This is the story of Nicola Vietri, his wife Ada, and their two young daughters, poor peasants in the Abruzzi of southern Italy. Like most of the men in his village, Nicola is searching desperately for work; unlike most of them, he is accepted for emigration to America, and his hopes for the future seem confirmed. But before the family can get away, tragedy and violence disrupt their lives. The first victim is the daughter, Michela, who has a tormenting experience at the hands of some young men of the village. Then disaster strikes Nicola himself, and this is the ultimate test of Ada’s strength. The Vietri family and their neighbours accept tragedy bravely. It is a part of life, and their eagerness for life makes them indomitable.

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