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Join us as we explore the world through stories set in various parts of the globe and gain new insights into a diversity of cultures.
On the 4th Monday of each month, we will explore the world through stories set in various parts of the globe and enjoy learning about a diversity of cultures as we read our way around the world.
October is Italian-American Heritage & Culture Month; in observance of this, we will travel to Italy as we read The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb. This historical fiction account inspired by true events explores the immigrant experience of Italian Americans arriving at Ellis Island at the turn of the century. More about the book:
Ellis Island, 1902: Two women band together to hold America to its promise: "Give me your tired, your poor ... your huddled masses yearning to breathe free..."
A young Italian woman arrives on the shores of America, her sights set on a better life. That same day, a young American woman reports to her first day of work at the immigration center. But Ellis Island isn't a refuge for Francesca or Alma, not when ships depart every day with those who are refused entry to the country and when corruption ripples through every corridor. While Francesca resorts to desperate measures to ensure she will make it off the island, Alma fights for her dreams of becoming a translator, even as women are denied the chance.
As the two women face the misdeeds of a system known to manipulate and abuse immigrants searching for new hope in America, they form an unlikely friendship―and share a terrible secret―altering their fates and the lives of the immigrants who come after them.
This is a novel of the dark secrets of Ellis Island, when entry to "the land of the free" promised a better life but often delivered something drastically different, and when immigrant strength and female friendship found ways to triumph even on the darkest days.
Copies will be available on display at the Orange branch library. I have reserved several copies, so if you need a copy of the book please email jkelch@delawarelibrary.org.
Offsite programs can happen anywhere - or even be virtual! Be sure to check the address at the top of the page (near the event title) to see where the event is taking place.
DCDL welcomes all people to our programs and events. If you require ASL interpretation or other reasonable accommodations, please contact us at pr@delawarelibrary.org.
