Books by Helen Barolini

Fiction. "In her engrossing VISITS, Helen Barolini--the author of the classic "Umbertina" and editor of the equally classic Dream Book--once again explores the complexities of an Italian heritage and an Italian- American futurity. Tracing her protagonist's emotional, spiritual and aesthetic encounters with parents, siblings, husband, lovers, daughters, grandchildren, and friends, she narrates an arduous journey toward self-achievement while also bringing three generations of a fascinating family to life. The many lovers of Umbertina and Barolini's other works will be enthralled by this riveting novel."--Sandra (Mortola) Gilbert

"In this seminal work, Barolini tells the story of Frances Molletone grappling with her ethnic heritage as she falls in love with a married man. When it first appeared, this novel was highly acclaimed in Italy. Now, it once again speaks to us of romantic love and conflicted longing in the aftermath of war."--Christine Lehner.

Spanning a quarter century of work, the essays in Helen Barolini's Chiaroscuro explore her personal search; literature as a formative influence; and the turning of the personal into the political.

Helen Barolini profiles six gifted women transformed by Italy's mythic appeal. Unlike Barolini herself, they were not daughters of the great Italian diaspora. Rather, they were drawn to an idea of "Italy" and its gifts-in whose welcome a new self could be created. Or discovered.