This book examines return migration to Italy from the United States from 1870 to 1929. Many imigrants did not intend to settle permanently in the United States, but to make money in order to buy land in Italy. The book documents the flow from America back to Italy of individuals and remittances and discusses the strategies used by returnees in investing American savings. The Italian government and Italian society in general took a great deal of interest in return migration. Initially, Italy opposed mass emigration. In time, the government promoted emigration and return migration as the best way of creating savings, which would in turn promote the modernization of the Italian economy, especially in the south. Eventually, return migration and remittances were regarded by many Italians as the best way to solve the thorny southern question.

"This book does well to raise so many questions that continue to need answering, and the role of regional differences is a fascinationg one." Journal of American Ethnic History

"...an interesting and insightful study of Italian emigration and return migration in the late nineteenth century." American Historical Review

"Where Cinel's book is most successful is in assembling the most exhaustive documentation yet available on the economic prospects awaiting southern returnees and on the extent to which their savings (ranging from modest to substantial), besides translating into improved working and living conditions, could ignite an economic takeoff in the South. Particularly praiseworthy is the author's decision to break down the data at a regional level, thus making readers more aware of the socio-economic diversity existing in the Italian South." Bruno Ramirez, Journal of American History