Popular Staten Island author, Dr. David Mercaldo thinks Casa Belvedere is the perfect place to read from his best-selling novel, FERRY

By David Essex

 Those who attended the January 5^th reading thought so too! Mercaldo’s two novels FERRY and SEAMSTRESS are testaments to the immigration of millions of Italians and their experiences in attaining the American dream.

CASA BELVEDERE, located at 79 Howard Avenue, in the Grimes Hill section is Staten Island’s new cultural center. It is fast becoming a beacon of Italian culture in the metro area. Its founder, Gina Biancardi is being praised world-wide for her vision and has received recognition and accolades from Italy and organizations such as NOIAW (National Organization of Italian American Women). Several months ago, after meeting Mercaldo and his wife, Linda, Ms. Biancardi invited the author to come to the mansion for a reading.  

For over an hour, he read passages from his novel that herald the life of an Italian immigrant, Angelo Marullo - who happens to be his fictitious “shoe-shine” man on the Staten Island Ferry.  The book speaks of the Marullo’s quest to be an “American.”  Like most first generation immigrants, he understands that it will be his children and grandchildren who will ultimately inherit the “dream” he heard so much about in his native country, Italy. But he is willing to work hard to set the stage for them to achieve it…even it means shining shoes!  An audience of enthusiasts smiled, laughed and during a question and answer period, spoke of their own family and memories triggered by the characters and stories in the book.

David Mercaldo, who defines his approach to writing as that of a “story-teller,” brings the reader to an autumn day in the year 1952.  A group of individuals will board the Staten Island Ferry and by the time they punch out at work, finish their audition for a role in a Broadway play, celebrate a retirement, or do whatever they do in the “big city,” will have experienced an most extraordinary encounter with life!

The novel is best described as a “day-in-the-life” kind of story. A day the characters and readers will not soon forget.

“FERRY has taken me on an extraordinary voyage to over three hundred organizations as a guest playwright-author. Wherever my itinerary takes me, I urge my readers to see their own families in the pages of my book and not confine their imagery to one particular national background. I believe my characters and their stories are universal!”

The author took time to footnote the sections he read and segued into the pages, with the audience having to reason where his remarks left off and the written story resumed.  “It is the early fifties…and who is working on the boat?  Those of German, Polish, Russian, Greek and a variety of other cultural backgrounds…are all there. And who is the concessioner…Max, of Jewish ancestry, of course. We get an intimate view of the passengers through the eyes of Angelo and Max.”

          One listened commented, “His style is so relaxed and his voice is so calming that I could listen to him all night.”

When asked if his story was based on fact, the writer smiled and answered that he makes up his characters and stories. “I don’t work with an outline. My stories are based on the characters…I know them personally and intimately; thus, I can put them in any setting and they come to life! They emerge!  I just write what he or she would do or say in a given situation. Those who have read the book have wondered and questioned if the stories and characters are real. I find myself feeling for my readers when I have to confess that it’s all fiction…the characters, the stories…everything from the first to the last page!”

Another attendee wondered if the characters were based on people the author actually knows. Mercaldo answered that they are typical of the people we all meet in the course of the day. “I just give them a different place to be or something extraordinary to do!  Then I have my story!”

David Mercaldo is a 37 year veteran of the public schools, has had two successful plays run Off-Broadway and is also the author of LITTLE BOY BOO, an interactive children’s book. You can visit the author at www.davidmercaldo.com or invite him to address your group by email at: skyline347@verizon.net.

Later this year, a third novel also centering on the Italian-American experience will be released. Mercaldo excitedly announced to those gathered that he would be going home to “do some writing on FAMIGLIA” - the working title for his next novel.

A reception followed and guests were given the opportunity to meet the author while he signed copies of his books. 

If you have not visited CASA BELVEDERE, you should plan a visit as it is a showplace for sculptors, decorators, the Island’s top chefs, opera and a weekly schedule of finest activities and talents. It also houses an institute for learning the Italian language. The mansion, which sits on three acres, has a commanding view of the Narrows and the Verrazano Bridge. The views are magnificent!  The number for the site is the 718 273-7660

Those wishing to purchase a copy of FERRY can call 1 866 909 BOOK. You can also order any of David Mercaldo’s books at Barnes and Nobel, The Clove Lake Bookstore or via your favorite book site on the net. Those visiting CASA BELVEDERE can purchase copies there as well. If you a Kindle fan…his books will be available in early March of this year.