Like Lesser Gods

by Mari Tomasi

Book by Tomasi, Mari

298 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1949

Reviews

[Dina Maio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe Ms. Tomasi is the first female Italian-American novelist. This book draws a colorful and detailed portrait of the lives of the stone masons of Vermont. They live and breathe granite, literally, as the novel also deals with the lung diseases that result from working with it. This book deals with many things in the Italian-American experience, such as the struggle of the early immigrants whether to stay in America or return to Italy, their strong family units and communities, the differences between first- and second-generation Italians adjusting to American life, and labor issues involving occupational health hazards. A very important book documenting Italian-American culture and the daily lives, hopes, dreams and struggles of the first generation.

[Byron Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for clarification of who read the book only. More to follow ...Not bad reading ... the main character (who was telling the story) was interesting ..
but it would be a stretch to say that this story would be a source and study into the lives of the men that cut, removed, and shaped granite from the quarries. I would say 3 of 5 stars.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being from Vermont and having been to Barre and the quarry there, I found it interesting to read some of the history of the Italians who worked there. Hope to get to the cemetery sometime as I understand there are beautiful monuments there.

[Brandie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was disappointing. I didn't think the writing was very good. The jump in time in the latter half of the book seemed the author couldn't figure out how to end the story.