BEHIND THE Story

Every novel I write is a blend of imagination and extensive research — which is the essence of historical fiction writing and allows me to take the reader on a journey back in time to illuminate stories of love, sacrifice, culture, and renewal. Here’s a closer look at what lies behind the pages of my books.

My ancestors on my father's side came to New Orleans from Sicily and their stories — filled with rich traditions, strong family ties, and dramatic upheavals — have profoundly influenced me. I wanted to bring those stories to life in my books, honoring their struggles and triumphs while adding my own imagination to the mix.

The Bellafortuna Series (A Song for Bellafortuna, Saving the Music, and Sicilian Melody) traces the journey of a small Sicilian town through upheaval and renewal, through the actions of the Sanguinetti family. I drew from my own family’s stories — tales of love, sacrifice, and hope — and blended them with historical events to illuminate universal human struggles.

Behind the story:

• I researched Sicilian traditions, agricultural practices, and local politics to portray the villagers’ daily life accurately.
• The characters of Antonio and Giuseppe Sanguinetti were influenced by stories I heard from my grandfather and father.
• One tidbit - the village of Bellafortuna, Sicily is fictional, but it is based on a real place. The Sicilian town of Noto.

This was my first novel and a true labor of love — a deep dive into the world of 

Italian opera.

Behind the story:

• My extensive research into the Italian Opera, the history of the La Scala Opera House, the roles of tenors, and the rich tradition of Italian vocal artistry provided a rich backdrop.
• The character of Giovanni Tempesta reflects the struggles and triumphs of artists battling their doubts and the rigid structures of the opera world.

With The Devil’s Jazz, I wrote about my hometown for the first time, centering on the rich jazz scene of 1920s New Orleans, and the terracing figure of the Axman, one of America's first serial killers.

Behind the story:

• I researched jazz legends, the rise of Storyville, and the rich mixture of Creole and Italian culture in the city during that period.
• My main character, Giancarlo Rabito, personifies the Sicilian immigrants who came to the city of New Orleans. 

For me, writing historical Italian fiction isn’t just about the past — it’s a way of honoring ancestry, preserving stories, and understanding who we are today. Each character’s struggles, passions, and triumphs illuminate universal human experiences — love, sacrifice, renewal — that connect us across generations and borders.

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