Carol Faenzi, New York City author of the recently published historical novel, The Stonecutter’s Aria will offer a visually stunning presentation that is the background to the compelling story of one marble carver who emigrated to America in the early part of the twentieth century from Carrara, Italy. The novel, recently selected as Reviewer’s Choice for Fiction by the Midwest Book Review, is written in the unique style of opera acts and takes the reader to Italy and throughout America when labor wars, WWII internment and racial oppression were prevalent. The “Stonecutter” was Ms. Faenzi’s great grandfather whose artisan skills were used on some of our country’s most important monuments such as the National Archives and Duke University. As part of a national tour, this evening is a unique opportunity to learn more about the immigrant experience in a creative way and further, to apply the lessons of courage and belonging to our own lives today. Ms. Faenzi will be introduced by Professor Sandra Celli Harris from the University of Houston, Department of Italian Studies who teaches a course on Immigration and Emigration. A book signing will follow the presentation.

The evening is organized by the Italian Cultural and Community Center and co-sponsored by the National Italian American Foundation, the Italy in America Association, University of Houston Department of Italian Studies and the Committee for Italian Citizens Living Abroad (COMITES). The program will be held at the Italian Cultural and Community Center at 1101 Milford in the Museum District from 7-9 pm. Please contact (713) 524-42222 for additional information or www.houstonitaliancenter.com.