Pasquale’s Journey

By Marilyn Freeman

(Dolly on the website!)

 

            Marilyn recently sent me a copy of Pasquale’s journey to the US in the early 1900s and I have to say I enjoyed it immensely.  An iUniverse book, the cover is nicely designed, with a view of the Statue of Liberty, a perfect visual metaphor for the book’s theme. 

 

            Left behind in Italy while Papa struggles to make a home for his family in the new land of America, Mama and the children can only cling to their faith that he will one day send for them.  Meanwhile, nine year old Pasquale does what he can to help, working in the local market to help Mama make ends meet…even if he can’t remember not to slam the door! 

 

            Shoes are Pasquale’s bete noir.  He hates the hand me downs that never fit, and finally, when Papa does send them the long awaited tickets to America, a bully on the crowded boat throws his shoes overboard. Poor Pasquale has to step onto American soil wearing a pair of  girls’ shoes!  Can his humiliation increase?

 

            But Papa, having heard all about his son’s trials from Mama is there to the rescue!

 

            Nice story, Dolly!  Thanks for sharing it with me!

 

                        -- Mary Rosenblum, web editor