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Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite
The DiNardo family’s life in America didn’t start easily. In 1921, just after World War I, Ubaldo DiNardo, a war veteran, and his wife Marietta left Southern Italy to start over in the United States. Laws kept them apart for seven long years. Ubaldo went first, and Marietta finally made the journey with their two young sons, Pasquel and Antonio. Life was full of hardships, but they pushed through anyway. Then came an unexpected moment that shaped them to be who they are today. After a neighbor paid their twin boys in cherries rather than pennies, the idea of selling cherry juice took hold and evolved. This opportunity was what lifted them out of poverty and laid the foundation for their successful family business. Read The Last DiNardo by Zach Fortier to find out more!
The Last DiNardo by Zach Fortier is a story of persistence and sacrifice. It doesn’t romanticize immigration, and it gave me a glimpse of how exhausting, unfair, and heartbreaking it is to leave your home in search of better opportunities. The DiNardo family faced one roadblock after another, with nothing glossed over. I couldn’t help but admire their determination to keep going despite everything. The scene in which the twins are rewarded with cherries, not cash, was very evocative; it was a pivotal moment that ultimately became the foundation for what made the family who they are. I walked away with a real appreciation for the sacrifices immigrant families make and learned how determination can echo across generations. I especially appreciated the back matter and reference section, and I loved looking through the black and white photos that documented the history of the DiNardo family. The photos made me feel more connected to the people and their story, as if I were seeing their lives unfold in real time. Overall, this is a story of grit, family, and knowing how to get through the tough times without getting stuck in defeat. The author does not aim to inspire; he lets the story speak for itself. Excellent work!
