Back in 1979, when I couldn't afford new books, I had left word with all the used bookstores of Chicago that if Umbertina by Helen Barolini appeared it should be put aside for me. Shortly after the novel was published, I received a phone call that told me that they were holding a copy of “Under Tina.” Who knows what they thought it was; for me it was the beginning of a long relationship with a writer who was fundamental to my development as an advocate and critic of Italian American writers.
Helen did everything when everything needed to be done. She translated and promoted her husband's work, wrote her own stories, made sure other women had opportunities to get published and she promoted them. Helen did the groundwork necessary to require the category of Italian American literature be listed in library catalogs and was a strong advocate for all...
