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The Lady of Sing Sing: An American Countess, an Italian Immigrant, and Their Epic Battle for Justice in New York's Gilded Age
This “gripping social history” (Publishers Weekly), with all the passion and pathos of a classic opera, chronicles the riveting first campaign against the death penalty waged in 1895 by American pioneer activist, Cora Slocomb, Countess of Brazzà, to save the life of a twenty-year-old illiterate Italian immigrant, Maria Barbella, who killed the man who had abused her.
Previously published as The Trials of Maria Barbella. In 1895, a twenty-two-year-old Italian seamstress named Maria Barbella was accused of murdering her lover, Domenico Cataldo, after he seduced her and broke his promise to marry her. Following a sensational trial filled with inept lawyers, dishonest reporters and editors, and a crooked judge repaying political favors, the illiterate immigrant became the first woman sentenced to the newly invented electric chair at Sing Sing, where she is also the first female prisoner. Behind the scenes, a corporate war raged for the monopoly of electricity pitting two giants, Edison and Westinghouse with Nikola Tesla at his side, against each other.
Enter Cora Slocomb, an American-born Italian aristocrat and activist, who launched the first campaign against the death penalty to save Maria. Rallying the New York press, Cora reached out across the social divide—from the mansions of Fifth Avenue to the tenements of Little Italy. Maria’s “crime of honor” quickly becomes a cause celebre, seizing the nation’s attention. Idanna Pucci, Cora’s great-granddaughter, masterfully recounts this astonishing story by drawing on original research and documents from the US and Italy. This dramatic page-turner, interwoven with twists and unexpected turns, grapples with the tragedy of immigration, capital punishment, ethnic prejudice, criminal justice, corporate greed, violence against women, and a woman’s right to reject the role of victim. Over a century later, this story is as urgent as ever.
Previously published as The Trials of Maria Barbella. In 1895, a twenty-two-year-old Italian seamstress named Maria Barbella was accused of murdering her lover, Domenico Cataldo, after he seduced her and broke his promise to marry her. Following a sensational trial filled with inept lawyers, dishonest reporters and editors, and a crooked judge repaying political favors, the illiterate immigrant became the first woman sentenced to the newly invented electric chair at Sing Sing, where she is also the first female prisoner. Behind the scenes, a corporate war raged for the monopoly of electricity pitting two giants, Edison and Westinghouse with Nikola Tesla at his side, against each other.
Enter Cora Slocomb, an American-born Italian aristocrat and activist, who launched the first campaign against the death penalty to save Maria. Rallying the New York press, Cora reached out across the social divide—from the mansions of Fifth Avenue to the tenements of Little Italy. Maria’s “crime of honor” quickly becomes a cause celebre, seizing the nation’s attention. Idanna Pucci, Cora’s great-granddaughter, masterfully recounts this astonishing story by drawing on original research and documents from the US and Italy. This dramatic page-turner, interwoven with twists and unexpected turns, grapples with the tragedy of immigration, capital punishment, ethnic prejudice, criminal justice, corporate greed, violence against women, and a woman’s right to reject the role of victim. Over a century later, this story is as urgent as ever.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 1996
57 people are currently reading
3433 people want to read
About the author
Idanna Pucci
9 books31 followers Since leaving her ancestral home in Florence, Italy, Idanna Pucci pursued her interest in diverse cultures through far-flung journeys. Her first stop was New York, where she worked for her uncle, fashion designer Emilio Pucci, who introduced her to Indonesian iconography through his work inspired by Bali and Java.
She soon moved to Bali, where she pursued her interest in myth and the oral tradition. . Various assignments for Asia Magazine enabled her to travel throughout South East Asia and Japan, and across the Soviet Union on the last steam engine of the Trans-Siberian railway. During her Comparative Literature studies at Columbia University, she wrote "The Epic of Life," a classic on Balinese culture.
She has produced various documentaries: “Eugenia of Patagonia” on the life of her aunt who founded a town at the end of the world, and served as its legendary mayor for thirty years; “Black Africa White Marble”, inspired by her book "Brazza in Congo: A Life and Legacy" (Umbrage, 2009) that sheds light on Western Africa’s colonial past and its troubled present; and more recently “Talk Radio Tehran” about defiant women in Iran who fulfill their aspirations in spite of the gender-apartheid system that dominates their lives.
She is also the author of "The Lady of Sing: an American Countess, an Italian Immigrant, and their Epic Battle for Justice in New York’s Gilded Age" (New Edition, Simon & Schuster, NY, 2020 - with the preface by Edgar Morin). It’s the story of her American great-grandmother who shook New York’s Gilded Age in 1895 with the first campaign against the death penalty to save the first woman sentenced to the electric chair, a twenty year old Italian immigrant.
In "The World Odyssey of a Balinese Prince" (Tuttle Publishing, VT 2020) a collection of true stories between East and West with a foreword by Francesco Clemente, she narrates the extraordinary life of a cultural visionary and medical doctor whose daring adventures transcend borders.
Idanna serves as an ambassador of Religions for Peace, the world’s largest interfaith organization. She speaks Italian, English, French, and reasonable Bahasa Indonesia. She resides with her husband between Florence and New York.
She soon moved to Bali, where she pursued her interest in myth and the oral tradition. . Various assignments for Asia Magazine enabled her to travel throughout South East Asia and Japan, and across the Soviet Union on the last steam engine of the Trans-Siberian railway. During her Comparative Literature studies at Columbia University, she wrote "The Epic of Life," a classic on Balinese culture.
She has produced various documentaries: “Eugenia of Patagonia” on the life of her aunt who founded a town at the end of the world, and served as its legendary mayor for thirty years; “Black Africa White Marble”, inspired by her book "Brazza in Congo: A Life and Legacy" (Umbrage, 2009) that sheds light on Western Africa’s colonial past and its troubled present; and more recently “Talk Radio Tehran” about defiant women in Iran who fulfill their aspirations in spite of the gender-apartheid system that dominates their lives.
She is also the author of "The Lady of Sing: an American Countess, an Italian Immigrant, and their Epic Battle for Justice in New York’s Gilded Age" (New Edition, Simon & Schuster, NY, 2020 - with the preface by Edgar Morin). It’s the story of her American great-grandmother who shook New York’s Gilded Age in 1895 with the first campaign against the death penalty to save the first woman sentenced to the electric chair, a twenty year old Italian immigrant.
In "The World Odyssey of a Balinese Prince" (Tuttle Publishing, VT 2020) a collection of true stories between East and West with a foreword by Francesco Clemente, she narrates the extraordinary life of a cultural visionary and medical doctor whose daring adventures transcend borders.
Idanna serves as an ambassador of Religions for Peace, the world’s largest interfaith organization. She speaks Italian, English, French, and reasonable Bahasa Indonesia. She resides with her husband between Florence and New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 18, 2012
This book was definitely intriguing. I absolutely love the story of Maria Barbella, an Italian immigrant in the Mulberry District of New York City, slitting the throat of her lover, going on trial for murder (twice), being the first woman to be sentenced to death by the electric chair, living on death row in Sing Sing, and being acquitted based on the defense of epilepsy. What is even better is that the story is true. What is terrible is that it has been forgotten in history, as many such events and people have been.
As the only known book (by me) written about Maria Barbella, this narrative was extremely useful when I wrote my Masters History Thesis on Italian immigrants and American representations of their criminality in art and media. Pucci made me aware of this case and I used the book as a stepping-stone to my own research in the primary documents concerning Maria Barbella. Written in a narrative form, it was not only engaging and read like a great murder fiction novel, but laid out the events and the issues of the murder and trial quite coherently. I am a firm believer in history being written to captivate readers.
What frustrated me about this book was Pucci DID NOT CITE ANYTHING. While she notes that she researched extensively in archives, newspaper databases, and her family papers, she did not use any footnotes or other type of citation to tell the reader where she got her evidence from. This is a big problem for me when writing about history. I was able to corroborate many of her claims with my own research but there were instances where I had no idea where she got her information from or how she could have possibly known some things. Additionally, I was uncomfortable with her interjections on the part of the historical figures such as Cora Slocomb or Mrs. Foster. Writing their personal thoughts and emotions is just speculation and I do not think it has a place in a book like this. Thankfully, there were only a few instances where this occurred. Additionally, at times the book seemed to be an homage to Cora, the author's grandmother. While it is true she played a role in the trials, there was too much focus and too much adulation on her.
While this book may fall under the genre of true crime (one I am not familiar with), I believe there are certain ways to treat a historical event when writing about it. Nevertheless, as a whole the book was a good and fast read and Pucci deserves praise for bringing this story to light and unburying it from the tombs of the unknown past.
As the only known book (by me) written about Maria Barbella, this narrative was extremely useful when I wrote my Masters History Thesis on Italian immigrants and American representations of their criminality in art and media. Pucci made me aware of this case and I used the book as a stepping-stone to my own research in the primary documents concerning Maria Barbella. Written in a narrative form, it was not only engaging and read like a great murder fiction novel, but laid out the events and the issues of the murder and trial quite coherently. I am a firm believer in history being written to captivate readers.
What frustrated me about this book was Pucci DID NOT CITE ANYTHING. While she notes that she researched extensively in archives, newspaper databases, and her family papers, she did not use any footnotes or other type of citation to tell the reader where she got her evidence from. This is a big problem for me when writing about history. I was able to corroborate many of her claims with my own research but there were instances where I had no idea where she got her information from or how she could have possibly known some things. Additionally, I was uncomfortable with her interjections on the part of the historical figures such as Cora Slocomb or Mrs. Foster. Writing their personal thoughts and emotions is just speculation and I do not think it has a place in a book like this. Thankfully, there were only a few instances where this occurred. Additionally, at times the book seemed to be an homage to Cora, the author's grandmother. While it is true she played a role in the trials, there was too much focus and too much adulation on her.
While this book may fall under the genre of true crime (one I am not familiar with), I believe there are certain ways to treat a historical event when writing about it. Nevertheless, as a whole the book was a good and fast read and Pucci deserves praise for bringing this story to light and unburying it from the tombs of the unknown past.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2010
This book grabbed me and I could not put it down. Literally. I was thirsty but couldn't make myself stop reading to go get a drink, y'know how that is?
The framework is familiar to anyone who has read other historical true crime stories such as Thunderstruck: we follow two different protagonists who will cross paths. I found both protagonists' stories fascinating and the author doesn't get bogged down with telling the absolute details of absolutely everything or traipsing off on tangents as if to fill a required page count. This is a very fast read.
It is also an illumination of a mind-set incomprehensible to most of us today. Maria Barbella cut the throat of her rapist (not a spoiler - you know by page 5) while her mother was still engaged in the act of begging him to marry Maria - because it was better to marry your abuser than suffer the dishonor and shame of no longer being a virgin. (Her father wasn't there because he refused to see her, her honor being lost.)
This is a translation from Italian, and sometimes the translation is a little clunky, but you learn some Italian idioms, which is way cool. Also obscure facts, like the founder of organized crime in NYC was a woman.
If you like historical true crime, I think you'll enjoy this.
The framework is familiar to anyone who has read other historical true crime stories such as Thunderstruck: we follow two different protagonists who will cross paths. I found both protagonists' stories fascinating and the author doesn't get bogged down with telling the absolute details of absolutely everything or traipsing off on tangents as if to fill a required page count. This is a very fast read.
It is also an illumination of a mind-set incomprehensible to most of us today. Maria Barbella cut the throat of her rapist (not a spoiler - you know by page 5) while her mother was still engaged in the act of begging him to marry Maria - because it was better to marry your abuser than suffer the dishonor and shame of no longer being a virgin. (Her father wasn't there because he refused to see her, her honor being lost.)
This is a translation from Italian, and sometimes the translation is a little clunky, but you learn some Italian idioms, which is way cool. Also obscure facts, like the founder of organized crime in NYC was a woman.
If you like historical true crime, I think you'll enjoy this.
April 29, 2020
The Lady of Sing Sing by Idanna Pucci is a true crime story about Maria Barbella, an illiterate, twenty-two-year-old Italian immigrant, who was tried for murder for cutting her lover's throat in 1895. She was the first woman to be sentenced to death via the electric chair. Maria's case from the start had all the trappings that would make a fantastic political thriller: a crooked judge, inept lawyers, and corrupt reporters. But this isn't some blockbuster movie. It's real life. The travesties of this trial touch on so many issues still facing our country over a hundred years later. Immigration, capital punishment, prejudice, greed, feminism, and so much more.
Maria was seduced by Domenico Cataldo, who is probably rotting in hell as I type this review. After many promises of marriage, Domenico refused to honor his commitment. Maria cuts his throat. And while that seems like a cut and dry case, there is much much more to the story. Maria has a sham of a trial, but in this she is championed by Cora Slocomb and Ms. Rebecca Foster. Both women make it their mission to make sure Maria gets the justice that she deserves. They plead her case, raise funds, and they confront the injustices that Maria faces.
The Lady of Sing Sing is written by Cora Slocomb's great-granddaughter, Idanna Pucci and narrated by Lisa Flanagan. Lisa did an outstanding job narrating this book. I sat captivated not only by Pucci's' words, but also by Flanagan's ability to bring these words to life. I felt as if I were sitting in the court room with Maria. I had no idea who Maria Barbella was before I started reading this book, but I couldn't help but notice the similarities between her trial and some of today's social issues. We've come so far and yet we still have a ways to go. Our justice system is broken, and it has been for a long time. And poor Maria Barbella was a victim of this crooked system.
Maria was seduced by Domenico Cataldo, who is probably rotting in hell as I type this review. After many promises of marriage, Domenico refused to honor his commitment. Maria cuts his throat. And while that seems like a cut and dry case, there is much much more to the story. Maria has a sham of a trial, but in this she is championed by Cora Slocomb and Ms. Rebecca Foster. Both women make it their mission to make sure Maria gets the justice that she deserves. They plead her case, raise funds, and they confront the injustices that Maria faces.
The Lady of Sing Sing is written by Cora Slocomb's great-granddaughter, Idanna Pucci and narrated by Lisa Flanagan. Lisa did an outstanding job narrating this book. I sat captivated not only by Pucci's' words, but also by Flanagan's ability to bring these words to life. I felt as if I were sitting in the court room with Maria. I had no idea who Maria Barbella was before I started reading this book, but I couldn't help but notice the similarities between her trial and some of today's social issues. We've come so far and yet we still have a ways to go. Our justice system is broken, and it has been for a long time. And poor Maria Barbella was a victim of this crooked system.
April 18, 2024
4 stars
This book has another title -The Lady of Sing Sing: An American Countess, an Italian Immigrant, and Their Epic Battle for Justice in New York's Gilded Age.
This book has been on my shelf for a long time. I really thought I would like it once I finally picked it up - and I did. Although it was an intense read, it read smoothly and move along well.
Maria Barbella was an Italian immigrant who came to New York with her family. She could not speak English and was relatively shy and introverted. After being bamboozled by a gigolo, Domenico Cataldo, more than twice her age and drugged into submission, all she wanted was marriage to save her family's name. Cataldo refused marriage. Maria killed him.
As the story advances it puts Maria into position to be the first woman to be electrocuted in the United States, the electric chair having just been invented in mid 1890's. This book takes us through both her trials, tells of the many people who were on her side, both wealthy and poor, and the bad circumstances of the times, such as a jury of all white business men, not her peers, discrimination against women and against immigrants. Never being seen as a victim, Maria had a hard battle to fight.
One of women helping Maria was the great grandmother of the author. Countess di Braza, fluent in Italian, born in the United States, was a saving grace for Maria Barbella, not only teaching her English and the ways of American women, but helping her attain her freedom.
This book has another title -The Lady of Sing Sing: An American Countess, an Italian Immigrant, and Their Epic Battle for Justice in New York's Gilded Age.
This book has been on my shelf for a long time. I really thought I would like it once I finally picked it up - and I did. Although it was an intense read, it read smoothly and move along well.
Maria Barbella was an Italian immigrant who came to New York with her family. She could not speak English and was relatively shy and introverted. After being bamboozled by a gigolo, Domenico Cataldo, more than twice her age and drugged into submission, all she wanted was marriage to save her family's name. Cataldo refused marriage. Maria killed him.
As the story advances it puts Maria into position to be the first woman to be electrocuted in the United States, the electric chair having just been invented in mid 1890's. This book takes us through both her trials, tells of the many people who were on her side, both wealthy and poor, and the bad circumstances of the times, such as a jury of all white business men, not her peers, discrimination against women and against immigrants. Never being seen as a victim, Maria had a hard battle to fight.
One of women helping Maria was the great grandmother of the author. Countess di Braza, fluent in Italian, born in the United States, was a saving grace for Maria Barbella, not only teaching her English and the ways of American women, but helping her attain her freedom.
February 20, 2008
Grabbed a paperback for a trip to Europe; this was great! Learned of Italian immigrant life in US, wealthy Italian life, and the advent of electric chair -all in one story!
June 11, 2021
This was a real page turner for me. Very well researched. I found the courtroom drama and descriptions of prison and the Italian immigrant life to be very interesting. I could’ve read it in one sitting if I didn’t have to do things like make dinner and work!
March 7, 2021
I love books like this. How have I never heard of this? A great glimpse into a different time but still true crime to keep you engaged. Truth is certainly stranger than fiction.
July 10, 2020
Oh, Yah, baby!
I am not a big fan of non-fiction books, but this is the exception that proves the rule. It was fantastic! The story itself is as fabulous as it is true. Added to which, it is so well written. It reads easily, pulls you in, has you rooting for Maria every step of the way, and finally delivers a wonderful ending. When the second trial concluded, (I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read this great book yet,) the epilogue was like an amazing dessert after a perfect meal. It told exactly what happened to everyone. All the wonderful women I had come to care for were accounted. Their lives and families were beautifully wrapped up and carefully, happily tucked away. It felt like putting away a family album after having gone through a warm afternoon going through memories of old times. It was just grand! It reminded me a little of the great adventures and trials my own Hungarian ancestors went through when they arrived in America. Not as terrible as Maria's, to be sure, but harrowing, nonetheless.
All in all, this was a great non-fiction book.
I am not a big fan of non-fiction books, but this is the exception that proves the rule. It was fantastic! The story itself is as fabulous as it is true. Added to which, it is so well written. It reads easily, pulls you in, has you rooting for Maria every step of the way, and finally delivers a wonderful ending. When the second trial concluded, (I won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read this great book yet,) the epilogue was like an amazing dessert after a perfect meal. It told exactly what happened to everyone. All the wonderful women I had come to care for were accounted. Their lives and families were beautifully wrapped up and carefully, happily tucked away. It felt like putting away a family album after having gone through a warm afternoon going through memories of old times. It was just grand! It reminded me a little of the great adventures and trials my own Hungarian ancestors went through when they arrived in America. Not as terrible as Maria's, to be sure, but harrowing, nonetheless.
All in all, this was a great non-fiction book.
March 23, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, Idanna Pucci and the publisher for granting my wish and providing me an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
As a granddaughter of an Italian immigrant, who also entered the US through Ellis Island and made his home/life in NYC, I was absolutely intrigued by this book.
The author does a loving and honest tribute to her family with this book and a lot of research to get it right. I, like others, found it very hard to put down and finished it in one day. The assistance she received from the Countess, the Tomb Angel and others was amazing and brave for women at that time and makes you wonder what would have been her outcome if they were not there to help her.
A great read with a terrific ending which tells the rest of the story of where the characters lives ended up.
A highly recommended read!
As a granddaughter of an Italian immigrant, who also entered the US through Ellis Island and made his home/life in NYC, I was absolutely intrigued by this book.
The author does a loving and honest tribute to her family with this book and a lot of research to get it right. I, like others, found it very hard to put down and finished it in one day. The assistance she received from the Countess, the Tomb Angel and others was amazing and brave for women at that time and makes you wonder what would have been her outcome if they were not there to help her.
A great read with a terrific ending which tells the rest of the story of where the characters lives ended up.
A highly recommended read!
May 31, 2022
I'm going with 3 stars. I definitely enjoyed the book. However, I would have preferred more of a balance. There was not enough attention paid to any one aspect of the story and that left me wanting to know more.
September 11, 2025
This story, and all the women involved are truly inspiring. Their stories deserve to be told.
November 22, 2022
Compelling historical fiction read. The story follows the characters over time and across the ocean. The story remains relevant today.
July 3, 2021
Guys, I cannot tell you how excited I get to read a book about a historical topic that I've heard nothing about. The fact that this book has been released in previous formats under other names makes me wonder that much more WHY I have never read it before now.
This book was absolutely fascinating, and I was drawn in from the very first page. Being that the author is a descendent of one of the stories major players made me see the story in a different light that if it has been someone unrelated. Hands down, the best part of this book is the amount of research that obviously went into writing this book. For the author to find this level of meticulous detail regarding an event that took place so long ago, it really shined through how much care went into telling this story.
I will definitely be recommending this book to anyone I come across that loves history like I do.
This book was absolutely fascinating, and I was drawn in from the very first page. Being that the author is a descendent of one of the stories major players made me see the story in a different light that if it has been someone unrelated. Hands down, the best part of this book is the amount of research that obviously went into writing this book. For the author to find this level of meticulous detail regarding an event that took place so long ago, it really shined through how much care went into telling this story.
I will definitely be recommending this book to anyone I come across that loves history like I do.
April 4, 2021
Surprisingly quick read. The details and the research were fantastic! was hooked on the story almost right away.
I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book, I didn't think the opening of the book helped to explain what the story was about. I was confused for a while until I got into the book a bit more.
I will say the part I seemed to enjoy the most was the afterword. All the decedents of the people that were mentioned in the book were meeting up and making connections. I thought it added another layer to the story which I loved.
I was a bit confused at the beginning of the book, I didn't think the opening of the book helped to explain what the story was about. I was confused for a while until I got into the book a bit more.
I will say the part I seemed to enjoy the most was the afterword. All the decedents of the people that were mentioned in the book were meeting up and making connections. I thought it added another layer to the story which I loved.
April 5, 2011
I'm very intrigued right now reading the first 100 pages. It reminds me of Chicago the movie, less dramatic. But the movie has a lot of the fictional settings like the book of Maria Barbella. Reading about our flawed justice system in the late early 1900s is reminiscent of the justice system now, it should be unbiased, but that is never truly the case even in the 21st century.
June 8, 2016
Che libro! E' la storia vera di una immigrante italiana che, dopo un processo sommario pieno di razzismo all'incontro degli immigranti italiani, era la prima donna condannata alla sedia elettrica in America.
E' una vera lezione di storia che si legge come un romanzo.
Da leggere assolutamente.
No alla pena di morte.
E' una vera lezione di storia che si legge come un romanzo.
Da leggere assolutamente.
No alla pena di morte.
February 28, 2021
What a thrill to have encountered this magnificent book! Every single page held me spellbound. Not only is this true story about Italian Maria Barbella who killed an abusive man in the late 1800s in New York riveting but I am very familiar with Udine and Ferradina, both communities in Italy, both key to the story. The author is the great great granddaughter of the ambitious American aristocrat Cora Slocomb who married an Italian man. Cora was a tireless humanitarian with a remarkable personality and advocated on Maria's behalf as she had an unfair trial. Incidentally, Cora started a lace-making co-op in Italy and began many human rights organizations.
As a young and incredibly naive and shy woman Maria emigrated from an impoverished environment in Italy to New York and spoke no English. She was also illiterate. Unfortunately, Italians immigrants were treated abysmally in New York as well. Maria was noticed by a man and fell in love (or the idea of it) who took her honour in exchange for promises of marriage. When he brutally rescinded that promise Maria used a razor to slit his throat as she was left with nothing. However, she had no memory of the action and was exploited in her trial because of this and her illiteracy. Her unusually harsh judge sentenced her to death by the electric chair which was still new. Interestingly, the author describes the US energy supply companies Westinghouse and Edison and the first person to be electrocuted. We see the question of insanity and self defense, too.
Kind and down to earth Rebecca Foster visited women in Sing Sing prison each day to offer hope. Maria's story crushed her so she advocated for her along with Cora. The author describes so much from the personalities involved to the realities of prison and fear of execution as well as Maria's trial and re-trial which came much later. Also fascinating are the descriptions of what happened to each person involved, some poignant and moving.
This book was written and published several years ago but is being re-published with an incredible update! I will just say that the author's family story could not be more intriguing. The author returns to the Udine area (not far from Venice) and Ferradina, Southern Italy to seek answers. The emotions she must have felt...
It is not possible to recommend this book more highly. Though tragic it is also inspiring and hopeful as we see kindness in action. It gave me goosebumps!
My sincere thank you to Tiller Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this compelling ARC!
As a young and incredibly naive and shy woman Maria emigrated from an impoverished environment in Italy to New York and spoke no English. She was also illiterate. Unfortunately, Italians immigrants were treated abysmally in New York as well. Maria was noticed by a man and fell in love (or the idea of it) who took her honour in exchange for promises of marriage. When he brutally rescinded that promise Maria used a razor to slit his throat as she was left with nothing. However, she had no memory of the action and was exploited in her trial because of this and her illiteracy. Her unusually harsh judge sentenced her to death by the electric chair which was still new. Interestingly, the author describes the US energy supply companies Westinghouse and Edison and the first person to be electrocuted. We see the question of insanity and self defense, too.
Kind and down to earth Rebecca Foster visited women in Sing Sing prison each day to offer hope. Maria's story crushed her so she advocated for her along with Cora. The author describes so much from the personalities involved to the realities of prison and fear of execution as well as Maria's trial and re-trial which came much later. Also fascinating are the descriptions of what happened to each person involved, some poignant and moving.
This book was written and published several years ago but is being re-published with an incredible update! I will just say that the author's family story could not be more intriguing. The author returns to the Udine area (not far from Venice) and Ferradina, Southern Italy to seek answers. The emotions she must have felt...
It is not possible to recommend this book more highly. Though tragic it is also inspiring and hopeful as we see kindness in action. It gave me goosebumps!
My sincere thank you to Tiller Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this compelling ARC!
May 15, 2021
I was overwhelmed by this magnificent book. It is an extremely well researched,, emotional as well as factual story of Maria Barbella's seduction, and subsequent abuse by her lover, his death, her subsequent arrest, trial, conviction and sentence of death in the electric chair in 1895.. At the same time it is also the fascinating story of the Countess of Brazza and her long and tortuous road to save Maria from the electric chair. If it were not for her heroic efforts it is doubtful that Maria would ever have been acquitted in a second trial. For that matter the fact that she even received a second trial was largely due to the enormous support she received from Cora di Brazza. An American woman originally from New Orleans who married an Italian count Deltamo di Brazza whose family was well known for scientific pursuits and many philanthropic enterprises Cora developed a close relationship with Maria and fought for her fiercely. The book uncovers many instances of discrimination against minorities, in particular at that time, the Italians and I can relate being the daughter of an Italian immigrant. It is difficult today to even imagine the amount of prejudice that existed then but unfortunately as illustrated in this true story it existed.. The role of the AC/DC controversy between Thomas Edison who was in favor of DC and Westinghouse (AC) and the use of the electric chair played a sinister part of this saga.. It is hard to believe that Thomas Edison could have used his influence in this case to be pro-death penalty but the evidence seems to point to it. The last section of the book emotionally written by Cora's great grand-daughter describes the lengths she went to in order to track down Marias direct descendants which she succeeded in doing. All in all, I highly recommend this book to readers and am grateful to Net Galley and Simon and Schuster for the opportunity to read this marvelous story.
April 3, 2021
In 1895, American pioneer activist Cora Slocomb, Countess of Brazzà, waged a campaign against the death penalty. Her attempts sought to save the life of a twenty-year-old illiterate Italian immigrant Maria Barbella who killed her lover Domenico Cataldo after he seduced her, abused her and broke his promise to marry her.
Maria was the first female prisoner in Sing Sing and the first woman sentenced to die in the electric chair. This book details her sensational trial marked by inept lawyers, dishonest reporters and editors, and a crooked judge. It details the appeal trial, too, and the author's reconciliation with Maria's descendants today.
Readers also discover details about the death penalty in America. The author outlines her argument against the death penalty. I also found it interesting that this case includes a corporate war waged for the monopoly of electricity between Thomas Edison and Westinghouse, a main reason Maria was sentenced to the electric chair.
In this book, readers learn about the tragedy of immigration, capital punishment, ethnic prejudice, criminal justice, corporate greed, violence against women, and a woman’s right to reject the role of victim. Over a century later, this story is as urgent as ever.
Maria was the first female prisoner in Sing Sing and the first woman sentenced to die in the electric chair. This book details her sensational trial marked by inept lawyers, dishonest reporters and editors, and a crooked judge. It details the appeal trial, too, and the author's reconciliation with Maria's descendants today.
Readers also discover details about the death penalty in America. The author outlines her argument against the death penalty. I also found it interesting that this case includes a corporate war waged for the monopoly of electricity between Thomas Edison and Westinghouse, a main reason Maria was sentenced to the electric chair.
In this book, readers learn about the tragedy of immigration, capital punishment, ethnic prejudice, criminal justice, corporate greed, violence against women, and a woman’s right to reject the role of victim. Over a century later, this story is as urgent as ever.
July 4, 2025
What a truly remarkable, gripping, thoroughly researched story about women's courage, perseverance, and resilience in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles. I can't even describe the turmoil, frustrations, twists, the injustices, the work and struggles these women had to face and endure. Maria Barbella, the woman sentenced to die in the electric chair. Cora Slocomb, the Countess di Brazza, an American woman who married into Italian nobility. Rebecca Salome Foster, the "Tombs Angel" (the New York City Prison was referred to as "the Tombs). Julia Sage, wife of the Warden of Sing Sing prison. Maria's story, their story, is riveting and brought to life with detail, heart, and clarity by the Countess' great granddaughter, Idanna Pucci. The courtroom drama drew directly from transcripts and was thrilling. The surprises just kept on coming, page after page, through the epilogue and afterword, even after Maria's fate was sealed in the final verdict. WOW.
August 23, 2020
1895: Italian immigrant Maria Barbella is convicted of murdering her doubletiming lover and sentenced to death. Her cause is taken up by an American-born countess (married to an Italian count), a female prison warden, and the Sing Sing administrator's wife. The retrial resulted in a pardon. Author Idanna Pucci is the great-granddaughter of the countess but the story of her ancestor's advocacy was nearly lost forever.
The book was published in Italy in 1995 then translated and published in the U.S. This new edition includes "what happened next" in which Pucci relates how she has met Barbella's descendants.
I don't doubt the authenticity of the story but it is unfortunate/surprising that NO citations are given for ANY of the quoted newspaper accounts. And the author too often tells us what Maria thought. That's pure conjecture.
The book was published in Italy in 1995 then translated and published in the U.S. This new edition includes "what happened next" in which Pucci relates how she has met Barbella's descendants.
I don't doubt the authenticity of the story but it is unfortunate/surprising that NO citations are given for ANY of the quoted newspaper accounts. And the author too often tells us what Maria thought. That's pure conjecture.
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June 1, 2024For some reason there are no stars to click on--however, I give this book 5 stars (*****). It was beautifully written. The author weaves in many historical and societal happenings and movers and shakers of the time as she tells the tale of Maria Barbella (a poor Italian immigrant to the U.S.) and Cora Slocomb di Brazza (an American married to an Italian Count). To make it all that much richer, the author is the great granddaughter of the Countess. It is one of those non fiction stories that reads like a story book, and makes one look long and hard at justice (or sometimes the lack thereof), racial and ethnic prejudice, capital punishment, prisons, big business, yellow journalism, and suffrage. This is an amazing story. Perhaps the best perk is that it has inspired me to search for more books on some of these topics. (Isn't reading fun?)
August 31, 2020
The incredible true story of the two trials of Maria Barbella…….. sentenced to death via the electric chair at the turn of the century.
Italian speaking Maria was taken in by a serial seducer with promises of marriage, only to be tossed aside and treated cruelly by her ' true love '. His throat is cut by Maria true, but what of the circumstances involved? Leniency for her ignorance? Mental illness? Epilepsy??
What I loved about the book is that it comes full circle.....I think there were some heavenly strings pulled for this author as she connects her ties to the story with descendants of Maria!
Italian speaking Maria was taken in by a serial seducer with promises of marriage, only to be tossed aside and treated cruelly by her ' true love '. His throat is cut by Maria true, but what of the circumstances involved? Leniency for her ignorance? Mental illness? Epilepsy??
What I loved about the book is that it comes full circle.....I think there were some heavenly strings pulled for this author as she connects her ties to the story with descendants of Maria!
July 1, 2021
I enjoyed this book for the historical context and the story. My grandfather was one of the original prison guards at Sing Sing so, the title caught my attention. I thought the Author did an excellent job 'telling the story' from different perspectives, which offered a broad picture of the events. The book appeared to be well researched and I enjoyed the Author's personal connection to the story.
I particularly enjoyed the Epilogue and the story after the story, which brought the book to life.
Many thanks to the Author, NetGalley and Tiller Press for the opportunity to read and review this interesting book.
jb/
https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/
I particularly enjoyed the Epilogue and the story after the story, which brought the book to life.
Many thanks to the Author, NetGalley and Tiller Press for the opportunity to read and review this interesting book.
jb/
https://seniorbooklounge.blogspot.com/
June 25, 2024
Powerful story. This is the story of the 1st woman sentenced to death by the electric chair and how people came together to rise up and change that. The granddaughter is the author of the book and tells the story about her grandmother and what she did to help save this woman, Maria. I could feel the charge that must have been happening during all of this. The news, the gossip, the politics. The epilogue was very moving. Idanna, after must searching, connects with Maria's grandchildren and becomes friends for life.
February 4, 2021
I had never heard of this story before; the book was a gift. Reading it, I got frustrated seeing not only how women were treated more than 100 years ago, but Italian immigrants as a whole. In the Trump era, not much has change other than the immigrants who are disparaged. A quote from Susan B. Anthony is as pertinent today as it was then: The essence of Americanism is that no government is just which does not rest upon the consent of the governed.
January 10, 2024
I loved this book so much that I got a portait tattoo of Maria Barbella on my thigh. Her story is truly inspiring. Dealing with the racist overtones in court to being held in solitary confinement in a foreign country, she went through a lot and the ending gave me such a sigh of relief. This book goes into detail about her challenges in the court room (both trials), and who was willing to help her. I highly recommend this book if you’re into crime/law/mental health.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2020
Reading historical court dramas gets me depressed and upset. Maria B was convicted by an all male jury. She had ineffective counsel. The judge was as fair from fair as you can be.
This was an incredible story about newspapers, electricity, punishment, and the criminal justice system in New York. I really enjoyed it!
This was an incredible story about newspapers, electricity, punishment, and the criminal justice system in New York. I really enjoyed it!
November 30, 2021
Very dry and relies heavily on verbatim court records.
I think it's interesting that the authors seem to view Maria as a heroine. The victim did terrible things to Maria, but in their crusade against the death penalty they seem to ignore the fact that Maria was judge jury and executioner of the victim!
I think it's interesting that the authors seem to view Maria as a heroine. The victim did terrible things to Maria, but in their crusade against the death penalty they seem to ignore the fact that Maria was judge jury and executioner of the victim!
November 6, 2022
The author sure did her homework, I'll give her that. It must have been difficult to gather all the information that she did. It's just....much of it was rather dry. Maybe a bit TOO detailed? I'll be perfectly honest & say that I skimmed much of the last third of the book. I read the salient parts. It was just too much.
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