The Evil Eye, The Pure Heart: A Story of Courage in the New World

By Michael J. Canzoniero

Book Overview

"A narratively engrossing, historically informative addition to the category of American immigration sagas." - Kirkus Review

In 1897, a sixteen-year-old girl from the impoverished village of Pomarico, Southern Italy, made her mind up to leave behind all that she had ever known and strike out for the New World. Vittoria Damato arrived in America penniless, but rich in courage and faith. The Evil Eye, The Pure Heart is her story and the narrative of the Sorresse family's rise from hopeless poverty to economic success and, more important, to the fulfillment of every immigrant's dream: a better life for one's children.
This is the tale of my grandmother, a woman with an unyielding faith in God whose heart was as big as the ocean she had to cross twice to see her dream come true. In the storms of life, Vittoria was a gentle center, the harbor for her family. Her pure heart was born to protect and guide life in all its forms-from plants and animals, to strangers and family, and to Leonardo, the complicated husband who loved but abused her.
This is the story of the Sorresses' love for one another and how that love allowed them to take risks knowing their family was the harbor they could always come to. This story depicts the Sorresses as they were, a family who loved deeply and held faith, compassion, and kindness, as its true wealth. The family bequeathed us those spiritual jewels and they remain our priceless inheritance. Their truest gifts have given us our better, fortunate lives. Please read this story remembering the Sorresse legacy: with God and with family, we are braver than we believe, stronger than we seem, and smarter than we think.

Addendum
October 6, 2021

I have revised and rewritten the tale of my family's journey from destitute Italian peasants to affluent Americans. I rewrote it because friends-Italian and non-Italian alike-said they enjoyed it as it reminded them of their own families' histories. However, the rewritten story essentially remains the memoir of my maternal grandmother, Vittoria Damato. It is the story of a woman's courage and fierce determination to make a better life for her children and for the generations which would follow them. I have tried to accurately chronicle her life and to show how her gentle heart pierced the evil eye and claimed victory for her descendants. The story I share today reveals how she had to wear down her stubborn and proud husband, Leonardo Sorresse, before he would agree to let his family settle in America. It recounts the hardships the family had to overcome so their offspring could be living and prospering in America.
The account I've written is based largely on my recollections of tales told by my mother and her sisters, Antonia (lovingly known as Tizi) and Nancy. However, for this edition of the story, I did a considerable amount of research to set the correct
tone and timing of the seventy-five years the story chronicles. The first part of this book is as near to the truth as I could get it; the second part is composed of two seemingly mystical stories: the first, the events surrounding Charlie's death as my mother retold them; the second, the day Vittoria lost her garden as I remember witnessing it. You may believe these stories in part or whole, but I wrote them to reflect the character, love, and faith of the Sorresse family.
It is my hope this story clearly presents Vittoria's creed: with a strong faith in God, the love of our family, and the courage to take risks, any challenge can be conquered. I hope you will believe as Vittoria did that following our heart's desires requires patience, persistence, and sacrifice and that it is never too late to make your dreams become reality. Remember, too, that courage is in your DNA. Face your disappointments as she did, by looking up at the stars and seeing possibilities.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0863S7Y8L
• ISBN13: 9798614750923
• Release Date: March 2020
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 322 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"