Marisella

A Cinderella Tale

By: Marisa DiRuggiero, D.P. Conway

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Born to immigrant parents and facing the turbulence of an emotionally unstable father, Marisella’s life is anything but ordinary.

In Marisella: A Cinderella Tale, readers are invited on a tender and evocative journey of a young girl’s resilience, love for her heritage, and quest for belonging in a world filled with uncertainty.

From her earliest memories, Marisella navigates the harsh realities of her parents’ relentless work ethic and the storms of her father’s struggles. At just three years old, her life changes when her Italian grandparents arrive, transforming their modest urban farm into her sanctuary amid a bustling, often unforgiving inner city.

But Marisella’s safe haven is shattered when tragedy strikes, leaving her to carry burdens far beyond her years. As she grows, she must reconcile the pull of modern America with the deep roots of her family’s old-world traditions, all while learning to forge her path and hold onto hope.

With a voice as honest as it is heartfelt, Marisella’s story echoes the timeless themes of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Frank McCourt’s beloved memoirs. Her journey is a testament to the enduring power of family, faith, and determination.

This unforgettable autobiography is a poignant reminder that even amidst loss and hardship, the human spirit has an extraordinary capacity to rise, endure, and dream again.

a sweet story of an Italian upbringing

I'm not a fan of virtual voices. Besides that it's a matter of factly story of a child born into and Italian immigrant family in the US.