In her fascinating follow-up to the hugely successful Dear Francesca, Mary Contini reveals the untold story of her family’s struggle to survive in a foreign country. Compiled from first-hand oral history and extensive research, Mary takes the reader into the heart of the Crolla and Di Ciacca families, and the lives of the first Italian Scots.
Through their remarkable journey to escape poverty in Southern Italy, the disruption and hardships endured in the First World War and the roller coaster of ambition and success that saw their dreams reach reality then crash into disaster, their stories are brought to life in this charming, moving story - remarkable in its honesty and openness.
It is a true-life love story told from a very personal perspective. It is the story of two families whose lives were woven together with courage, faith and love, prejudice, disaster and loss.
Signed copies of Dear Olivia can be ordered through our online shop.
Scotsman 'Living' article, 15 November 2006
Sunday Times 'Ecosse' article, 15 October 2006
Scotsman article, 30 September 2006
Scotsman article, 4 September 2006
