Genealogy inspires local author's writing

NEWS RELEASE

MARIANNE PERRY

Solving family mysteries and understanding family dynamics has fuelled second-generation Canadian-Italian author Marianne Perry’s longstanding interest in genealogical research.

Her paternal grandparents emigrated from Calabria, southern Italy in the early 1900’s, landed at Ellis Island, New York and eventually settled in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.

Her recently published novel, The Inheritance, emerged from studying family history.

A blend of fact and fiction, The Inheritance is about an atypical woman rejecting social norms, a priest seeking redemption and a family disintegrating from conflicting loyalties in Calabria, southern Italy during the early 1900’s.

Discovering one’s ancestral past represents a rapidly growing field and, like many second-generation Italians, Marianne wanted to learn more about her roots.

Her research efforts over the years has encompassed listening to family and friends’ anecdotal stories, social networking, consulting on-line resources, reviewing original documents, examining memorabilia, writing to Italy for records and studying the history and geography of southern Italy.

Marianne has travelled to Italy several times.

In 2004, she went to Calabria and visited Mottafollone, a mountain village in Cosenza Province where her paternal grandmother, Maria Caterina Andreoli, was born in 1889. She will be returning to Calabria in May 2013 to visit Decollatura, a commune in Catanzaro Province and the birthplace of her paternal grandfather, Pietro Perri, in 1891.

Though a fictional tale, Marianne’s genealogical research has imbued The Inheritance with authenticity. Kirkus Reviews has noted, “Solid characters and vivid imagery capture the mood, traditions and uncertainty of the time.”

Marianne has included a genealogical resource section in The Inheritance.

She also shares genealogical research tips in her blogs and features travel photographs including those from Italy on her website

A book launch in co-operation with the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Public Library has been scheduled for Tuesday, October 22 in the Essar Community Room at the Korah Branch.

The event will include a genealogical component.

Details to be released in the future.

The Inheritance is available for purchase in print and eBook through amazon.com, amazon.ca and chapters.indigo.ca as well as through Marianne’s website www.marianneperry.ca.

About The Author

A second-generation Canadian-Italian with Calabrian-Sicilian roots, Marianne Perry was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada.

A graduate of Mount St. Joseph College, she holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Laurentian University (Algoma College), a Bachelor of Education Degree and a Specialist in Dramatic Arts from The University of Toronto, a Master of Education Degree from The University of Western Ontario and a Graduate Certificate in Creative Writing from Humber College.

Marianne taught English and Dramatic Arts in Toronto, Ontario, Canada before returning to Sault Ste. Marie.

She served as the Founding Director of Student Services at Algoma University College and has a diverse background in communications and education that includes both the employment and volunteer sectors.

A past member of the Board of Trustees, Canada’s National Arts Centre Corporation, she received a recognition award from the Canadian Association of Colleges and Universities Student Services Association for her work in establishing the first campus safety for women program at Algoma University College in Sault Ste. Marie.

Marianne served as Project Director for Sault Ste. Marie Naturally Gifted, the city’s official publication for its 1998 HomeComing Celebration.

Her articles have been published by Family Chronicle Magazine: The how to guide to tracing your ancestors.

The Inheritance is her first novel.

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