Adolfo Rossi
Nel paese dei dollari
Tre anni a New-York
"Nel paese dei dollari" by Adolfo Rossi is a novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative explores the experiences of Italian immigrants in America, focusing on socio-economic challenges and cultural encounters in the bustling life of New York City, with some focus on the protagonist Angelo Cornetta, a struggling organ grinder facing dire circumstances. The opening of the story introduces us to Angelo Cornetta, a poor and uneducated musician from Italy who has settled in New York. After being accused of abusing and leading his Irish partner to her death, Cornetta finds himself imprisoned at Sing Sing. The narrative follows his struggles in prison, including a violent confrontation that leads to a murder charge against him, highlighting themes of injustice and the turbulent immigrant experience in America. As the story unfolds, we witness a profound examination of Cornetta’s mental state as he grapples with his impending execution while interacting with the journalist who intends to document his story.