Italian Americans on the Page by Ryan Calabretta-Sajder

Italian Americans on the Page by Ryan Calabretta-Sajder

Approaches Italian American literature from new critical perspectives and explores contemporary and understudied voices from both the United States and Canada.

Italian Americans on the Page fills a significant gap in Italian American and Italian diaspora studies, particularly literature, as it explores four genres—fiction, poetry, memoir, and theater—from a variety of critical perspectives. The first section of the book offers reconsiderations of two canonical authors, Helen Barolini and Don DeLillo, while the other three sections bring new attention to understudied Italian American and Italian Canadian writers, including women and LGBTQIA+. These include Mary Jo Salter, Peter Covino, Louise DeSalvo, Karen Tintori, Juliet Grames, Ben Piazza, Salvatore Antonio, Christopher DiRaddo, Michele Linfante, Chris Cinque, Theresa Carilli, Mary Melfi, and Michaela Di Cesare. Each contribution approaches Italian American and Italian diaspora studies through a unique theoretical lens, adding to the richness of what proceeds this publication in the field. Ultimately, the volume offers rereadings of foundational Italian American works and provides newfound attention to understudied and emerging Italian diasporic voices.

"In its breadth, methodological rigor, and commitment to expanding the field's horizons, Italian Americans on the Page stands as one of the first edited collections to examine understudied works belonging to Italian American and Italian Canadian literature through theoretical frameworks grounded in ethnicity, class, gender, and sexuality, demonstrating the enduring significance of these perspectivesThe nine chapters speak to one another in meaningful ways, linked either by the shared treatment of previously unheard voices or by similar innovative research practices. They are also written in an accessible and engaging style that makes each contribution a pleasure to read." — H-Net Reviews (H-Italy)

"This is an invaluable addition to the field of the Italian American studies. While offering new critical approaches to both canonical and noncanonical works, it also extends our understanding of LGBTQ writing in poetry, fiction, and dramatic literature, and it expands the coverage of Italian Americana to include the North American contributions of Canadian dramatists whose work builds on the coverage of traditional concerns with family life and turmoil." — Josephine Gattuso Hendin, New York University

Ryan Calabretta-Sajder is Associate Professor of Italian and Director of International and Global Studies at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. Alan J. Gravano is Assistant Professor and the Writing Center Director at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Together, they are also the coeditors of Italian Americans on Screen: Challenging the Past, Re-Theorizing the Future.