Serving House Books, an independent publisher known for literary works that blend tradition with unexpected depth, announces the release of Rosina, a compelling new historical novel that reimagines one of America’s most controversial trials through the intimate voice of Rosina Sacco, wife of Nicola Sacco. Authored by Miriam Polli, Rosina is a nuanced narrative that offers an emotional and intellectual lens into the life of a woman navigating the turbulent early 20th-century American landscape amid rising social and political unrest.
Set during the politically volatile years surrounding the infamous Sacco and Vanzetti case, Rosina reconstructs a lesser-heard perspective—that of a devoted wife, mother, and immigrant, caught in the riptide of a movement that once promised hope but devolved into violence and tragedy. The novel’s protagonist, Rosina, is portrayed not only as a historical figure but as a symbol of countless others whose voices have been eclipsed by the dominant narrative. Raised in a convent and full of hope upon emigrating from Italy, Rosina is drawn to Nicola Sacco’s fierce convictions and unwavering dedication to workers’ rights and pacifism. Their shared dreams, along with their friendship with poet and philosopher Bartolomeo Vanzetti, draw them into the idealistic beginnings of the anarchist movement.
Polli’s depiction of Rosina is layered and complex. Through vivid prose and historical grounding, the narrative follows Rosina’s descent from a life filled with idealism into a harrowing reality where her family’s very survival is threatened by public hysteria, systemic bias, and the erosion of civil liberties. As the American legal system bears down on Nicola and his beliefs, Rosina is left to navigate the aftermath—bearing the emotional and physical toll of the case on herself and their children.
Publisher William K. Lawrence of Serving House Books describes the novel as “a powerful exploration of love, loyalty, and the consequences of prejudice, a timely and deeply relevant novel in today’s social unrest and rising xenophobia.” That message rings especially poignant in an era marked by renewed conversations about immigration, political persecution, and racial profiling.
Rosina is not just historical fiction; it is a human story with enduring relevance. The novel carefully traces the impact of the Sacco and Vanzetti case on the domestic front, highlighting how political convictions can ripple through families and communities in unpredictable ways. Through Rosina’s eyes, readers witness the sacrifices demanded of those who love revolutionaries—and the quiet heroism required to endure personal loss in pursuit of a cause.
The strength of the novel lies in its ability to give voice to a woman often left in the shadows of history. While Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti have long occupied a place in the annals of American political discourse, Rosina’s fictionalized account opens new ground for readers interested in women’s experiences, immigrant narratives, and the emotional costs of political idealism.
With historical authenticity and literary finesse, Polli captures the essence of an era fraught with ideological conflict, economic hardship, and cultural transition. The novel weaves intimate family moments with broader political events, allowing readers to grasp the tangible consequences of prejudice and fear. Its characters are fully realized, their moral dilemmas palpable, and their journeys marked by both tenderness and heartbreak.
Serving House Books, which has built a reputation for publishing books that push boundaries while remaining grounded in literary tradition, continues that mission with Rosina. The novel exemplifies the publisher’s commitment to showcasing voices that are both timeless and timely, offering readers stories that resonate across generations and borders.
This release marks another milestone for Serving House Books, reinforcing its role in fostering thoughtful, compelling literature that challenges conventions and deepens understanding of historical events through unexpected narrative lenses. The book adds to the growing body of fiction that reexamines marginalized histories, particularly those shaped by immigration, activism, and familial endurance.
By centering on a female immigrant voice, Rosina contributes meaningfully to ongoing literary and academic discourse about the Sacco and Vanzetti case. It brings attention to the broader societal impact of political imprisonment, especially on the families left behind. The novel also indirectly speaks to contemporary readers navigating similar themes of displacement, activism, and institutional mistrust in modern sociopolitical climates.
Published by Serving House Books, Rosina is available now through major retailers like Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Bookshop.org. For additional updates, content, and community engagement, Serving House Books maintains active presences on Instagram and Bluesky.
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