With a focus on various means of employment, from backbreaking industrial labor to toiling in agricultural fields, the author paints a vivid picture of their journey to overcome intolerable working conditions and the challenges they faced in internment camps during WWII.
Davies’s dedication to research is apparent throughout the book. She delves not only into the harsh working conditions of railway employees and coal miners but also uncovers the economic and social factors that shaped their lives. The reader gains insight into the struggles these immigrants faced, such as overcoming terrain, cultural misunderstandings, and religious misinformation. Amid the darkness of their hardships, the author shines a light on moments of hope that stand out like a beacon in the darkness.
The arrival of World War II exacerbated political tensions between Italy and Canada, affecting the lives of Italian immigrants in Alberta and beyond. Davies skilfully navigates this complex political landscape, unearthing individual stories that allow the reader to witness the era through the eyes of those who lived it. The impact of suspicion and racism on the entire Italian population, caused by the actions of a few, led to unfair immigration policies that left the community disadvantaged and disheartened. Despite marginalization and mistreatment, the community’s resilience and hard work paved the way for eventual economic stability.
This historical narrative not only portrays the struggles of the demoralized working class but also provides a profound examination of the lives of women and children who strove to carve out a bearable existence in a foreign land enmeshed in political warfare. Their struggles serve as a poignant reminder of the human experience, and their determination in the face of adversity is both humbling and inspiring.
From Sojourners to Citizens is a masterful and comprehensive exploration of a community’s journey from outsiders to citizens. It is an indispensable resource for understanding the Italian immigrant experience in Alberta, bridging the gap between the past and present. Both bleak and breathtaking in its complexity, Davies highlights the lives of those who have left behind their stories, shedding light on their resolve to carve a path to a brighter future. Her eloquent narrative serves as a testament to the boldness of the human spirit and the fierceness of hope in the face of unimaginable hardships.
