Author Event!

Sal Perricone, a former federal prosecutor for New Orleans, will discuss his newest novel, Cobblestone, at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

This event is free of charge and open to the public. Registration is not required. This event coincides with the monthly meeting of the East Jefferson Italian American Society.

The novel follows Antonio, a young man fleeing Sicily after avenging his father's murder. He embarks on a harrowing journey to New Orleans with the help of Jesuit priests but the promise of a fresh start quickly sours as Antonio finds himself entangled in a volatile clash of cultures, corruption, and crime.

Perricone notes that in the late 19th century, Italian immigrants in New Orleans faced hostility, exploitation, and a brutal system of indentured servitude. Antonio becomes a witness to history as a bitter feud over the docks spirals into violence, culminating in the assassination of Irish police chief David C. Hennessy. The ensuing trial of nine Italians and the shocking lynching of 11 innocent men ignited international outrage, threatening to sever ties between the United States and Italy.

Caught in the crossfire of prejudice and power struggles, Antonio fights to survive while grappling with his own past and future. His journey weaves a gripping tale of resilience, betrayal, and the enduring hope for justice. Cobblestones: A New Orleans Tragedy is a reminder of the human cost of intolerance and the courage it takes to rebuild a life from ashes.

S.R. Perricone, for nearly 40 years, served in most aspects of law enforcement. He was as a deputy sheriff, a police detective, an FBI agent and, for 21 years, a federal prosecutor. He was the Chief of the Organized Crime Strike Force. Before his retirement in 2012, Perricone served as the Senior Litigation Counsel for the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Orleans. He was an attorney for 38 years. During his career he specialized in public corruption and organized crime investigations and prosecutions. His first novel "Blue Steel Crucifix" was published on December 2014.

Program inquiries should be directed to Chris Smith, Adult Programming, at 504-889-8143 or wcsmith@jefferson.lib.la.us.