Remembering past experiences that left him
with a lasting impression, and with more time available for musing, Joseph
Santamaria - in an amusing way - describes episodes in his life that shaped his
lifestyle and social development. Keen to pass onto his children their origin
and culture, Santamaria's memories are vivid with considerable but truthful
embellishments. In the 100th year since the arrival of the Santamaria family in
Australia, this collection of stories tells us of the uniqueness and value of
the Santamaria family, as well as the importance of the institution of the
family and the traditions of Dr. Joe’s Italian heritage.
“A past world where the rich Italian regional culture of early migrants
combined with ordinary Australians in Sydney Road Melbourne.”
Christine Browning, Reviewer
“...a collection of simple yet reflective and highly effective vignettes that
offer a glimpse of life within the Santamaria household which highlights the
role played by strong family ties in mediating the Italian immigrant
experience.” Dario
Nelli, Deputy Editor Il Globo, Melbourne
"Dr Joe's book is a most enjoyable read about family life, Italian culture
and most of all that other religion, Australian Rules Football."
Paul Gray, Herald Sun Columnist
Joseph N. Santamaria, son of Italian migrants who arrived in Australia early in
the twentieth century, graduated in 1948 in medicine. He specialised in
haematology and oncology and later became the Director of Community Medicine at
St. Vincent’s Hospital. He retired from hospital practice at the end of 1988.
