Zoe bocca bella biography of michael

The characteristics historically used to define the Abruzzesi are ‘forte e gentile’ (strong & kind), a description first penned by the C19th Italian journalist Primo Levi.

But this defining blend of strength & kindness exists to this day, and the reach of its charm exceeds well beyond the borders of Abruzzo, a testament to how far & wide the people of Abruzzo have travelled the world to provide for their families.

We take a look at the Nonni (grandparents) through the eyes of their grandchildren whose futures they helped to determine.

Zoë Boccabella is an Italian-Australian author whose writing is often influenced by her migrant ancestry, handed-down recipes and spoken histories, as well as travels in Europe and her birth country, Australia.

She gained an Arts degree in literature and sociology then worked for many years as a writer and researcher for government, universities and freelance, later attaining a Master of