Italian American Literature

Unlike its African-American, Jewish-American, or Irish-American counterparts, Italian American literature still remains in the margins of mainstream American Studies. Many contemporary Italian American writers are virtually unknown to the general public and field scholars alike, while household names such as Don DeLillo deny the influence of Italianita on their works. Yet, as a number of Italian American scholars have been engaged in demonstrating, the narrative arising from the experiences of three generations of Americans of Italian descent can offer significant insights into American culture and socio-economic history. The present article aims to offer an overview of Italian American literature and of the existing Italian American literary scholarship. The article wishes to raise awareness around "the emerging canon of Italian American literature"(Bonomo and Russo) and to underscore the potential for new research perspectives and topics within the broader field of American Studies offered by Italian Americana. Ultimately, the article will posit that the narrative produced by Italian American writers can effectively offer a fresh perspective from which to investigate not only American literature but also a new viewpoint from which to reflect upon some of the distinctive traits that have shaped, and continue to shape, American history and culture.