That Was Enough
An Immigrant’s Tale of Hope and Resilience
9781955656993
200 pages
Little Creek Press
Overview
From a remote Italian village to the chaos of Ellis Island—one widow’s bold leap into the unknown will define generations to come.That Was Enough is a sweeping immigrant saga inspired by the true journey of Francesco and Concetta Nardi, who leave behind their beloved Italy in pursuit of the American dream. With unwavering courage, deep faith, and fierce resilience, they set out to build a new life in an unfamiliar land.
Set in the early 1900s, readers are first immersed in the rustic beauty and hardships of southern Italy, where young Concetta Andriarchi, recently widowed and raising a small child, receives a life-changing proposal from Francesco Nardi—a man she barely remembers. He asks her to join him in America. Torn between safety and uncertainty, Concetta makes the bold decision to leave everything she knows behind.
What follows is a harrowing voyage and a jarring introduction to the chaos of Ellis Island, where foreign languages, unfamiliar faces, and the weight of uncertainty collide. Reunited with Francesco, the two marry and begin the relentless work of building a life from the ground up—navigating the challenges of survival, assimilation, and holding fast to their heritage.
Through heartbreak and hope, That Was Enough tells the deeply human story of the immigrant experience—of what it takes to become American, and what must be left behind to do so. It is a tribute to the ordinary heroes whose quiet strength helped shape a nation.
Author Bio
Peggy Glendenning was born, raised and educated in the rolling hills of southwest Wisconsin. She is a retired Registered Nurse and had the privilege of serving her neighbors in that capacity for 30 years. Peggy is the mother of four grown children, grandmother to four grandchildren, and proud maternal great granddaughter to Concetta and Francesco Nardi, the main characters in That Was Enough.Since hanging up her stethoscope, Peggy has traveled much of Europe where she trod the footsteps of her ancestors in both Italy and Ireland. The endless tales and heroics of immigrant travels have not only enchanted her but instilled a sense of responsibility to share what is known of their personal experiences before their story is lost to history.
One of Peggy’s proud accomplishments was making a pilgrimage to the small Italian village of Simbario, accompanied by her mother and two youngest sons. To return to the point of origin of their Italian heritage with three generations was a pivotal moment in Peggy’s life. Walking the streets of Simbario, entering San Rocco church, gave Peggy the inspiration to write the incredible story of Francesco and Concetta.
Peggy currently resides in Iowa with her husband of 42 years where together they enjoy reading, travel, spending time with beloved family, and living out the dream set forth by their brave immigrants.
