Per L'Australia
The Story of Italian Migration
'Pushing that handcart I didn't know whether to laugh or cry; laugh because I was happy to go anywhere, with the hope of starting a new life; cry with the fear of never returning to my beloved Fiume.'
Opinion
"Imagine Australia without espresso, minus pasta and pizza-free. Italian migrants have changed
the face of Australia, and their achievements and stories are recognised in Per L'Australia: The Story of Italian Migration."
Herald Sun, 14/10/2006
"This richly detailed, sumptuously illustrated story of Italian migration to Australia chronicles the grief and hardship of fleeing Europe, and celebrates the intermingling of Italy's vibrant culture with Australia's own."
The Age, 23/11/2005 and The Sydney Morning Herald, 21/11/2005
About this Title
'Pushing that handcart I didn't know whether to laugh or cry; laugh because I was happy to go anywhere, with the hope of starting a new life; cry with the fear of never returning to my beloved Fiume.'
Livio Fantini, 1950
One migrant's mixed emotions evoke the story of all migrants and refugees throughout history--a story of hope, grief and wilful determination to succeed in a strange new land. For thousands of Italians this new land was Australia.
Per l'Australia is the story of Italian settlement, from as early as 1788 through to World War II and beyond. It is the story of Italians who fled war, persecution and poverty for a better life in Australia. From struggling to build a new home, to suffering internment and POW camps, to burgeoning employment and thriving prosperity, Italians have fearlessly adapted to their new homeland. The joys and frustrations of their new life are captured here in a rich mix of personal anecdotes and history, private mementos and captivating photographs.
Personal stories are deftly woven into the broader background of immigration and Australia's settlement history. Italian culture and its vibrant traditions mingle with Australia's own. In a celebration of this coming together of cultures, Per l'Australia is written in both English and Italian. Drawing on the extensive pictorial and oral history collection of the Italian Historical Society at COASIT, Melbourne, this richly illustrated book is a moving portrait of Italians in Australia.
About the Author
Julia Church is among the many thousands who have migrated to Australia in search of a better life. First drawn to Naples at the height of World Cup fever in 1986, she has had a long association with Italy and has made it her home, on and off, over the last 10 years. She is a writer, artist and teacher and has written articles and books on a range of subjects from migration to art and tourism.
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