staying meant potentially facing a future where progress and opportunity were elusive. The dream of America, with its promise of possibility, became a beacon for their family’s aspirations.
Meanwhile, the Puccini family faced their own trials in America. Michael Puccini, tempted by the lure of quick money and power, became deeply involved in the criminal underworld that preyed on desperate immigrants. His story contrasts with Dante’s fight for reform and better conditions, showing the different paths taken by those searching for a foothold in a new world.
Utica, New York plays a central role in this story, reflecting the resilience and determination that immigrant families brought with them. They built new lives, brick by brick, even as they faced economic crises, labor exploitation, and the uncertainty of a foreign land. Through it all, their hope for a better future never wavered.
This story is a tribute to the real lives of those who came before us. It honors their struggles, their dreams, and their unwavering belief in the possibility of something better. As you journey through the lives of the Delario and Puccini families, I hope you’ll find yourself reflecting on the incredible courage it took to leave behind everything familiar in the pursuit of a new beginning.
Thank you for taking this journey with me. I hope you find inspiration in their story, just as I have.
—Charles P. Sciorra
Have you read Fourth Wing series? Definitely escapist reading - it’s fun but not a smart read -
What about Deb Perelman from Smitten Kitchen 😊or Missy Robbins from Lilia? Her pasta cookbook is awesome
A lot of people have mentioned Fourth Wing, so I'll definitely try that! Would love Deb, but she has small children so that would be challenging for her. We've chatted about it. And I thought of Missy too, but for some reason I think she may be collaborating with another company. But I'll check!
Nina Compton out of New Orleans is amazing as is Tonya Holland
Thank you so much for sharing your favourite restaurants. We are coming in the spring ( April 12). You were the inspiration of our trip to Umbria. We have been to Italy many times over the last years travelling to and exploring many different regions. My husband was born in Rome and is fluent in Italian which makes it much easier. Tuscany has always my favourite as I feel it feeds the soul but I am so about Umbria thanks to your posts. Love all of your posts and newsletters.
Have a wonderful trip!
I've traveled much of the southeast coast of sicily and the northwest and islands...the trips sound dreamy...any who haven't must see
I am doing a pantry/freezer purge too! It’s quite fun. We had N’duja/gruyere/turkey quesadillas the other night. Thank you for linking to my Verona newsletter.
Question. If we were to do a tour in Puglia or Umbria do you know any day camps for children age 5? Arts, food, swimming in mostly Italian but also English? Thank you- summer time June July?
Off hand no, sorry. But my kids are all grown, so it's not something that I would really know about.
LOVING Slow Horses... only on Season 1. So happy I have so many more seasons ahead of me. Love your newsletter and all of your suggestions/recipes. I feel the same way about TikTok/IG/all of it... the newsletter is where it's at :)
Thanks!
Can't wait for our tour!! I'm currently rereading ACOTAR and have pretty much exclusively read that genre for the past year. No regrets. 😂
Glad I'm not alone! I started with ACOTAR then went on to Throne.
Same!
How about Agnes leading a tour?
Agnes leads her own tour here in Rome and is fully booked up all the time. What I'm looking for are guest hosts who usually don't do this for a living, and who also have large enough followings to fill up a tour.