In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Linda Stasi delve into the rich history of Italian immigrants, exploring the themes of identity, struggle, and resilience. Linda discusses her new book, ‘The Descendants,’ which uncovers the untold stories of Italian immigrants in America, particularly focusing on the Ludlow Massacre and the impact of Prohibition. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of New York City, the ongoing stereotypes faced by Italians, and the importance of recognizing the contributions of Italian Americans to society.
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Contact: Angelle Barbazon angelle@booksforward.com
‘Yellowstone’ Meets ‘The Godfather’
‘The Descendant’ is a family saga like no other
Was this Colorado family the real inspiration for ‘The Godfather?’ The truth comes to life in Linda Stasi’s new based-on-actual-events novel
NEW YORK CITY – Award-winning journalist, bestselling novelist, and former New York Daily News and New York Post columnist Linda Stasi – once named one of the “Fifty Most Powerful Women in NYC” – brings her trademark bold, fearless storytelling to her most ambitious work yet: “The Descendant” (Regalo Press, March 10, 2026).
This based-on-real-events novel tells the story of the family that possibly inspired “The Godfather” – except this story doesn’t begin with a small robbery in New York. Instead, “The Descendant” begins with a big, blooming love in the tiny town of Lucca Sicula, Sicily. Told through the lives of the strong Italian immigrant women who fought against impossible odds after coming to the American West, this historically inspired narrative introduces a whole cast of fascinating characters.
Mariano Barbera was a strong, powerfully built man who saw young Maria Ragusa at her family’s store and was struck dumb. He had to have her, and she wanted him just as badly. Their life together leads the couple and their children from earthquake-ravaged Sicily to bondage and massacre in the mines of Colorado, to cattle ranching in Pueblo to Mafia life on the mean streets of Red Hook, Brooklyn.
This sweeping family saga centers around the Barberas’ 10 children—from their three cowboy bootlegging sons to their seven wildly different cowgirl daughters. First there’s little Flo – born on the night of the wolves, whose own alpha wolf never left her side–as she navigates life alongside her best pal and younger sister, Clara. Then there’s Flo’s many older sisters: Callie who loved and lost; Angie, who loved and left; gorgeous Laura, who loved the wrong man; grouchy but brilliant Helen, who loved many times; and tough-as-nails wrangler Mickey, who loved a woman more than the husband she was forced to marry.
“The Descendant” is the story of how the Mafia began in the West by immigrants fighting to survive in the wilds of the wild west, told through the story of a real life family of scrappy, tough, smart folks who refused to let all the power in the world keep them down.
Podcast
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