In 2004, Joseph M. Orazi wrote the documentary script, “Prisoner Among Us,” about Italian American immigration, assimilation and the events leading up to World War II. The research peaked his interest of his heritage, which then eventually prompted his desire to make history more accessible to a larger public. Hence, he penned the historical fiction, “L’America” (published by AuthorHouse).

This first book of a series charts the story of three families who immigrate to America on the same steamship in 1915. It follows their journey through subsequent generations, as they make a way for themselves and their descendants through 1946. For 13 days, these families share brutal passage in steerage. But the voyage is only the beginning of their trials. Eventually, they settle in New York City, Cleveland and Monterey, California. While immigration in the early 20th century was difficult at best, assimilation proved to be an even greater challenge.