It tells the story of an Italian immigrant to the United States in East Harlem.
It has been described as one of the well-hidden pieces of Italian-American literature[citation needed], having "elements of greatness.
"[2] The story circulates around the main character, Gennaro Accuci, and how he leaves his family behind in Italy in order to make riches in America.
He takes over the business of an old friend by force, and soon rises to power and becomes an influential member of early Italian-American society in New York.
She returns to her family, her parents move to the country, the oldest son (Domenico) is killed in the Spanish–American War, and Gennaro's wife dies of sadness.