Black Madonna

by Frank G. Paci

1982 OBERON PRESS SOFTCOVER

198 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Marilena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enormously liked this book that focuses on an Italian-Canadian family. Traditions are rendered with much attention, as well as the differences between generations, the theme of belonging or NOT belonging. The dramatism of the whole novel is built around Assunta and her relationship with her children. Not being able to learn English, Assunta cannot perfectly communicate with her own son and daughter and finds herself limited to her Italian friends. The breach between mother and children gets enlarged. Only after her death and after opening the...Hope Chest...will Marie and Joey discover the cause of their mother's behaviour and will they accept their Italian heritage. Marie wearing the black dress and Joey building a pyramid are clear acceptances of their Italian roots. Moreover Marie decides to visit her relatives from Italy, going there to a wedding.
Aspects like the importance of studies and how family affects personal evolution are also treated in the book, yet all ending in an optimistic tone.
The title must refer to the customs of seriously mourning one's relatives, but also to the high importance paid to religion. Assunta is indeed a...BLACK MADONNA.
Very moving novel! Congratulations to Frank Paci!

[Keith B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paci knows the immigrant experience. The fact that it all takes place in my home town in this book just makes it that more authentic to me. While not being Italian, I grew up in a neighbourhood and went to school with a large immigrant population, and while I didn't understand it back then, I sure absorbed a lot of it.

Much of what he writes here strikes me deeply beyond the immigrant connection. The relationship and responsibility between parent and child; siblings; community. Great book and wish I had discovered Frank earlier. Perhaps I can appreciate it better now better than I would have years ago...

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

The themes in the book can be intercultural and steps out of the bounds of just Italian immigration. As a Chinese second generation, this book has opened my eyes to the sufferings and sacrifices of my parents. Truly a masterpiece

[Marc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Immigrant Italo-Canadian mad-libs save for a searing burn where Mom undermines her daughter’s emerging sexuality by referencing the skid marks in her undies