What Makes a Sicilian?

I enjoyed this book, but it seemed to me like the written version of an academic speech or presentation. It took no time at all to read it. Regarding the Sicilian character, I don't think the distinction with other Southern Italian groups was all that clearly drawn. After all, much of Italy shares the same history of foreign invasions, domination and occupation.One can certainly find reasons for being proud to be Sicilian here, despite the fact that many great men mentioned in this work date from antiquity rather than modern history. At the price I paid, though, I wasn't too disappointed.

That's my only complaint, which is even a compliment in itself. No one is upset by the brevity of tedious things. What cultural significance means with regards to any people is an abstraction. And a system of generalized ideals would be problematic to comprise for one individual, let alone a population. But for a group painted two-dimensionally without apology for hundreds of years, the effort is demanded. I have yet to attempt to find additional work by the author, but my conjecture is that he has written some things which are really engaging concerning Sicilian poetry.

THIS IS A GREAT INSIGHT AND KNOWLEDGE OF SICILIY AND SICILIANSWE ARE NOT ITALIAN AND IT SO SUPER TO SEE SOME THING FROM YOUR HERITAGEHATE TO SAY IT BUT I FOUND A LOT OF MY SELF IN THIS LITTLE BOOK. SHORT AND INTENSE EVER SOINSIGHTFUL . THANK YOU STAY SAFE PLEASE

For anyone who is Sicilian (I am), or interested in Sicily, this is a nice addition to your reference library. Was listed as out of stock, but I ordered knowing it would be delayed. To my surprise, within a few days I was notified that it had shipped. Especially nice as I had ordered several copies for cousins as stocking stuffers & they arrived in plenty of time!

This book answered a lot of questions that I had about my characterAnd my feelings that I always had about my life, my family and my friends.All Sicilian men living in America should read this book.It is like looking in a mirror.

Thoughtful- any Sicilian American should read.

It was a balanced view of Sicily. Sicilians have been occupied by many, they were able to develop a identity of their own

Surprising list of great Sicilians; some attempt to explain why Sicilians are different; but suspect a bit was lost in translation. The figure of 16 different invading groups was remarkable. Pity the book is so short but that may suit some.