(L-R) Master of Ceremonies, Anthony Tamburri and author, Pino Aprile.
Last night (February 2nd, 2011) I had the good fortune of attending the book presentation and roundtable discussion of Pino Aprile's Terroni at the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute in New York City. Already a best seller in Italy, the book continues to gain momentum and get people’s attention.
Mr. Aprile was kind enough to sign the copy that I purchased during my last trip to Naples and, despite my poor Italian, speak with me before his lecture. Mr. Aprile informed me that, in addition to his busy schedule with touring and promoting his book, he is currently writing a sequel and planning an English translation of Terroni.
I would describe my impression of the book, but Anthony Quattrone has already summarized it perfectly on his website naplespolitics.com:
"His book, when translated into English, will be an eye opener for millions of Southern Italians dispersed throughout the globe. It will allow them to understand why they were born in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Australia and so on. They will also understand how heroic their ancestors were when they fought against a brutal occupation force, sustained by Great Britain and other powers interested in annihilating the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. The book, when translated into English and Spanish, could very well generate, on the part of southern Italians dispersed throughout the globe, significant support for the numerous movements calling for a rebirth of the Italian south, with a new sense of 'national' dignity."
About 40 people braved the inclement weather and packed the Calandra Institute auditorium. The event was recorded for Italics TV Magazine.
Joining Mr. Aprile on the panel were fellow speakers Peter Carravetta (Alphonse D'Amato Professor of Italian and Italian-American Studies) and Niccolò d'Aquino (Journalist for RCS and America Oggi). The forum (in Italian) was moderated by Anthony Tamburri, Dean of the Calandra Institute and professor of Italian and Italian-American studies of Queens College/CUNY. They discussed the Southern Italian experience in Italy and America.
Panel members: (L-R) Peter Carravetta, Pino Aprile and Niccolò d'Aquino.
Mr. Aprile spoke candidly about many topics, including the importance of maintaining our regional differences. He also stated his opposition to the ethnic leveling process designed to strip away our cultural identities and make us all generic Italians.
During the Q&A period the audience was overwhelmingly supportive. Copies of his book sold out almost immediately.
Meeting his audience: Mr. Aprile with Domenic Giampino of the Sicilian Cultural Institute of America, Inc. (Photos by New York Scugnizzo)
Mr. Tamburri and the Institute should be commended for holding the event despite some criticism. There are still many Italians who, with good intentions, attempt to bury the past in an effort to get along with everyone, even though this strategy never seems to gain us any respect. How can anyone have a credible opinion if they censor the past or opposing viewpoints?
Pino Aprile's Terroni gives us a lot to think about. The past and present do not disappear if we close our eyes.
