Welcome to the world of “What Once Was Promised”, a captivating historical fiction novel by Louis Trubiano. Immerse yourself in the multi-generational saga of an Italian immigrant family navigating the turbulent times of early 20th-century Boston. With rich, evocative storytelling, Trubiano brings to life the trials, triumphs, and enduring spirit of a family striving to fulfill their dreams in a new land. Discover a tale of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bonds that tie generations together.

“What Once Was Promised” ~ Historical Fiction

He came for a better life,
but it didn't turn out to be an easy one.

What Once Was Promised follows the divergent paths followed by three young Italian immigrants who arrive in Boston and settle into the city’s Italian North End neighborhood in 1914. Along with an American born Italian, their lives go in vastly different directions as youthful rivalries and fateful decisions lead to unpredictable and sometimes unsavory outcomes. They are buffeted by the turbulence of competing factions, the fledgling Boston Mafia, Italian anarchists, corrupt police, Irish political dominance, and rampant discrimination. But when tragedy strikes the four come together after decades apart to solve a mystery and settle the score with those who have sent a lifetime fighting against them.

Historical Figures You’ll Meet in “What Once Was Promised”

Gaspare Messina

Born: 1887, Salemi, Sicily
Died: 1957, Somerville, Massachusetts
First Head of the Boston Mafia 1918
Named Capo Di Tutti Capi,
“Boss of All Bosses,” in 1930

Joseph Lombardo

Born: circa 1897, Salemi, Sicily
Died: July 17, 1969
Messina’s unofficial successor
Famous for murdering
three members of
the Irish Gustin Gang in 1931

James Michael Curley

Born November 20, 1874, Boston
Died November 12, 1958, Boston
Mayor of Boston 1914-1918, 1922-1926, 1930-1934, 1946-1950
Governor of Massachusetts 1935-1937
United State Congressman 1911-1914, 1942-1947
Served two prison sentences

Leverett Saltonstall

(September 1, 1892 – June 17, 1979)
Served three two-year terms as the 55th
Governor of Massachusetts, and for more than twenty years as a United States senator (1945–1967).

William Henry O'Connell

(December 8, 1859 – April 22, 1944)
He served as Archbishop of Boston from 1907 until his death in 1944, and was made a cardinal in 1911.

Bartolomeo Vanzetti

Was born in 1888 in Villafalletto, Italy. As an immigrant anarchist, he was at the center of one of the most notorious legal cases of the twentieth century, along with Nicola Sacco, that highlighted American anti-immigrant and anti-radical sentiment during the Red Scare. He was executed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on August 23, 1927.

"A moving and well-written saga of an earlier time in America."

"What Once Was Promised," is a multi-generational family saga packed with action, intrigue, love, and violence. It is a compelling story that is often inspiring and sometimes heartbreaking. Highly recommended."

"Step into the rich tapestry of early 20th-century Boston where love, friendship, and betrayal intertwine against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal vendettas."

He came for a better life, but it didn't turn out to be an easy one.

Historical Figures You’ll Meet in “What Once Was Promised”

Gaspare Messina

Gaspare Messina

Joseph Lombardo

Joseph Lombardo

James Michael Curley

James Michael Curley

Leverett Saltonstall

Leverett Saltonstall

William Henry O'Connell

William Henry O'Connell

Bartolomeo Vanzetti

He came for a better life,
but it didn't turn out to be an easy one.