The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is welcoming author Rosanna Micelotta Battigelli to the downtown branch Nov. 8 for a reading and book signing of her latest work, Product of Italy, Made in Canada: An Immigrant’s Love Letter to Food, Family, and Resilience.
An award-winning teacher and writer and former resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Battigelli was born in Calabria, Italy, and immigrated to Canada with her family at three years of age.
In Product of Italy, Battigelli depicts roles she has assumed over the decades: daughter, sister, mother, teacher. Rebelling at some of the handmade clothes she had to wear in her youth, spending time in hospital as her dad’s health fails, learning some life lessons from her students, and reflecting on the influences of her first language and culture, Battigelli shares these and other stories.
The stories encapsulate the moments and incidents that have impacted her in various ways throughout her life, ways that ultimately helped shape her character and sensibilities as a daughter, mother, teacher, and writer, said a news release.
"Whether navigating the choppy waters of family challenges & loss or recounting lighter moments, Battigelli writes with unflinching honesty, measured doses of humour, and with heart and spirit."
Books will be available for purchase and signing at the event, which runs from 1:30 to 3 p.m.. This is a free program, and no registration is required. For more information, please call the Reference and Information Desk at 705-759-5236.