The Family is Everything: la famiglia è tutto

by Bob Farina

Mother Cabrini strives to help Italian immigrants in New York City, especially orphan Salvatore Russo. Her care and influence play a pivotal role in Salvatore's survival and personal development, and her mantra, "The Family is Everything," resonates throughout Salvatore's life. He is adopted by the Volpe family, thrives under their guidance and later expands their family business—Volpe Concrete Company—through hard work and resilience. The Volpes navigate challenges like the Great Depression, showcasing loyalty to employees and community. Salvatore's relationship with his grandson, Michael, highlights generational wisdom and the importance of pursuing dreams. Michael Volpe's passion for engineering leads him to success beyond the family business. The novel explores his personal growth, his love for classic cars, and the continuation of family values as he carves his own path while maintaining close ties with his roots.
The novel introduces contrasting storylines, such as Tom Farrell's unscrupulous dealings in Charleston, exposing ethical conflicts in the construction industry. Across decades, the Volpe family's Italian heritage and sense of loyalty bind them, with "The Family is Everything" serving as both a literal and figurative anchor. It underscores the central role of family in shaping identities and decisions. The narrative is rich with historical context, moral lessons, and a celebration of family as the cornerstone of life.

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2025