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The Italian Prisoner
1943. New Orleans. Rose Marino lives with her Sicilian immigrant parents and helps in the family grocery store. Her older brother and sister both joined the Army, and Rose prays for their safety as World War II rages overseas. Her parents expect Rose to marry a local boy and start a family. But she secretly dreams of being more like her fiercely independent widowed godmother. Behind her parents' back, Rose lands a job at the shipyard, where she feels free and important for the first time in her life. When the parish priest organizes a goodwill mission to visit Italian prisoners of war at a nearby military base, Rose and her vivacious best friend, Marie, join the group. There, Rose falls for Sal, a handsome and intelligent POW. Italy has switched sides in the war, so the POWs are allowed out to socialize, giving Rose and Sal a chance to grow closer. When Rose gets a promotion at work, she must make an agonizing follow a traditional path like Marie or keep working after the war and live on her own terms. Inspired by little-known historical events and set to a swing-era soundtrack, The Italian Prisoner is an engrossing story of wartime love, family secrets, and a young woman's struggle to chart her own course at an inflection point in American history.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
304 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2022
21 people are currently reading
1604 people want to read
About the author
Elisa M. Speranza
1 book44 followersElisa M. Speranza is the author of the 2022 novel The Italian Prisoner, a work of historical fiction set during World War II in New Orleans. The book was a finalist in the William Faulkner-William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition. She serves on the board of the New Orleans Writers Workshop. She has been a featured author at the Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival, the Louisiana Book Festival, the Islanders Write conference on Martha’s Vineyard, and the Salem (MA) LitFest. She is a co-founder of the Washashores Writers Collective and a contributor to 64 Parishes magazine. Ms. Speranza has worked in journalism, local government, politics, and the corporate world. The granddaughter of Irish and Italian immigrants, Ms. Speranza is originally from Lynn, Massachusetts. She is an alumna of Boston College and Harvard’s Kennedy School and lives with her partner Jon Kardon in New Orleans, and Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
October 30, 2022
This portrayal of a Sicilian Catholic family in New Orleans during World War II was based on, I suspect, the author’s personal knowledge, because it was so convincing. The female protagonist, Rose, is one of those dutiful Catholic girls I grew up with (though in New York state); and I knew some whose parents had mom-and-pop grocery stores like the one her parents had. The novel has elements both of romance (Rose falls in love with Sal, a handsome Italian prisoner of war working at a factory in NOLA) and of feminism (she wishes to escape the life she seems destined for with him: marriage, cooking, working in a family business/store like her mother, who is not a good role model). Eventually she has to choose whether to marry Sal or become an independent business woman like her beautiful Aunt Inez. There is also a twist, a family mystery, that I guessed right off. The strongest element of the novel was the portrayal of the Catholic family and its life during that period of history.
November 5, 2023
I read a lot of historical fiction, and am pretty fussy about it and this is clearly the best historical fiction I’ve read this year. I thought I couldn’t possibly read yet another WWII novel, but this one is so different, set in New Orleans during the war, with a love story between 20 year old Rose, and one of the Italian Prisoners of War that was stationed/imprisoned in New Orleans during the war (who knew?). So authentic, and with such simple and elegant writing that hits all the right notes. The Italian community Rose comes from is both warm and loving, while at the same time avoids all stereotypes and is full of depth and surprises. I can’t stop thinking about this book.
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March 17, 2022It is one thing to read about history, and it's another to experience it—In reading Elisa Speranza's, The Italian Prisoner, life during WW11 in America breathes on every page. Speranza transports us back in time to follow the coming of age of Rose while simultaneously telling us of the not widely known history of Italian prisoners at Jackson Barracks, Louisiana. The sounds, tastes, and smells of an Italy-infused New Orleans interweave with secrets, love, friendship, and loss, along with a women's evolution to independence and the struggles that come with it. Speranza's writing is compelling, atmospheric, and refined. A truly magnificent read.
—Dianne C. Braley, author of The Silence in the Sound (debuting August 2022)
—Dianne C. Braley, author of The Silence in the Sound (debuting August 2022)
August 27, 2022
This was a perfect summer read. Or anytime read. The author immediately transported me to war time New Orleans… A place I never thought about as being integral to the war effort, given what we are taught in the history books. Her ability to create a sense of place and time is really remarkable. Her writing stimulates all five senses. From the sounds of the factory floor, to the smells of the freshly baked lasagna.
The subject matter spanned both historical fiction and coming-of-age romance in a way that was very compelling. I truly did not want to put this book down, and I can rarely say that about a book.
I can't wait for the next novel, which I understand will be a spinoff of this excellent debut novel.
The subject matter spanned both historical fiction and coming-of-age romance in a way that was very compelling. I truly did not want to put this book down, and I can rarely say that about a book.
I can't wait for the next novel, which I understand will be a spinoff of this excellent debut novel.
September 20, 2024
*I won this book from a Goodreads first-reads giveaway.
The Italian Prisoner tells the compelling story of Rose, a first-generation American born to Italian immigrants, navigating life in New Orleans during World War II. The novel opens with Rose interviewing for a bookkeeper position at a shipyard, a role previously held by her cousin who has gone to fight in the war. She is offered the job but must first seek her parents' approval. Her father, a deli owner, supports the idea as long as Rose can still help at the deli on weekends. Her mother, initially reluctant, eventually agrees to her husband's decision.
Rose thrives at the shipyard, but her life takes another turn when the local priest invites her and her mother, along with other women from the church, to visit Italian POWs in a nearby prison to lift their spirits. Though hesitant, Rose attends the visit, bringing her friend Marie along. There, both women meet prisoners who stir unexpected feelings, adding a layer of emotional complexity to their wartime experience.
I found this book captivating for its portrayal of resilience during the war, especially how women stepped into roles traditionally held by men. It also explores the challenges many women faced as they fought to remain employed and independent when the men returned home. The novel beautifully weaves themes of family dynamics and personal growth with well-developed characters that make the story feel authentic and deeply engaging.
The Italian Prisoner tells the compelling story of Rose, a first-generation American born to Italian immigrants, navigating life in New Orleans during World War II. The novel opens with Rose interviewing for a bookkeeper position at a shipyard, a role previously held by her cousin who has gone to fight in the war. She is offered the job but must first seek her parents' approval. Her father, a deli owner, supports the idea as long as Rose can still help at the deli on weekends. Her mother, initially reluctant, eventually agrees to her husband's decision.
Rose thrives at the shipyard, but her life takes another turn when the local priest invites her and her mother, along with other women from the church, to visit Italian POWs in a nearby prison to lift their spirits. Though hesitant, Rose attends the visit, bringing her friend Marie along. There, both women meet prisoners who stir unexpected feelings, adding a layer of emotional complexity to their wartime experience.
I found this book captivating for its portrayal of resilience during the war, especially how women stepped into roles traditionally held by men. It also explores the challenges many women faced as they fought to remain employed and independent when the men returned home. The novel beautifully weaves themes of family dynamics and personal growth with well-developed characters that make the story feel authentic and deeply engaging.
November 11, 2022
The stories of the young women coming of age in America during WWII are few and far between. Especially the stories that so deftly address the sexism of the time as The Italian Prisoner. She brings unknown facts to light about the Italian prisoners that were housed in New Orleans and presents them to us in a way that is both entertaining and educational. Rose, her main character, demonstrates the grit you’d expect of a young woman carrying the burden of her intelligence and work ethic as well as her growing relationship with an intriguing Italian POW. I loved how we were given an inside perspective on how hard it was to make decisions that prioritized what was best for HER.
This incredibly well researched book is a must read.
This incredibly well researched book is a must read.
May 25, 2022
📱 I loved this book! I lived in New Orleans so I could picture the setting well. My friend's dad was an Italian Prisoner in NOLA during WWII and I always found his story fascinating. It was great to see the story laid out in historical fiction!
August 11, 2022
It's a sweet story, but it reads like a young adult romance novel.
March 12, 2025
I was looking for a breezy book to read and saw that the author was going to give a talk on this book at Learning for Lunch at the University of New Orleans. If I was in town I would have attended. But being in France, I read this as an ebook. It was breezy, light just as I was looking for.
It is told from the perspective of a young 18 year-old girl of Silician parents who worked at the Higgins Shipyard duirng WWII. And whose priest asks Itailian women to visit with Italian POWs who were being held at Jackson Barracks.
The story layered: shipbuilding, women working, POWs, race, the death of loved ones in the war, family complications and expectations all set to the background of New Orleans and specifically Italians in New Orleans.
My grandfather worked in shipyards and knew Higgins. I worked in a shipyard, as an office worker as a teenager just as the main character Rose does. I grew up 3 blocks from Jackson Barracks. My grandfather lived in a building with lots Italian families of Italian families. He too sang Louis Prima like Rose's father. I know New Orleans. As much work and love as the author put into the research and fine details of New Orleans the one thing I knew within the 1st chapter was that the author was not raised a New Orleanian. The details of seasons were off, the patterns of speech were too clean, the flow too precise. For a story so seeped in New Orleans history, I wanted it to feel more like the home I knew.
What I appreciated was the ending not being the pat answer one might expect when the story is told of a very young woman (18-21) meeting a charming young man during the later years of WWII. It was nice to have the main character be more complex. I wished for more dialogue between the lead, Rose, who is granted circumspect and private, and perhaps with her sister in her letters or with her aunt. So much of Rose's dialogue was internal. Sometimes the story felt flatter than it actually is. Perhaps even though the main character is young, I wanted it to read a little less like Little Women.
It is told from the perspective of a young 18 year-old girl of Silician parents who worked at the Higgins Shipyard duirng WWII. And whose priest asks Itailian women to visit with Italian POWs who were being held at Jackson Barracks.
The story layered: shipbuilding, women working, POWs, race, the death of loved ones in the war, family complications and expectations all set to the background of New Orleans and specifically Italians in New Orleans.
My grandfather worked in shipyards and knew Higgins. I worked in a shipyard, as an office worker as a teenager just as the main character Rose does. I grew up 3 blocks from Jackson Barracks. My grandfather lived in a building with lots Italian families of Italian families. He too sang Louis Prima like Rose's father. I know New Orleans. As much work and love as the author put into the research and fine details of New Orleans the one thing I knew within the 1st chapter was that the author was not raised a New Orleanian. The details of seasons were off, the patterns of speech were too clean, the flow too precise. For a story so seeped in New Orleans history, I wanted it to feel more like the home I knew.
What I appreciated was the ending not being the pat answer one might expect when the story is told of a very young woman (18-21) meeting a charming young man during the later years of WWII. It was nice to have the main character be more complex. I wished for more dialogue between the lead, Rose, who is granted circumspect and private, and perhaps with her sister in her letters or with her aunt. So much of Rose's dialogue was internal. Sometimes the story felt flatter than it actually is. Perhaps even though the main character is young, I wanted it to read a little less like Little Women.
February 16, 2025
Set against the backdrop of World War II, this narrative unfolds in wartime New Orleans (NOLA), weaving a rich tapestry of resilience and transformation. The story centers on Rose, a courageous Italian-American woman who bravely navigates the challenges of her era. As she works as a bookkeeper in a bustling factory—an environment charged with urgency while soldiers are deployed to distant battlefronts—Rose finds herself at the intersection of duty and personal aspiration.
Her journey is a poignant exploration of independence, framed by the complexities of love, grief, and societal expectations. Rose's experiences resonate deeply, highlighting the struggles many women faced as they carved out their own identities in a world that often sought to confine them. The narrative invites readers to see the war from a fresh perspective, shedding light on the lives of POWs who unexpectedly become allies in a shared quest for freedom.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, the story immerses us in a richly evocative setting, alive with vivid imagery that captures the spirit of the city—its lively streets, soulful music, and the enduring strength of its people. Through Rose's compelling journey, we are drawn into an inspiring tale of resilience and resistance, emphasizing the power of voice and the pursuit of personal agency in tumultuous times.
Her journey is a poignant exploration of independence, framed by the complexities of love, grief, and societal expectations. Rose's experiences resonate deeply, highlighting the struggles many women faced as they carved out their own identities in a world that often sought to confine them. The narrative invites readers to see the war from a fresh perspective, shedding light on the lives of POWs who unexpectedly become allies in a shared quest for freedom.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of New Orleans, the story immerses us in a richly evocative setting, alive with vivid imagery that captures the spirit of the city—its lively streets, soulful music, and the enduring strength of its people. Through Rose's compelling journey, we are drawn into an inspiring tale of resilience and resistance, emphasizing the power of voice and the pursuit of personal agency in tumultuous times.
May 2, 2024
This was a well-told tale, and based on the real lives of women who dated and married Italian POWs interned in the New Orleans area during World War II. One of the twists is that these were prisoners captured while fighting against the Allies, who even might have killed Allied soldiers, only to become allies themselves midway through the war. Another twist is that while most of the Americans were of Sicilian background and spoke Sicilian dialect, the Italian POWs were from different parts of Italy, speaking entirely different dialects. Another interesting twist was the Rosie the Riveter thread, mixed in with the issue of segregation. Speranza fit a lot of local information in here - the Italian community in the French Quarter, the Higgens boat factory, Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, St. Joseph cookies, a streetcar bound for Desire even rumbles past. "Jesus suffered six hours on the cross, the least you can do is kneel for a few minutes." I'm pretty sure my grandmother said something like this to me. The characters are colorful and the mystery holds interest.
March 21, 2022
The Italian Prisoner carries us to New Orleans during World War II. Speranza’s finely-crafted prose captures all the vibrancy, cultural tribalism, musical swing, and grinding fear of that era. At the novel’s center is young Rose; caught up in global anxieties while, at the same time, struggling with aching, impatient questions about love, self, and the tearing need for independence. This is a beautiful book that will touch anyone who ever dared want more of life. I so admire The Italian Prisoner and thank Elisa Marie Speranza for sharing her wonderful vision and insight.
May 18, 2022
This was a riveting read filled with heart and honesty! The Italian Prisoner is a beautifully told coming-of-age story about family, love, and surviving the unthinkable. The descriptive details transported me to New Orleans during World War II. I was drawn in and invested in the Italian culture and characters immediately, becoming so entangled in their lives that I felt I was a dweller in the French quarters. I’m hoping there is a sequel so that we can learn where Rose’s strong will takes her next, and what becomes of the other endearing characters.
April 23, 2023
Historical fiction at it's best! With well-developed characters set in the undeniably interesting Italian immigrant community in New Orleans during the height of WWII, the reader is immersed in a story that is often unknown or overlooked. The drama & trauma of the war is expertly balanced with the anxiety, life and loves of those remaining at home. Cultural and gender expectations of the era are presented in multiple story threads and the very real role of Andrew Higgins, his company and landing-craft make this book an engaging read for everyone.
May 8, 2022
Transported to another time!
Fell in love with Rose, and enjoyed seeing her grow from a shy, obedient devout Catholic girl, into womanhood. Finding her own path, and the strength to follow her heart. Sweet romance, fascinating glimpses into historical events, likeable characters. I’m certain Rose’s story isn’t over, and there is more to come. At least I hope so! Really great read!
Fell in love with Rose, and enjoyed seeing her grow from a shy, obedient devout Catholic girl, into womanhood. Finding her own path, and the strength to follow her heart. Sweet romance, fascinating glimpses into historical events, likeable characters. I’m certain Rose’s story isn’t over, and there is more to come. At least I hope so! Really great read!
May 18, 2022
A riveting read filled with heart and honesty.
The Italian Prisoner is a beautifully told coming of age story about family, love and surviving the unthinkable. The descriptive details transported me New Orleans during World War II. I was drawn in and invested in the Italian culture and characters immediately, becoming so entangled in their lives that I felt I was a dweller in the French quarters. I’m hoping there is a sequel so that we can learn where Rose’s strong will takes her next, and what becomes of the other endearing characters.
The Italian Prisoner is a beautifully told coming of age story about family, love and surviving the unthinkable. The descriptive details transported me New Orleans during World War II. I was drawn in and invested in the Italian culture and characters immediately, becoming so entangled in their lives that I felt I was a dweller in the French quarters. I’m hoping there is a sequel so that we can learn where Rose’s strong will takes her next, and what becomes of the other endearing characters.
April 11, 2024
The Italian Prisoner is a beautifully written story of a woman (Rose) coming of age in an Italian family, during World War II. Set in New Orleans, Speranza skillfully depicts the awkward position of Italian-Americans at a time when Italy had joined the Axis powers, making their Motherland the enemy. The history is fascinating, and Rose’s story of purpose and heartbreaking courage brings it to life.
July 13, 2024
A well-written, fully researched, fascinating, and compelling debut novel that gives us a window into a lesser-known aspect of WWII: Italian soldiers imprisoned in New Orleans. Not only that, we learn about a major ship-building effort for the war. I cheered for the protagonist, Rose, a determined young woman struggling to slip the bonds of her Italian American family's narrow expectations, even when it meant leaving the man she loved. A great read. Highly recommended.
January 11, 2025
Great story about a real part of New Orleans history that I never knew about. Someone loaned me this book and said it was her favorite so I had to read. What an interesting piece of history that one thousand Italian POWs were housed at Jackson Barracks in the lower 9th Ward of New Orleans in 1944-45. Italian-American women in New Orleans were thrilled with the sudden infusion of men with the local boys overseas fighting the war. Also interesting to learn more about the Higgins plants here.
January 26, 2025
Italian prisoner
I’m assuming on one level the prisoner was actually Rose, otherwise I’m not sure why the title of the book is what it is. I did enjoy it, The author captures the energy of New Orleans during the war- and there are few to stories about that time in our history. The Italian influence is definitely felt and very genuine - another aspect of New Orleans that is often overlooked. A good, soiled read.
I’m assuming on one level the prisoner was actually Rose, otherwise I’m not sure why the title of the book is what it is. I did enjoy it, The author captures the energy of New Orleans during the war- and there are few to stories about that time in our history. The Italian influence is definitely felt and very genuine - another aspect of New Orleans that is often overlooked. A good, soiled read.
December 30, 2025
This was an enjoyable book. Based on a true story, set in New Orleans in 1943, the fiction was good. The main character of Rose was a believable character.
As the back cover describes: Inspired by little-known historical events...The Italian Prisoner is a engrossing story of wartime love, family secrets, and a young woman's (Rose)struggle to chart her own course at an inflection point in American history.
As the back cover describes: Inspired by little-known historical events...The Italian Prisoner is a engrossing story of wartime love, family secrets, and a young woman's (Rose)struggle to chart her own course at an inflection point in American history.
March 10, 2022
“A dazzling World War II love story set in New Orleans that will pull you in from the very first paragraph. The characters have compelling depth and the setting is so well described that you will be able to feel, hear, and smell the locations throughout the novel. But it is Rose’s journey that tugs at your heart. The Italian Prison is a marvelous debut novel.”
April 19, 2022
A totally satisfying read
Bring your tissues for this emotionally evocative story. A slice in time from World War II era New Orleans. Deeply engaging characters, in a story that captures the strong emotions of a very turbulent time. The story and characters will stay with you long after you finish.
Bring your tissues for this emotionally evocative story. A slice in time from World War II era New Orleans. Deeply engaging characters, in a story that captures the strong emotions of a very turbulent time. The story and characters will stay with you long after you finish.
May 10, 2022
This book was fabulous. I won't give away the story but it's the kind of book that when you get home from work you want to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and read. So many parts of this book I loved. Rose was a woman born before her time. The struggles of being in love and the desire to be independent. I highly recommend this story!
June 4, 2022
This is such a lovely book. The story brought back so many memories of growing up Catholic and of the generational complexities of immigrant families. More importantly the book wove an interesting tale of a young woman coming into her own with a fascinating piece of WWII history previously unknown to me. Elisa Speranza’s beautifully written prose and the New Orleans setting make for a compelling read. So compelling I read it in two days! I will be recommending The Italian Prisoner to my book clubs for sure. Kudos to Ms. Speranza on a very entertaining and well written debut novel!
January 15, 2023
One of the most enjoyable and history revealing books I have read. A quick read of rarely known New Orleans history created the perfect backdrop for life in The Quarter during WWII. The characters quickly come to life in an endearing way. The story has several twists and turns that keep you guessing…ending as a memorable must read book! I loved it!
April 22, 2023
Our Book Groups was lucky enough to have Elisa come and talk with us. What a tread!
The book was interesting and we learned information we did not know. (That is always nice.)
Please, if you get a chance order this and read, this is Ms Speranza's first book, but not her last. You will really enjoy her first book and look forward to her second.
The book was interesting and we learned information we did not know. (That is always nice.)
Please, if you get a chance order this and read, this is Ms Speranza's first book, but not her last. You will really enjoy her first book and look forward to her second.
December 27, 2025
People of Italian Heritage in New Orleans MUST read this book!
While this story was slow to start, it really grabbed my attention about 65% in and then I couldn't stop till I finished! I grew up in New Orleans and married a grandson of Sicilian immigrants. I really appreciated the authenticity of this very well researched book!!
While this story was slow to start, it really grabbed my attention about 65% in and then I couldn't stop till I finished! I grew up in New Orleans and married a grandson of Sicilian immigrants. I really appreciated the authenticity of this very well researched book!!
January 3, 2026
It was a sweet story and I was truly interested in what happened to the characters. The twist near the end made the story more interesting. I appreciated learning more about the Sicilian/Italian heritage in New Orleans.
The writing wasn’t my favorite - it felt somewhat like a YA novel. I feel like there could have been more depth to the story.
The writing wasn’t my favorite - it felt somewhat like a YA novel. I feel like there could have been more depth to the story.
August 10, 2022
What a great story. Ms. Speranza brings to life this time in history with skill and grace. I had no idea there were Italian prisoners of war in WWII New Orleans. I can't wait to find out what happens next for Rosa and all the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews