WHEN WE WERE STRANGERS

An inspiring historical novel set in 1880s Italy and America about a woman's self-discovery and transformation

Irma Vitale, an honest young seamstress without looks or lucre, navigates a long journey from Opi, her isolated mountain village in Italy, through the brash new cities of America. Relying on her keen intuition and a slim packet of practical skills, Irma discovers that her sewing talents will lead her to unimaginable opportunities. Irma is both captivated and terrified as she journeys alone into the world beyond Opi. As she makes her way from Naples to New York, she survives a cramped, tumultuous ocean crossing, and learns how to find friends among strangers. Her arrival to the new world is equally harrowing. Irma endures long work for little pay in an embroidery sweatshop, and experiences the shock of horrific assaults. But as she ventures westward, first to Chicago and then San Francisco, she brings together a new makeshift family, and her skillful hands and steady character prove to be valuable assets in helping others. Irma is transformed in her two-year voyage, becoming an independent young woman in a new world. Pamela Schoenewaldt lived in Italy, near Opi, for a decade, and her firsthand experience is reflected in this story. This haunting debut novel began as the lead short story for New Letters, vol. 69, no. 4 and was selected by editor Robert Stewart as a candidate for the National Magazine Award. Published in a number of literary magazines and anthologies, Schoenewaldt is the recipient of the Chekhov Short Fiction, Writers' Word, Leslie Garrett, Literal Latté, and Tennessee Writers Awards and was the University of Tennessee Library Writer Residence. She teaches fiction and professional writing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.