South of My Dreams

An Italian emigre's dreams are shattered, and she embarks on a new and unexpected life in the American South Growing up in Rome, studying all over Europe, fleeing antisemitism, and relocating to Israel, Fania obsesses about New York City and the glory, epic friendships, and romance she will find there. When she finally moves to the city, Fania discovers a very different America from her Hollywood version. She experiences nothing but disappointments, failures, and amorous (mis)adventures-at times violent and traumatic. But, Fania stays, obstinately moving between jobs, lovers, and cities in search of herself and her idea of America.

South of My Dreams is F. K. Clementi's modern immigrant story of self-discovery and resilience. Her personal journey reveals deeper truths about America as seen through the eyes of a woman, foreigner, and Jew. In the end, the America of her quest is not a specific place but who she is in that place. When life goes south, Fania moves South, too. There, surprising new prospects open for her future. South of My Dreams is a story of joy, trauma, cultural discovery, and hope that will inspire readers to pursue happiness wherever it might lead.