A Bit of Myself by Filomena Abys-Smith is a captivating memoir brimming with vivid, heartfelt, and often heartrending anecdotes. From her roots in Bagnoli, Italy, to her family’s migration to the United States, Abys-Smith paints a rich tapestry of memories. Her early years in America were marked by the struggle of learning a new language and adapting to an unfamiliar and often challenging environment. Television and the unforgiving streets of her Bronx neighborhood became her unexpected tutors. Growing up in the Mott Haven projects, she learned quickly to navigate bullies and stand her ground among troublemakers.

The memoir traces Filomena’s journey through the complexities of love in various stages. Moments of bliss contrast sharply with those of heartbreak, each leaving a lasting impact that shapes her journey of healing, self-discovery, and resilience. Readers witness her evolution as she navigates relationships, loss, growth, and the experience of motherhood. Readers walk beside Filomena through a life brimming with love, pain, and transformation.

Abys-Smith’s descriptions of life in Bagnoli are imbued with evocative imagery and lyrical storytelling. Her recollections conjure a landscape alive with “sparks of sounds, smells, laughter, and vivid colors,” capturing the magic of her Italian upbringing. Her account of New Year’s Eve in Bagnoli is a particular highlight: “Bagnoli would be dressed with tall poles holding wheels of brightly colored fireworks.” This poetic rendering transports readers, immersing them in a world brimming with cultural richness and sensory delight. Her essays detailing life in America are equally engaging, filled with striking detail and candid reflections.

Filomena’s tenacity shines as she forges her own path, challenging the expectations placed on women of her generation. Choosing a career over the conventional role of a stay-at-home mother, she pushed back against societal limitations, asserting her right to independence and self-fulfillment. From motherhood and migration to love triangles, sexism, and the pursuit of education, the narrative unfolds with complexity and grace. Abys-Smith explores topics like politics and activism while also delving into the bittersweet aspects of love. Her romantic entanglements are full of drama, reminiscent of a thrilling Telemundo series. The reader is pulled into her experiences, from falling in love at work to being caught between two men and grappling with difficult decisions.

A Bit of Myself is a sensational and beautifully crafted memoir that resonates deeply with those who know the joy and anguish of love. It will captivate anyone with a passion for culture-rich stories and the richness of personal history. Culinary enthusiasts will also delight in the recipes scattered throughout the book, such as the delectable fried zucchini with fresh mint dressing.

Pages: 364 | ASIN: B07GTFF38S