From Sicily to the South

My Great-Grandfather’s American Journey: Giuseppe Murana

By: Stephanie Frazer

Narrated by: Valerie Carson

From Sicily to the South is a heartfelt and historically grounded family memoir that traces the journey of Giuseppe Murana, a young Sicilian boy who left everything he knew behind in 1904 to begin a new life in America. At just five years old, Giuseppe arrived at the port of New Orleans with his parents aboard the S.S. Liguria—unaware that his journey would one day shape generations to come.

Through rich storytelling, personal documents, and decades of genealogical research, Giuseppe’s great-granddaughter, brings to life the untold history of an immigrant family who settled in the American South, weathered hardship, and quietly laid the foundation for future descendants to rediscover their heritage.

From early life on Louisiana farmland to a long-standing career as a health inspector for the United Fruit Company, Giuseppe’s life unfolds with the dignity and resilience so common among immigrants of his era. Along the way, listeners witness the tragedy of loss, the power of perseverance, and a legacy carried forward by love.

But this is not just Giuseppe’s story—it’s also Stephanie’s. Nearly a century later, a sepia-toned photograph, scattered documents, and the power of social media lead her to reconnect with long-lost relatives in Sicily. Through determination and heart, she not only finds her family again but reclaims her Italian citizenship through bloodline—bringing her great-grandfather’s story full circle.

From Sicily to the South is a celebration of ancestry, identity, and the enduring ties that bind us across generations and oceans.

©2025 Stephanie Frazer (P)2025 Stephanie Frazer