At Litscription, we love diving deep into the minds of talented authors who bring history to life through fiction. Today, we’re thrilled to share our conversation with Louis Trubiano, the author of *What Once Was Promised*, a multi-generational family saga set in early 20th-century Boston. The novel intertwines love, friendship, and betrayal against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal vendettas. In this interview, Louis Trubiano talks about the inspiration behind the story, the influence of his family’s history, and what readers can expect next from him.
**Litscription (L): What inspired you to write *What Once Was Promised*? How much of the story is influenced by your own family’s history?**
**Louis Trubiano (LT):** I drew a lot of inspiration from my maternal grandfather, who immigrated to America alone at the age of 16 in 1914. His story sparked my interest in exploring the Italian immigrant experience in Boston during a time of seismic change. The characters’ struggles reflect the challenges my grandfather and many like him faced. I grew up in a largely Italian American neighborhood, and my early memories of that community, especially the strong ties to family, church, and the local Social Club and Aid Society, played a huge role in shaping the world of the novel.
**L: Can you share any specific anecdotes or stories from your grandparents that directly influenced scenes or characters in the book?**
**LT:** One story that had a direct influence was how my grandfather lost an eye shortly after arriving in America. I gave this experience to my main character, Domenic Bassini, to highlight the adversity he faces. My grandfather also helped found the Torre d’Passeri Mutual Aid Society in Quincy, Massachusetts, which was an important part of our family history. In the novel, I moved this society to Boston to fit the storyline, but its spirit of mutual support and community is woven throughout the narrative.
**L: What kind of research did you undertake to accurately depict the historical events and settings in early 20th-century Boston?**
**LT:** Research for the book was both laborious and fascinating. I relied heavily on historical books, newspapers from the era, and even modern sources like Wikipedia to dig deeper into events or people I wanted to include. I wanted to ensure that readers were fully immersed in the events shaping Boston at the time, like the flu epidemic and the infamous molasses flood, which had a significant impact on the city’s immigrant communities. Purchase on Amazon https://amzn.to/4dwuu5v
**L: How did you develop the characters in the novel? Are any of them based on real people from your life or family history?**
**LT:** Domenic Bassini is heavily influenced by my grandfather—his stoicism, dedication to family, and strong work ethic are central to the character. The other characters were shaped to represent the various paths that Italian immigrants took, from ordinary workers to anarchists, criminals, community leaders, and politicians. I wanted to show the complexity and diversity within the Italian immigrant experience in Boston.
**L: What central themes did you aim to explore in *What Once Was Promised*? Why are these themes important to you?**
**LT:** Family is the core theme of the novel—how no matter how much we try to protect our loved ones, external forces often shape their fate. In the book, the characters are frequently drawn into situations they didn’t create but must navigate nonetheless, whether it’s facing discrimination or dealing with the larger events happening around them, like political upheaval and the molasses flood. These themes resonate with me because they reflect the reality faced by many immigrant families at the time, including my own.
**L: How does your own background and upbringing influence the setting and tone of the novel?**
**LT:** My upbringing in an Italian neighborhood surrounded by family and community deeply influenced the tone and setting of the novel. The emphasis on strong family ties, hard work, and loyalty were values that were instilled in me from a young age, and I wanted to bring that sense of community and resilience to the story. Many of the fathers in the neighborhood worked in shipyards, which shaped the characters’ lives and struggles in the book.
**L: Are there any future projects or novels you’re currently working on? Will they also explore historical themes or immigrant experiences?**
**LT:** Yes! My next project will explore the Irish immigrant experience, focusing on the 28th Boston Regiment of the Irish Brigade, which fought throughout the Civil War. The novel will follow several Irish immigrants, tracing their journey from the war through the Irish rise to political power in Boston in the late 19th century. Much like *What Once Was Promised*, it will blend personal stories with larger historical events.
Louis Trubiano’s *What Once Was Promised* is a powerful exploration of family, resilience, and the Italian immigrant experience in early 20th-century Boston. His passion for history and personal connection to the story shines through in every chapter. Be sure to pick up a copy and immerse yourself in this captivating family saga!
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For more about Louis Trubiano and his works, visit his website or follow him on social media for updates on upcoming projects. Purchase on Amazon https://amzn.to/4dwuu5v
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