Andrea L. Rogers’ journey to write My Grandma’s Pearl-handled Dagger led her from Bagheria, Sicily, to Ellis Island and finally to a preserved NYC tenement that mirrored her grandmother Filippa’s stories in every detail.
Filippa’s life was marked by strength, resilience and quiet heroism. Abandoned with young children, she faced poverty and violence with courage, guided by old-world wisdom and timeless proverbs.
Over a century later, long-hidden family secrets came to light. Who was Filippa? And how did she survive it all?
Andrea L. Bellusci-Rogers was born in New York and now lives on Martha’s Vineyard. She comes from a long line of Italian immigrants. Her childhood was rich with rustic Italian proverbs, timeless truths passed down through peasant society, carved from ancient wisdom. These sayings shaped her worldview and continue to resonate across generations.
Andrea will be selling and signing books at all of the Artisans festivals. Stop by to meet Andrea and hear grandmothers inspiring story!
