A writer and master chef of Italian cuisine, Filomena Abys-Smith recently held book signings for her two memoirs and a novel of historical fiction: “A Bit of Myself,” “A Bit of Herself,” and “At the Lord’s Table.” The signings were held at the Arbor Activity Center Event Room I.
Filomena and her husband Peter moved to Ashford less than a year ago. Her passion for writing started when she was very young – making notes of events, maybe just a birthday party or hanging out at the beach with friends. Then, with maturity, her memoir takes on more serious events. She shares with her readers the excitement and disappointments of coming to America and settling in the South Bronx, New York City. She was just six years old when she saw the Statue of Liberty for the first time.
Filomena’s first book, “A Bit of Myself,” takes the reader to the small town of Bagnoli, outside of Naples, Italy. It is a charming bit of history as the now-mature Filomena reflects on those simple and happy times. The memoir then tells of her Americanization and how she coped with often complex and, at times, tumultuous relationships. She shares her frustration when publishers insisted, she edit out what they called “raw” language and scenes.
She refused. Wanting to be true to herself and her readers, what is left in “A Bit of Myself” is a very real, factual memoir. Happily, it also includes many memorable photos and, not-to-be-missed, some of her favorite Italian recipes – many handed down from her mother and grandmother.
While cleaning up after a water main break, Filomena’s husband, Peter, discovered her writings and notes. It was all just stuffed in a large envelope in a dry (luckily) cardboard box.
Peter took a time-out and started reading. He then convinced Filomena that she should publish her stories so that family, friends, and interested readers could enjoy and share her experiences. “It would be a lasting legacy,” he told her.
In her second memoir, “A Bit of Herself,” the author introduces the reader to her mother and grandparents. They share stories of their lives and, of course, their recipes. Her third book, “At the Lord’s Table,” is historical fiction that follows an Irish family from their survival of the famine years to their arrival and struggles in America. The story is a long stretch from her memoirs but demonstrates Filomena’s writing flexibility.
For those interested in meeting fellow authors, Filomena is planning a monthly roundtable for “Those of Kindred Spirits.” This will be a time for authors and writers to enjoy sharing stories of their writing and publishing experience and helping those who may just be starting on a writer’s journey. Resident authors can email Filomena at fabys2@aol.com.
