I Know This Much Is True

The chapter is comprised of the memoir by Dominick’s grandfather, Domenico Tempesta. He begins by proudly recounting his lineage, emphasizing his mother’s escape from a dangerous eruption of Mount Etna when she was a young girl. He boasts that his father—on the night that Domenico was conceived—predicted a second eruption and alerted the town, saving many people from death. He was awarded a medal and predicted that his child would be a great man. Domenico further recounts an incident that occurred when he was a teenager: He witnessed a statue weeping and interpreted this as a sign that he was destined to become a priest.

At age 16, however, Domenico was forced to end his studies when he was sent to work for his uncle. Previously, his uncle had depended on the assistance of one of Domenico’s brothers, but he was forced to fire him. Shortly after, Domenico’s father died in a mine collapse.

In 1901, Domenico and his two brothers emigrated from Sicily to the United States—a 24-day passage in horrible conditions. Enduring the journey’s horrors, he vowed to one day be rich and the envy of others.