By the Breath of Their Mouths: Narratives of Resistance in Italian America

Mary Jo Bona examines Italian American literary narratives focused on resistance and resilience in the face of marginalization. Her analysis spans multiple genres including memoir, fiction, and poetry from the late 19th century through contemporary works. The book traces how Italian American writers developed narrative strategies to counter discrimination and stereotypes while maintaining cultural identity. Through close readings of texts by authors like Pietro di Donato, John Fante, and Helen Barolini, Bona explores themes of labor, gender, religion, and assimilation. The study looks at how food, language, and family traditions function as forms of cultural preservation and rebellion in Italian American literature. Works by both male and female authors receive attention, with particular focus on how gender shapes experiences of identity and resistance. This scholarly examination reveals the complex ways Italian American writers have used storytelling to challenge dominant cultural narratives while negotiating between preservation and adaptation of their heritage. The analysis contributes to broader discussions of ethnic literature and cultural resistance in America.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Mary Jo Bona's overall work: Mary Jo Bona's academic works on Italian American literature receive attention primarily from scholars and students in ethnic studies and literary criticism. Readers appreciate: - Detailed analysis of previously understudied Italian American women writers - Clear documentation of immigrant narratives and cultural experiences - Integration of feminist perspectives with ethnic studies - Thorough research methodology and citations Common criticisms: - Dense academic language limits accessibility for general readers - Narrow focus on specific literary niches - High textbook prices for classroom use Limited reader reviews exist online since her works target academic audiences. On Goodreads, "By the Breath of Their Mouths" has fewer than 10 ratings with an average of 4.0/5. Amazon reviews are sparse, with most purchases appearing to be for university courses. One graduate student reviewer noted the book was "informative but challenging for newcomers to the field." Another praised its "comprehensive examination of resistance themes in Italian American writing."

Women of the Shadows by Ann Cornelisen Documents the oral narratives and daily resistance of Italian women living in southern Italy during the mid-twentieth century.

Rosa: The Life of an Italian Immigrant by Marie Hall Ets Presents a first-person account of an Italian immigrant woman's struggles and adaptations in early twentieth-century America through recorded conversations.

Living the Revolution: Italian Women's Resistance and Radicalism in New York City by Jennifer Guglielmo Traces Italian immigrant women's labor activism and political resistance in New York's working-class communities from 1880 to 1945.

Umbertina by Helen Barolini Chronicles three generations of Italian-American women through their challenges and transformations from peasant life in Calabria to assimilation in America.

The Dream Book: An Anthology of Writing by Italian American Women by Helen Barolini Compiles writings from forty-six Italian American women authors who document their experiences of identity, resistance, and cultural preservation.

🔖 Mary Jo Bona is a Professor of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Stony Brook University and has dedicated much of her career to studying Italian-American literature. 📚 The book's title comes from a biblical passage (Psalms 33:6), connecting the power of oral storytelling to divine creation in Italian-American narratives. 🗣️ The work explores how Italian-American writers used food metaphors and cooking traditions as forms of resistance against cultural assimilation and discrimination. 📖 This scholarly work was one of the first to extensively analyze the contributions of Italian-American women writers to ethnic American literature. 🏆 The book received the American Italian Historical Association's Book Award, recognizing its significant contribution to Italian-American studies.