This biographical novella is about family life, surviving world wars, immigrating and adapting to a new culture. It’s a story based on the life of Michele DiMarco (1893-1975). Readers will envision the majestic natural beauty of Michele’s home village in central Italy and learn of its rich history. Readers will also sense the harsh reality of life that forced Michele to emigrate. Shortly after Michele arrives in the US, he is drafted into the Italian army. He returns to Italy to fight in W.W. I, is wounded, taken prisoner, and escapes. Michele crosses the Atlantic a second time, takes menial jobs and eventually starts his own bakery. His success leads to purchasing a home, marrying, and having three sons. How does the mafia and the Great Depressions change his life? Although the story line focuses on Michele, strong relationships are presented throughout, the main being with his parents, brother, wife, and grandson. What happens to his family and friends in Italy during WW II is also detailed. This biographical novel is about life values revolving around family, a strong work ethic, humor, and love. The main character is not a unique representative of this value system. Many others sacrificed as he did, cared for their families and had compassion for others. This book will encourage everyone who has grey-haired relatives to get to know their stories, especially if they are immigrants. Their histories nourish our roots so healthy branches continue to grow. READERS’ COMMENTS “Michael DiMarco has been a vital force in international journalism for decades, but To Give To The Light elevates him in importance and gives us all a family saga confronting one of the often misunderstood yet shouted about issues in today’s American politics: immigration. It doesn’t matter where or when your family came to America, this is a universal tale about us — and you.” • James Grady creator of Condor and author of 2025’s critically anticipated novel American Sky . “ To Give to the Light is a great testament to what can be accomplished with applying imagination to family history.” • Fred L. Gardaphé, Ph.D. Distinguished Professor of Italian American Studies Queens College, CUNY and the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute. “A delightful and evocative read ... of interest to anyone who has an ancestor with a journey, whether that journey began in Italy or somewhere else.” • Raymond LaVerghetta, Ph.D. Immediate Past President, Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society, Washington, D.C. “Michael DiMarco’s novella is about one story, one voice among millions of others, but it is the voice of all immigrants.” • Renato Ventura, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Global Languages and Culture, University of Dayton "Michael DiMarco has been a vital force in international journalism for decades, but To Give To The Light elevates him in importance and gives us all a family saga confronting one of the often misunderstood yet shouted about issues in today's American politics: immigration. It doesn't matter where or when your family came to America, this is a universal tale about us - and you." - James Grady , creator of Condor and author of 2025's critically anticipated novel American Sky . "DiMarco's novel is a delightful and evocative read. It relates the life story of his grandfather who grew up in Italy and emigrated to the United States in 1913. The novel provides a rich, detailed account of his grandfather's life, focusing primarily on his family's relationships. These relationships are the stuff of everyday life, but they make up a tale that is both interesting and moving. In addition, the novel shows the reader the beauty and value of discovering intimate details in his or her own ancestors' stories. Without such personal tidbits, the idea of heritage remains a rather abstract concept that barely extends beyond a flow chart or family tree. DiMarco's novella is just the opposite: it is full of vignettes of his grandfather's story. Moreover, the tale has worldwide applicability, as the protagonist is an ordinary man with an ordinary story. This aspect enables the novella to universalize the immigrant experience, ensuring that it will be of interest to anyone who has an ancestor with a journey, whether that journey began in Italy or somewhere else." - Raymond LaVerghetta, Ph.D. Immediate Past President, Abruzzo and Molise Heritage Society, Washington, D.C. "Back in the day, you didn't need a writer to know the family stories; you simply needed regular family interaction and a good memory. Things have changed, and through writers like Michael DiMarco, we can know not only the history of the DiMarco family, but the history that surrounds stories that relate to all of us who descend from immigrants. To Give to the Light is a great testament to what can be accomplished with applying imagination to family history. Well researched and clearly presented, the novella captures the experience of 20th century Ital