The Family is Everything

"The Family is Everything" is a multigenerational saga following the Volpe family's journey from the late19th-century New York to modern times. A parallel narrative introduces the Farrell family, whose morally dubious business practices and personal betrayals serve as a foil to the Volpe family's integrity and unity. The contrasting Volpe and Farrell narratives explore the interplay of ambition, loyalty, and ethical dilemmas in personal and professional life.

Mother Cabrini strives to help Italian immigrants in New York City, especially orphan Salvatore Russo. Her care and influence play a pivotal role in Salvatore's survival and personal development, and her mantra, "The Family is Everything," resonates throughout Salvatore's life. He is adopted by the Volpe family, thrives under their guidance and later expands their family business—Volpe Concrete Company—through hard work and resilience. The Volpes navigate challenges like the Great Depression, showcasing loyalty to employees and community. Salvatore's relationship with his grandson, Michael, highlights generational wisdom and the importance of pursuing dreams. Michael Volpe's passion for engineering leads him to success beyond the family business. The novel explores his personal growth, his love for classic cars, and the continuation of family values as he carves his own path while maintaining close ties with his roots. The novel introduces contrasting storylines, such as Tom Farrell's unscrupulous dealings in Charleston, exposing ethical conflicts in the construction industry. Across decades, the Volpe family's Italian heritage and sense of loyalty bind them, with "The Family is Everything" serving as both a literal and figurative anchor. It underscores the central role of family in shaping identities and decisions. The narrative is rich with historical context, moral lessons, and a celebration of family as the cornerstone of life.

As a native New Yorker, Bob Farina is a graduate of St. John's University and enjoyed a 30-year corporate executive career with Bloomingdales Department Store, followed by a 10-year career as President and COO of Hart Systems. Bob relocated to Charleston, SC in 2006 and now is a real estate professional servicing the greater Charleston area. Bob and his wife Mary Ann reside on Daniel Island in Charleston. Their daughter Allison and grandson live nearby, while their other daughter Carolyn and their three granddaughters have made Charlotte, NC, their home. An avid golfer, Bob enjoys many of Charleston's great courses. "The Family is Everything" is Bob's fifth novel. His first four novels and his memoir are available for purchase on most eBook sites.