On Tuesday 16 of October, at the invitation of Italian Senator Ernesto Rapani, Daniela D'Amico Henderson presented her new book "La Masseria" to members of the Senate and invited guests.
Daniela is married to Mitch Henderson, a member of AUR's Board of Trustees, and they have three children together. Despite her busy family life, she has built a meaningful teaching career while actively contributing to her community through volunteer work. For over ten years, Daniela has served on the board of the Dante Alighieri Society of Michigan, which allows her to remain closely connected to her Italian heritage—a culture she cherishes deeply.
"La Masseria" is Henderson's second novel, following the successful "Fuori dalla mia testa: Storia di un amore bipolare;" the tale of a spirited yoga instructor named Sabrina and the funny, heartfelt, and nostalgic story of sliding doors, or, as the subtitle suggests, of an unfinished love.
The story of "La Masserie" is intertwined in the lively fabric of Puglia and Calabria in 1938, a novel that unites destiny and courage in lands rich in history. Ninetta De Cinto, heir to an influential family of farmers, challenges her father’s will by marrying Amilcare, the son of a bricklayer. Their union, which challenges social boundaries, soon becomes dark: Amilcare’s authoritarian character puts Ninetta to the test.
“La Masseria” is a story of rebirth, rediscovered identities, and new beginnings. It is a tale of a hidden legacy, of letters never sent, and a legacy to be reclaimed. This novel is full of passion and hidden truths, ready to sprout like the lands of Southern Italy.
AUR's president, Scott Sprenger, and Italian professors Marecella Alamprese and Catherine Ramsey-Portolano attended the presentation while students of The American University of Rome read passages from the book during the event.
You can read a full report of the event (in Italian) at News Made In Italy