Maria Riva was born in Berlin in 1924 and is the only child of Marlene Dietrich. Maria performed in Germany and Italy as part of a USO troupe during World War II and taught acting at Fordham University upon her return to the United States. She has performed on Broadway, radio, television, and film and has been nominated for an Emmy. Maria continues an active life in California and spends time visiting her sons and grandchildren.

"The oft-heard truth that America is a country of immigrants comes alive in Riva’s grand tale. Riva’s flair for recreating the drama of such moments as the iceman’s delivery and her nuanced capturing of the insecurities of naturalized immigrants combine to create a vivid reading experience. A timely and riveting reminder of the often-overlooked lessons of history in this vital tapestry of American immigrant life."

Maria Riva was born in Berlin in 1924 and is the only child of Marlene Dietrich. Maria performed in Germany and Italy as part of a USO troupe during World War II and taught acting at Fordham University upon her return to the United States. She has performed on Broadway, radio, television, and film and has been nominated for an Emmy. Maria continues an active life in California and spends time visiting her sons and grandchildren.

"The oft-heard truth that America is a country of immigrants comes alive in Riva’s grand tale. Riva’s flair for recreating the drama of such moments as the iceman’s delivery and her nuanced capturing of the insecurities of naturalized immigrants combine to create a vivid reading experience. A timely and riveting reminder of the often-overlooked lessons of history in this vital tapestry of American immigrant life."

Maria Riva was born in Berlin in 1924 and is the only child of Marlene Dietrich. Maria performed in Germany and Italy as part of a USO troupe during World War II and taught acting at Fordham University upon her return to the United States. She has performed on Broadway, radio, television, and film and has been nominated for an Emmy. Maria continues an active life in California and spends time visiting her sons and grandchildren.

"The oft-heard truth that America is a country of immigrants comes alive in Riva’s grand tale. Riva’s flair for recreating the drama of such moments as the iceman’s delivery and her nuanced capturing of the insecurities of naturalized immigrants combine to create a vivid reading experience. A timely and riveting reminder of the often-overlooked lessons of history in this vital tapestry of American immigrant life."