GIVEN AWAY, A SICILIAN UPBRINGING
10th Anniversary Edition Hardcover —
January 17, 2024
by Marianna Biazzo Randazzo (Author), Gerri Friscia (Editor)
Tina’s journey commences at the tender age of four when she is separated from her family for eight long years. It’s neither an abduction nor an adoption but a painful farewell. She is brought to a small, one-room house in one of Sicily’s poorest areas, where she shares her mornings with goats and chickens under the care of a loving aunt and a deranged uncle. Life is harsh, and cruelty is a constant presence, teaching Tina that childhood is a luxury in wartime Europe.
Meanwhile, Tina’s sister, Lena, faces her own challenges in a nearby town where she lives with her parents and baby brother. She shoulders family responsibilities she never chose. Lena’s journey is marked by selfless sacrifices as she navigates her obligations to ensure her family’s well-being.
The story unfolds as Tina and Lena grow from vulnerable children into strong young women. Their relationship evolves through significant decisions involving love, careers, and their separate life paths.
Amidst the looming shadow of fascism in occupied Sicily, both sisters find themselves grappling with circumstances that border on abuse and neglect. Yet, their unwavering loyalty to their family and the decisions made for them propels the sisters to make monumental sacrifices in pursuit of what they perceive as a greater purpose.
Both emerge as strong and triumphant survivors, transcending their challenging upbringing only to confront new tribulations in America.
“Given Away, A Sicilian Upbringing” invites readers to explore the captivating landscapes of Sicily and immerse themselves in the lives of these two remarkable sisters. It’s a story about separation, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit, showcasing the enduring love between siblings as they navigate life’s hardships and triumphs, using humor, imagination, and determination to overcome these challenges.
