Former Akron resident pens 1920s immigrant tale. Children of Italy, a historical romance by former Akron resident Christine Simolke, provides well-researched details on the lives of Italian immigrants in 1920s Appalachia. Using stories of her own grandmother and great-aunts as inspiration, Simolke fashions the story of a family and their secrets as they adjust to life in their new country.

The story begins with Luigi Falconi, who has been working as a coal miner in West Virginia for 12 years while he saves to bring his wife and three daughters from their home in Italy. He has been having an affair of convenience with alluring waitress Isolde, and has made it clear from the beginning that it will be over when his family comes.

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Source: http://www.ohio.com/