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Local author releases second novel
Jim Damiano
Story inspired by grandmother’s immigration plight
By John Coleman, McKinney Courier-Gazette
A McKinney man highlighted the traumatic experience of his grandmother’s immigration in the release of his second fictional novel, “Rosa’s Story.”
Damiano’s first novel, a futuristic civil war science fiction work entitled “2020: A Season to Die” was released in 2005.
His new book focuses on the story of the immigration of his Italian grandmother, and the trying times of her life. Daminano describes her living through an arranged marriage and abusive husband, and he writes of the resolve of his grandmother and the life she was able to provide for her children and grandchildren. The story is told through the eyes of his mother, Jennie, and came about when the ill effects of Alzheimer’s disease started to grip his mother.
This was not a story that Damiano planned on writing. But through research as he tried to clear the mystery surrounding his grandmother’s life, he stumbled onto these facts and put them into writing, soon to become his second novel.
“It came from curiosity. Being the oldest son, I was always the curious one, and when my mom started to say some things that didn’t make sense to me I decided to look into it,” Damiano said. “At times I wish I hadn’t, because toward the end, I was just writing for closure, and it ended up turning into my second novel.”
Damiano wrote this novel as a tribute to both his mother and grandmother, to who he gives all of the credit for the life he lives and all that he has achieved.
“All four of my grandparents became citizens and did everything they were supposed to, and they wanted us to remember our heritage, and thank God for that,” Damiano said. “But they wanted it emphasized that we are to be Americans first…if these people weren’t the way they were I wouldn’t be what I am today, and they went through a lot.”
Damiano’s mother and grandmother both died of Alzheimer’s disease, and he believes that no one should have to endure that, to be robbed of their life memories and experiences at the end of their life. Because of this, Damiano plans to contribute a portion of the proceeds to fight Alzheimer’s Disease.
“I feel, like all writers, that my tale must be told. I try to avoid Rosa’s final days, for good reason. I wish for the reader to see the real person not that gallant soul caught in a web of sickness. It is my wish for the world that science will find a cure, and therefore I am dedicating a portion of the proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association,” Damiano said.
Damiano believes it is important to remember your heritage and how you came to be who you are, and hopes that his origins will be enshrined in his grandmothers tale.
“She was an amazing woman, it is only because of her that any of this is possible, I am just glad the world gets to now know her inspiring story,” Damiano said.
Contact John Coleman at mckintern@acnpapers.com.
The following are comments from the readers.
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
In no way do they represent the view of Starlocalnews.com
Chris G wrote on May 22, 2008 6:24 PM:
" Jim's book Rosa's Story is available online at http://www.jimdamiano.com "
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