Beyond the Cobblestones

by Luisa Livorno Ramondo

Claudia lives in a very small town in Southern Italy where the cobblestone streets are so narrow you can’t have a car, not that there is any money for one. No money, no food and barely any education. All around her is poverty and nothing to do but marry a local boy and start a family of her own. But Claudia has a feeling that there’s more for her out in the world. One fateful visit from a distant relative and suddenly she knows what she needs to do. Despite all the obstacles she knows she will face, Claudia sets out on a very difficult and unknown journey that challenges her every step of the way. A journey that will either be the best thing she’s ever done or the biggest mistake of her life.Beyond the Cobblestones is a heartwarming tale based on true stories told to the author by her parents. It reminds us that it is important to stay true to oneself; to follow one’s dreams. Readers will feel inspired by this story to take action in their own lives and follow their passions!Read what other authors are saying about Beyond the Cobblestones...→"Luisa Livorno Ramondo has written a personal, deeply felt immigration story that has resonance in the moment. For those readers who would like a first hand account of how one girl turned a life of poverty, pain and betrayal into a life of aspiration and meaning, this is the story for you! Beyond the Cobblestones is a place where dreams come true in a new home called America." — Adriana Trigiani, New York Times bestselling author of The Good Left Undone→ "In Beyond the Cobblestones, Luisa Livorno Ramondo beautifully captures the essence of poverty and the dreams of escape which it inspires. From the hardest of soil, a flower emerges in a compelling coming-of-age story told through a compelling prose style that reflects the beauty of the narrative. This heartfelt story is a must-read for anyone who is inspired by tales of perseverance and the spirit to pursue dreams." — Andrew Cotto, award-winning author and regular contributor to The New York Times→“Beyond The Cobblestones is a portal into the mind, heart and soul of my immigrant Italian grandparents. The storylines and landscapes transported me into the struggles and triumphs of hearty people deeply committed to family and fiercely determined to make life better.” — Cara Bradley, author of On The Wake Up, Show Up and Shine. →“This story really pulls you in and makes you want to follow her journey as she figures out how to get to America.” — Anne E. Hill, author of Lerner Books

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Book Club

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2021

About the author

Luisa Ramondo, affectionately known for her Italian heritage and nurturing traits, makes her literary debut with “Beyond the Cobblestones,” a passion project that’s been in the works for years. Inspired by tales of her mother’s journey from the villages of Italy to the bustling cities of America.

She is an award-winning real estate agent who lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and three sons. When she’s not writing or selling houses, Luisa can be found on the tennis courts, on a yoga mat, or in the kitchen.

Luisa is known for her natural cooking abilities and effortless entertaining skills. Scents of tomato and basil waft through her welcoming home as she regularly delights her friends and family with Sunday dinners – experiences she’s carried from her own youth that have inspired this lively tale!

Reviews

[Kim Hannum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start this inspiring read with a cup of coffee and you'll end it with a glass of wine. This book is a fine day well spent. Much like Linda Sue Park's "A Long Walk to Water," the author's simply told style allows for a quick read about a life of endless complexities. This is an emotional journey of challenges, heartbreaks and victories where you never stop routing for the conflicted underdog. I am equally in awe of the main character as I am the author - both vulnerably throwing themselves into the world. No matter your own personal story, there is a Claudia and Luisa in all of us.

[Luisa Ramondo]

This is my first novel and I just love the path that my main character, Claudia Valentino has taken. I'd like to say that when I started writing this book, I had a pretty good idea of where Claudia was going. However, as the book evolved, it was almost as if Claudia took her own path, and did what she wanted to do. It's fitting that this character, as strong and determined as she is, controlled the story even while I was writing it. I found this fascinating and wanted to share! Hope you enjoy reading this book!

[Laurie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this wonderful book! I didn’t want it to end! It’s the author’s first novel, but I sincerely hope that it is not her last. I truly felt the character’s emotions and visualized the surroundings. Not all writers can make you see and feel through words on a page. She was able to do it. That’s something special. I would, actually, like a sequel. I fell in love with Claudia and want to know more!

[Carolyn Belveal · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today's world where it seems everyone expects a handout, it was refreshing to follow the journey of a women with dedication and perseverance to achieve her dreams. Simple, yet great read. Very impressed with new author Luisa Ramondo!

[Melody Ramondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book to read it’s one of those books you pick up and don’t want to put down. Rather than a day I can’t wait for the next one to come out. Highly recommended

[Ken Nebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our book club just completed a wonderful discussion of “Beyond the Cobblestones.” There are so many aspects of this story that reminded each of us how important perseverance & hard work are in achieving goals and dreams. I truly believe it’s an appropriate read for all ages……I think it would be a particularly good read for younger students…..a primer on how fortunate we are to live in America. Ms. Ramondo was gracious enough to join our group by phone for a Q&A. Definitely an author we look forward to reading more of her work. Highly recommend this wonderful novel for all age groups.

[Linda Rozanski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story about Claudia Valentino, a 17-year-old girl who lives in a small village in southern Italy. She is the second to the oldest sibling in a family of 10 kids. They live on a narrow, dark cobblestone street, too narrow to even have a car, but it serves as a playground for all of the kids in the neighborhood. Although they are very poor, her mother has a baby almost every single year and consequently there are many chores Claudia must do daily, including walking down to the town center fountain to obtain water for the family for the day.
Claudia dreams of a better life for herself and is determined to get a college education and move to America. Against all odds this is what she pursues.
Though based on true stories told by the author’s parents, it is written more like a teenage diary. I did not find it to be a very compelling story.

[Kathleen Payne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beyond the Cobblestones is a wonderful read about a young ambitious Italian girl from a small village in southern Italy. She has big dreams for herself and with a very determined spirit works towards that goal. The book is written by the daughter of her mothers journey in life to get to America. For a self published book, I found it a fun easy read. The writing is not very complicated but the story line is rich in detail and determination!

[Christie Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I wanted to keep reading to see what was going to happen next. I sure hope she writes a sequel because I want to know what happens to her. I was a little disappointed she didn’t take it further but maybe she is going to continue the story in a sequel. I would recommend this book.

[Brittany]

Beyond the Cobblestones- Luisa Livorno Ramondo

“To wanting more and having the strength to fight for it!”

Beyond the Cobblestones is an inspiring and heartwarming story about a young girl, Claudia, who is determined to experience life beyond her small town in Southern Italy. She’s grown up having very little money, food, and education, but still remains hopeful of a brighter future. Despite continuously being told that she will never go to college or make it to America, she continues to work hard and keep her goals at the forefront of her journey.

-

Although I mainly read romance, I couldn’t pass this one up when the author reached out to send me a copy. This is such a special story and one that everyone can be inspired by. I immediately found myself wondering what was next for Claudia after finishing the last page. I hope she’s happy and living a life full of joy, passion, and love.

Thank you, Luisa, for sending Beyond the Cobblestones to me and for sharing your family’s story with us through Claudia 🤍

[Emily Quid]

Beyond the Cobblestones by Luisa Livorno Ramondo

*Because the book is based on the author’s own familial history, I will not be providing a star rating.

“To wanting more and having the strength to fight for it”

Beyond the Cobblestones is a simple, yet heart-warming book that delicately and thoughtfully glimpses the world of a young woman with a dream. Set in a small, impoverished town in Southern Italy, readers follow Claudia Valentino as she journeys to America in hopes of a better life.

Ramondo’s striking imagery was a major highlight for me while reading; it actualized poverty as a violent, destructive force against the nuclear family, amplifying Claudia’s strength and courage in relation.

There are so many genuinely moving moments in the novel that I wish to share with you, but I figure it is better for you to experience them yourself. I do, however, suggest keeping a box of tissues nearby!

Nothing but love for this beautiful story and the author’s craft.

[Megen LaVine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am savoring this book. Luisa beautifully captures the experience of her grandmother growing up in a small Italian town and dreaming of a different life in America. As a first-generation American, I hear so much of her story in the story of my father and his family, the values that were instilled, the desire for more, the bravery to achieve it, and the appreciation for what it means to be an American. The story is written from the voice of young Claudia - simply and beautifully describing the life which she is living and the life which she yearns to live.

In addition to being a wonderful storyteller, Luisa is a friend and member of our local community. I highly recommend her book and encourage everyone to support her by reading it!

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=beyond+the...

[ADLYZ CALIMAN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conocí a @ramondoluisa en la Feria del Libro de Miami este Noviembre pasado. Me llamo la atención el nombre, la portada del libro y una vez que entable conversación con ella, me gusto mucho la sinopsis que ella misma me dio de su historia. Me firmo el libro que le compre y me lo lleve a casa.

Esta semana lo termine de leer: “Beyond the Cobblestones” (Mas allá del empedrado) cuenta la historia de Claudia, una Italiana que desea con todo su corazón explorar el mundo, salir de las fronteras de su pequeño pueblo en Italia, estudiar y crecer en todos los sentidos para poder ayudar a su numerosa familia desde el extranjero.

Yo misma como inmigrante, me siento de alguna manera relacionada con la historia de Claudia, y aunque no es un thriller ni una historia fantástica, es un viaje inspirador para perseguir tus sueños a pesar de los fracasos y las barreras.

[Denis Passarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendous story about a young Italian girl with a big dream to come to America. She faces hardships with her family, and pressure for her to find a local husband and start a family in her small town in Italy. Only through her passion for a better life and her hard work through education, was she able to accomplish this dream. This is a a great reminder for those that feel stuck in their current job, town, or way of life, that you can always strive for a better life, if you're brave enough to try! Highly recommend this book by a tremendous new author Luisa Livorno Ramondo!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning in a small town in Southern Italy, Beyond the Cobblestones is an inspiring story about a young woman escaping poverty and following her dreams to make a better life for herself in America.

This story was a perfect story to finish in one afternoon during our Easter break. The book is based on true stories told to the author by her parents, which makes it even more impactful.

I felt so inspired by Claudia’s work ethic and indomitable spirit. This book really shows the power of working toward your dreams!

[Karen Zodtner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luisa
What a beautiful story! I couldn’t put the book down without dreaming about it at night.
Your Mom had a drive like no other.
I’d love to read about her life in America so you’ll have to write another book 🎊
Nina

[Pat Backley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, that I couldn’t put down. The writing was so good that it made me feel as though I was there, in that small Italian town, feeling the same pain, excitement, hopes and dreams.
An excellent read.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a heartfelt story about one woman's desire to succeed and make her dreams come true, no matter how many obstacles she may face. I really enjoyed it!

[Lori Spielman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luisa Livorno Ramando is a gifted storyteller. Beyond the Cobblestones is a sensitive, thoughtful novel filled with beautiful imagery and a strong, determined protagonist we cheer for. Ramando provides a glimpse into small town life in Italy, and a young woman's quest to find freedom and opportunity in America, reminding us that a dream, if fully realized, cannot be deterred.

[DR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luisa Ramondo hit the ball out of the park in this wonderful story of fighting the odds! This is a must read for anyone interested in stories of powerful women who are determined to make their dreams come true! I can’t wait to see what’s next. Go Claudia!

[Caroline Pizzella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the stories especially because they were told by the authors parents. I wish the story didn’t end where it did or there was more information given about what happens after the end of the book!

[Ann M · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was refreshing to read about coming to age. I could feel the imagery of living in a small town in Italy. Despite the odds, Claudia challenged herself to pursue her dreams in a positive and heart-warming journey.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the author’s next book!

[Sofia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love a beautiful memoir but at the end of this story I wanted more information regarding the characters introduced within the novel

[Jeannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful book. This book is about coming of age in a less that desirable situation but also about never giving up on your dream no matter what hurdles are put in front of you.

[Kathie Braddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

[Kendra Pennington · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. An inspiring story about determination, following your dreams, and never giving up.

[Hannah Kudron · Rating 3 out of 5]

EDIT: we had our book club meeting and everyone really enjoyed this book! But we all just want to know what happened AFTER this book! If the author sees this, please let us know! We are very invested!


My aunt chose this book for our family book club. It was not a book that I would have chosen, which is why I love doing book clubs. I enjoyed reading this book. It was an extremely quick read. I feel as if the style of writing was kind of naive. I also wished I would have known what happens after the character arrives in America. I feel like I need a conclusion to her life! Did she continue her friendship with the boy she met on the boat? Did she stay in America? What did she do once she got there? Is she happy? Did she ever see her family again?