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by Monica Butler (Author)
Mónica was born and raised in northwestern Argentina in a predominantly Roman Catholic community, her upbringing strongly influenced by the Mediterranean migrant waves characteristic of the local culture since the late 1800's.
Her account begins in the early 20th century, with her maternal grandparents and great-grandparents' departure from Europe. Encompassing several generations, her chronicle entails a fusion of historical facts, anecdotes, and personal experiences; a mesh of passionate and heartwarming memories, and entertaining observations.
As a child herself during the Argentinian dictatorship of the seventies, her tale reenacts grim realities of the time, and highlights perspectives on the oppression that spilled over her country until its transition back into a democracy. She recalls her family's migrant pride; the feel of her homeland while at war with itself; and her attempts to strike a balance between the innocence and beauty of youthful dreams, and the heartache of adult discoveries.
Mónica migrated to the U.S. in her early twenties, and after graduating college, dedicated the bulk of her work life to a career in the cruise line industry.
Though longtime residents of the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband have opted for the sunny Southwest as their home of choice during retirement.
Her memoir is dedicated to her loving sons, and to her precious grandchildren.
