Maria Mazziotti Gillan – författare

This anthology gathers fiction, poetry, memoirs, oral histories, and journalistic pieces by some of the best writers to chronicle the Italian American experience in the Garden State. These works focus on ethnic identity and the distinctive culture of New Jersey, which has long been home to a large and vital Italian American community.Filled with passion, humor, and grace, these writings depict a variety of experiences, including poignant but failed attempts at conformity and the alienation often felt by ethnic Americans. The authors also speak of the strength gained through the preservation of their communities and the realization that it is often the appreciation of their heritage that helps them to succeed. Although presented from the vantage point of only one ethnic group, this book addresses in microcosm the complexities of American identity, depicting situations and conveying emotions that will resonate with people of all immigrant ancestries.Among the many writers featured are Gay Talese, Bill Ervolino, Tom Perrotta, Louise DeSalvo, Carole Mazo, Diane di Prima, and Maria Laurino. Each of the contributors provides a fresh perspective on the diversity, complexity, and richness of the Italian American experience.Publication of this book is made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Italian and Italian American Heritage Studies, State of New Jersey.

Mari Mazziotti Gillan's new book, When the Stars were Still Visible, asks us to 'remember.'  In her example, memories start 'on the back steps of the six-family tenement / on 5th Avenue in Paterson' in 1944, her father dressed 'as a devil for a costume party / at the SocietÀ Cilentana'; this opens 'so many memories' which 'swirl / like bits of color in a kaleidoscope':  of Mrs Gianelli 'who always fainted when she got upset' and of 'Zio Guillermo's garden / with tomatoes and zucchini and corn' which is 'years later / covered with asphalt and garages.'  The poet tells us that 'children of immigrants pick up bits and pieces / over the years to create a picture' ('The Children of Immigrants'), that 'On the street where I grew up / everyone knew everyone else.  / We knew each other's secrets' ('Carrying Their Hometowns to Paterson'), and, invoking Eliot, that they wore faces that they presented to the world.  She writes about her people, her community, and the comfort of soothing things 'beckoning me home' ('Even After All These Years'), the way, perhaps, that all poetry should.