The Italian Prisoner

Set in 1943 New Orleans, "The Italian Prisoner" follows Rose Marino, a Sicilian immigrant’s daughter, as she balances family expectations with her desire for independence. While assisting in her family's grocery store and praying for her siblings at war, Rose secretly lands a job at a shipyard. Joining a mission to visit Italian prisoners of war, she develops a romance with Sal, a charming POW, putting her at a crossroads between conforming to tradition or embracing her newfound sense of self. Inspired by historical events, this tale navigates themes of love, family dynamics, and personal empowerment during a pivotal time in American history.