A Sicilian Tragedy

About the Book

This novel is the story of the people of Sicily during the twentieth century. In particular, it follows the lives of the Agosto family as they struggle through a son’s departure for the United States as well as the adulterous affair of a daughter-in-law. Intertwined in the retelling of this family’s history is the rise of Mussolini and the beginning of the Second World War. The effects of these two could be seen throughout the island, leading to additional apprehension and fear for a family and a people who are already under the watchful eyes of the Sicilian Mafia.

About the Author

Libero Italo Nicolazzi was born of immigrant parents in the slums of Brooklyn, New York in April 5, 1918. He married his elementary school sweetheart, Marie Guasto, March 1, 1942 after he attended high school where he played football for four years. Nicolazzi was drafted in August 1942 into the army as a demolition expert, Sergeant, and was discharged in 1946. He and his wife raised three daughters and one son, while Nicolazzi was employed at Republican Aviation for 33 years. They continue to travel to Europe and to Sicily to the hometown of his wife’s parents. This novel is based on the Sicilian culture and facts of a similar tragedy.