Newly released book - Carmelo Caruso: The Two Hearts of an Immigrant

Written by journalist Irene Sampognaro, Edited by Mario Congedo of Galatina (Lecce) Italy

A biographical book about Teneriffe businessman Carmelo Caruso:

Carmelo Caruso, an Italian migrant from the Sicilian Town of Licodia Eubea in the Province of Catania, Italy, commenced his Australian life when he arrived in Melbourne, penniless, on the 13th of June 1950, after 28 days journey by sea on the motorship Ugolino Vivaldi. After disembarking, Carmelo travelled the long five-day journey from Melbourne to North Queensland by train, to his Uncle Joe Leonardi's farm in Home Hill. His landing permit was granted as a cane cutter but his true profession was tailoring. In the town were he arrived, there was no tailor; therefore with the help of some relatives and friends Carmelo opened a tailoring business. After three years between Home Hill and Ayr, he realised that the climate of North Queensland, was not a suitable for the products and services of his profession. Therefore, after 3 years in Australia and with 300 pounds in his pocket, he decided to move to Brisbane, where he has lived since 1953. He opened a tailoring business at 100 Kingsford Smith Drive, Hamilton and a few years later he purchased an old colonial-style house at 70 Breakfast Creek Road, Newstead, opposite Eagers, where he further expanded his business. As business prospered, he decided to move again, and this time in the centre of the city, precisely at 669 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, were he transferred his tailoring business, opened a Travel Agency and a Migration consulting centre. He also established the iconic Italian shop, Caruso's Italian Emporium, which became an enormous success in the Australian business community selling shoes, menswear, gold jewellery, perfumes and cosmetics, homewares, artistic porcelain gifts and many other items imported from Italy.

"Carmelo Caruso - The Two Hearts of an Immigrant", is available in both the English and Italian language and is distributed by the Caruso Group Pty. Ltd. of Brisbane. The beautifully presented glossy hard-bound volume is available at the RRP of $55.00, and is on sale through the Chamber and through the following outlets: American Bookshop in Elizabeth Street, City (opposite Hilton Hotel); Mary Ryan's Bookshop, New Farm, as well at the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at Yungaba, 120 Main Street, Kangaroo Point or simply add it to your cart on our online shopping page.

Available in English or Italian