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Joe's Fruit Shop & Milk Bar

By: Zoe Boccabella
Narrated by: Daniela Farinacci
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Publisher's Summary

Leaving the small village of Fossa in Italy in 1939 to meet a father he barely remembered in a place that was far from everything he knew, 15-year-old Annibale Boccabella arrived in Australia determined to make a go of it. It was a time when everything was changing, and anything seemed possible. Life was tough, but you could still chase your dreams.

More than 70 years later, in 2011, Zoe Boccabella and her family hurriedly try to save the treasured belongings of Annibale and his wife, Francesca - Zoe's grandparents - from the rising waters of the Brisbane River. When Zoe sees the sign from their old fruit shop and milk bar about to disappear beneath the floodwater, this triggers in her a realisation that while she has long looked to Italy to discover her migrant heritage, much of it happened here in Australia.

In Joe's Fruit Shop & Milk Bar, Zoe artfully weaves her own experiences with those of her grandparents, taking us on a journey from Abruzzo and Calabria in Italy to Australian sugar cane fields, internment camps, Greek cafes, and the fruit shop and milk bar that was the focus of a family's hopes and dreams for the future.

With memorable, beautifully portrayed characters, evocative writing, and a sweeping tale that reflects the experience of so many Australians, this is a story that will touch your heart and remind you of the important things in life.

©2015 Zoe Boccabella (P)2015 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic Reviews

"A charming and thoughtful writer." (Frances Mayes)

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Gone but not forgotten

Zoe’s story of her family, their lives their struggles their rewards of community.
It’s easy to forget the struggles of people leaving their homeland in hope of a better life. Thankyou for bringing to the forefront.

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The best Audiobook ever.

My hubby and I have listened to this book 3 times over. Every time we hear something, seemingly, for the first time. We were reminiscing, laughing, crying, and appreciating every chapter.

This is so relatable to Australian and Italian families who lived in Queensland from the 50s to now and especially if you know and love someone who has worked hard all their life to leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren.

P.S. So many wonderful Italian recipes are shared in this book too.

Thanks, Zoe Boccabella for making our long trips so much fun. Lynnie and Noel.

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ok

OK if your a immigrate or a Brisbane local if not its as boring as bat shit . the author feels hard done by by locking up the Italians during WW2 get over it badly read shit

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